South Side Swag!
Windy City White Sox
If you have been under a rock for the past couple months, let me bring you up to speed. The Chicago White Sox are fucking GOOD! It has been a while since we have seen winning baseball on the South side of Chicago. Yes, they went to the playoffs last season but they got dumped in the Wild Card round by the Oakland Athletics. They have not won the division since 2008. This team is different. This team is exciting. This team has character. This team WINS!
Let’s start with the incredible pitching staff! They have been lights out. Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, Dylan Cease, Carlos Rodon, and Lance Lynn should be in the discussion for the best rotation in baseball. I’m not a big stat guy so I won’t bore you with all the numbers but just know – their numbers are good! More than anything, I love the passion they show on the mound. Lynn is not afraid to scream at you after swing and miss at his cutter.
On the back end, their bullpen doesn’t allow for much either. Liam Hendricks is your American League leader in saves with 17. He has been an amazing addition coming over this off season from Oakland. Hendricks is also a very fiery guy on the mound and not afraid to let out a roar once he sits you down.
Let’s discuss this line up. Goodness Gracious! Are you not entertained? This is a wild bunch. You want a smile – just go watch Tim Anderson’s at bats. With 2014 Rookie of the Year Jose Abreu in the middle of that batting order, this team puts up mega numbers. They currently have a +106 run differential. I know I said earlier I wasn’t a stat guy but that is one number hard to ignore.
Designated Hitter Yermin Mercedes has made an impact as well. Not only is he hitting .290 with 7 HRs and 34 RBIs, he is also providing salsa lessons during BP.
This team is what baseball needed. We need more of this. Baseball needs expressed passion. Baseball needs screaming pitchers after strike outs. Baseball needs bat flips after taking it deep 480 ft. Baseball needs dancing celebrations in the dugout. Baseball needs to be FUN and the Chicago White Sox are fun to watch.
