White Flag Time For The White Sox?

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jun 14, 2007 1:13PM

We really didn't think the White Sox would be out of the playoff hunt so early -- certainly not before the All Star Break. But Chicagoist has finally realized that this team's not going anywhere this year and GM Kenny Williams is likely laundering that white flag just about now so it's ready when needed. Which could be any day now.

Aaron Rowand's grand slam in Wednesday's game resulted in an 8-4 loss, as well as handing the Phillies a sweep of the Sox -- who have now lost 15 of their last 18 games. On May 25, they Sox were 24-20. Now they're 27-35.

Nothing indicates that they'll be getting better anytime soon, either. One third of their starting lineup, along with their most versitile sub, are on the DL -- Joe Crede this week joined Scott Podsednik, Darin Erstad and Pablo Ozuna. Crede's back surgery this week means he's likely done for the year.

The bullpen has been attrocious for most of the year -- they've sent down half the 'pen and replaced them with unproven minor leaguers. They're not doing much better, but they're not really doing any worse either. The bullpen's ERA hovers around 6.00 -- nearly two runs higher than the starting rotation's ERA. Surprisingly, the relievers haven't blown as many games as it seems they have, though,

Part of that is because the White Sox's offense has been so anemic this year, that even when the starters pitch well it's often not enough to get the win. Their offense is currently dead last in all of Major League Baseball in runs scored and batting average.

Clearly, this team isn't built for winning in 2007. This team has been decimated by injury and faces major changes in the off season because of a high number of free agents Crede, Mark Buehrle, Jermaine Dye, Tadahito Iguchi... It's looking like maybe it's time to start dealing away the guys who are worth something, cut some payroll and begin the rebuilding process. Kenny, start waving that flag!