Mattie T’s analysis on the White Sox’s playoff elimination

Last night, the Chicago White Sox were officially eliminated from the playoffs after their 14-1 loss to the Cleveland Indians, combined with the Minnesota Twins’ 8-1 win over the Kansas City Royals.
Here are some of my opinions on why the Chicago White Sox were unable to defend their World Series title.

1. Offense.

Last season, the White Sox played “Ozzie ball”, which featured bunt singles, doubles & triples to set up big innings.

This season, the White Sox depended on the home run ball more than ever, as they had four 30+ HR players (Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko, Joe Crede & Jim Thome) for the first time in franchise history. They led the majors in home runs with 232, but it will not be enough to return the Sox to the postseason.

The last 5 teams to lead the majors in home runs have all missed the playoffs. (’06 White Sox, ‘05 Rangers, ‘04 White Sox, ‘03 Rangers & ‘02 Rangers.)

Leadoff man Scott Podsednik saw his offensive numbers drop in batting average, hits, stolen bases, batting average, on-base percentage & slugging average this season.

Second baseman Juan Uribe was the only other Sox player (Podsednik was the other) to see his batting average decrease from a year ago.
2. Pitching.

Last season, Chicago’s pitching staff used a dominating second half & postseason to give their opponents little or no chance of beating them. The foursome of Mark Buehrle, Jon Garland, Jose Contreras & Freddy Garcia combined for a 63-33 (.656) record with a combined 3.53 ERA.

5th starter Orlando “El Duque” Hernandez posted a 9-9 record with a 5.12 ERA.

Chicago’s pitching staff sported the 3rd best earned run average in baseball last season with a team ERA of 3.61. Only 7 teams allowed fewer walks than the Sox’s pitching staff, who walked 459 batters a year ago.

The Sox also tied for the major league lead in saves, as late-season hero Bobby Jenks blossomed into a dominating closer with a 100 mph fastball to help Chicago capture their first World Series title in 88 years.

This season, Buehrle/Garland/Contreras/Garcia combined for a 58-37 (.610) record with a combined 4.57 ERA. All 4 starters saw their earned run average increase from a year ago. Their team ERA of 4.64 ranks 22nd in the majors.

5th starter Javier Vazquez posted a 11-10 record with a 4.66 ERA.

The White Sox finished ever stronger in the walks department this season, only allowing 426 base on balls this season. (Trail only the Twins & Indians in that department.)

3. Road Warriors?

Last season, Chicago posted the best road record in the majors, posting a 52-29 (.642) record away from U.S. Cellular Field.

This season, Chicago is 38-38 (.500) on the road & unless they win their final 5 road games of the season, they will fare no better than 43 road wins which will be a 9 game decrease from last season.

Sox fans, i want to hear from you! What changes should be made for the 2007 season? Should Brandon McCarthy be promoted to the starting rotation? Do any bullpen changes need to be made? Should GM Kenny Williams tinker with the starting lineup to bring “Ozzie-Ball” back?

Hit me up with some feedback. We’ve got all winter to discuss this one.

Signing off,

Mattie T

Sports Writer for BMS Radio Chicago

www.bmsradio.com