Are you in or are you out?
Seems like that is always the question with the White Sox.
They’re always right there. Right there on the cusp of being a good team, maybe even a wild-card team.
Oh sure, baseball’s best team since late June. Are they buyers or sellers?
Well, I’m a stand-patter. As much as I hate their lineup—wait, I shouldn’t say hate, that’s too harsh. More like … no, hate. That’s the word. Absolutely no production from third base, shortstop or second base. Of course, still waiting for catcher Tyler Flowers to show up. It’s only been a few years.
But, and there’s always a “but” in Chicago, that pitching staff. I will take Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, Jeff Samardzija and Carlos Rodon over any staff in the majors. Yes, they’re that good. To me, anyway.
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And then with the lineup: You just kind of hope and pray. And then pray some more that it comes together. Hey, I’ve seen worse strategies.
Big week coming up. Royals, Cardinals. They’ll know where they stand after this.
The Cubs? That’s an easy one. Don’t sell anything. I certainly wouldn’t give up any of that young talent. They’re not close enough yet.
It’s like if you had the Sox’s pitching and the Cubs’ everyday lineup, you’d probably have the best team in baseball. Seriously. Awesome blend of youth, average, power, everything.
Isn’t it too bad Theo Epstein forgot to add pitching? Oh, sorry. Jon Lester. Whoops.
If it feels like Jake Arrieta is the real No. 1 starter on that team, it’s because he is.
Second-half predictions: Both teams make a run at the wild-card, both teams fade at the end.
Hey, it’s a test run for 2016. That really feels like the year. For both teams.
More test runs: Bulls summer league! Fred Hoiberg, Bobby Portis, Doug McDermott, Cameron Bairstow. “Who are these guys?” some may wonder. Well, they’re actually on the team! Thanks to Hoiberg, you’ll see them! This is exciting!
Of course, not as exciting as the reshaping of the Blackhawks. Hey, it’s hard to say goodbye to guys like Patrick Sharp, but has anyone else noticed we’re getting good players back?
Lord Stanley Bowman. Quietly doing his thing. Again.
Bag Boy is a RedEye special contributor.
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