The White Sox are rolling with the toughest part of their schedule in front of them. We saw the playoff atmosphere in the first of four games against the Twins last night, and that likely won’t disappear until the end of October. Before focusing too far ahead into the future, let’s take a moment to appreciate the present.
Here’s a complete look at where media outlets ranked the best team in the American League this week.
MLB.com: 5
Previous Ranking: 5
“Since the start of play on Aug. 16, the White Sox are a Major League-best 20-5, and they’ve outscored their opponents 164-79 during that stretch. The last time the Sox won 20 times in a 25-game span had been June/July 2010. This week will be fun — the White Sox are hosting the Twins for a four-game set. Both teams have 30 wins.” – Alyson Footer
Released on Monday, September 14th.
ESPN: 5
Previous Ranking: 9 (+4)
“OK, Luis Robert came with a lot of hype as one of the top prospects in the majors, but potential MVP? Nobody expected that. Yet if the vote were held today he might finish highest among AL position players (Cleveland starter Shane Bieber is probably the favorite). Teammates Jose Abreu and Tim Anderson — contending for a second straight batting title (now that’s a surprise) — are up there as well.” – ESPN.com staff
Released on Monday, September 14th.
CBS Sports: 4
Previous Ranking: 6 (+2)
“I’ve seen some spin about the White Sox beating up on bad teams. They are 21-3 against the Tigers, Royals and Pirates. And my response? So what. Good teams beat up on weaklings and the Tigers are actually 19-17 when they aren’t getting crushed by the Sox. The Royals are 19-19 against non-Sox teams.” – Matt Snyder
Released on Monday, September 14th.
USA Today: 5
Previous Ranking: 6 (+1)
“Closer Alex Colome is 11-for-12 on save attempts with a 1.02 ERA in 17 ⅔ innings.” – Jesse Yomtov
Released on Monday, September 14th.
The Athletic: 5
Previous Ranking: 7 (+2)
Conducted by Levi Weaver. If you are subscribed to The Athletic, click here for further reasoning.
Released on Monday, September 14th.
Bleacher Report: 3
Previous Ranking: 4 (+1)
“The health of left-hander Dallas Keuchel might be the single biggest X-factor in the AL postseason picture right now. Back spasms landed him on the injured list last week in what was deemed an “abundance of caution,” but it’s unsettling nonetheless. A 4-1 week moved the South Siders into the top spot among AL teams, but they will need Keuchel healthy in October if they’re going to make a legitimate title push.” – Joel Reuter
Released on Monday, September 14th.
Sports Illustrated: 7
Previous Ranking: 9 (+2)
“The White Sox haven’t lost against a lefty this year. Remarkably, they’re 13-0. By contrast, they are 14-16 against right-handed starters.” – Will Laws and Nick Selbe
Released on Friday, September 11th.
The White Sox will play three more against the Twins before heading to Cincinnati this weekend for a trio versus the Reds. Check back early next week as we’ll provide another update on where the team stands in the rankings.
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Featured Photo: White Sox/Twitter
