The first half of the altered 60-game MLB season has come and gone, but there’s something missing this year: the All-Star Game. The “Midsummer Classic” is a staple event of the summer, and the White Sox would have made a strong case for having several players represent the team this year in Los Angeles.
Take a look at where the White Sox rank as a team compared to the rest of the American League. (Stats from September 1st)
Batting:
- Batting Average: 1st (.270)
- Home Runs: 1st (65 total, 54 in August)
- Hits: 1st (325)
- RBI: Tied 1st (176)
- SLG: 1st (.485)
- OPS: 1st (.818)
- Runs Scored: 2nd (184)
- OBP: 3rd (.333)
Pitching:
- ERA 5th (3.73)
- Strikeouts: 3rd (314)
- WHIP: 2nd (1.24)
- BAA: 2nd (.229)
That’s All-Star level stuff all around, folks. Let’s break it down by players to see which South Siders likely would have been earning the honors.
Position Players
INFIELD/OUTFIELD: The entire Sox batting order is lethal. They have young power with veteran blood. That being said, here are some of the key names and where they would rank among the competition.
Jose Abreu, 1B: Yes, Starter
Jose Abreu is having a career year. There is no doubt he would be back in the All-Star game in 2020. Batting .315 with 12 home runs and 32 RBI, Abreu is arguably the best hitter in the American League. His 32 RBI are tied with Mike Trout for the most in the league, while he’s also tied for second in home runs (12) and leads AL batters with 45 hits. Not only would Pito be an All-Star lock as a starter, but he’s also in the MVP conversation as well.
Tim Anderson, SS: Yes, Backup
Tim Anderson has not slowed down at all this season. Yet again, he is the best hitter in the American League. His batting average of .330 currently has him in the lead to repeat his 2019 batting title. In fact, through 45 games, .330 is slightly better than where he was last year at this point. However, shortstop is one of the most competitive positions in the American League, and names such as David Fletcher, Xander Bogaerts, and Willy Adames have put up All-Star worthy seasons as well. Tim has gained a huge following throughout the baseball community on social media, and White Sox Twitter loves the TA hype. Therefore, Anderson makes it in as the backup.
Yoan Moncada, 3B: No
Moncada’s had All-Star potential this season, but not quite enough for him to get in. He would likely come up in a few fan vote conversations, but the slump he hit in early August really did him in. As of now, batting .254 with five homers, Moncada ranks 8th in batting for American League third basemen. In addition, he leads the same group with 38 strikeouts in just 118 at-bats. With names like Anthony Rendon and Alex Bregman pretty far ahead, he just isn’t quite there.
Luis Robert, CF: Yes, Backup
What an impressive rookie season it would be for Luis Robert if his first-year resume included Rookie of the Year, All-Star, and Home Run Derby champion! As of September 1st, Robert is second to Mike Trout among AL center fielders in hitting. However, Robert has a strong case to get in because of his extensive damage across the board. He is second in doubles and stolen bases, and his .298 batting average should be enough to get him over the hump. Robert’s right on the cusp, but with the fans’ backing, he should be an All-Star.
Eloy Jimenez, LF: Yes, Potential Starter
Eloy’s had a wild season. He’s been red hot; he’s been ice cold. He’s fallen into nets; he’s crashed into walls. He even twisted his ankle celebrating Lucas Giolito‘s no-hitter. However, he’s had a fantastic season at the plate. Batting .291 with 11 homers, 26 RBI, and 37 hits, he currently is the best hitting left fielder in the league. However, the reason I labeled him only a potential starter is his play in the field. His defense has not been what the Sox or Jimenez would like. However, he’s been great overall, and Dusty Baker would likely choose between Eloy Jimenez and Oakland’s Robbie Grossman for the start in position seven.
CATCHERS/DESIGNATED HITTER: With a universal DH, the odds get a lot better for whoever the Sox put in the spot.
James McCann, C/DH: No
One of the big moves the Sox made in the offseason was snatching Yasmani Grandal. However, they already had an All-Star backstop in James McCann. Out of this most potent catching duo, it’s been McCann who has really impressed me. He caught Giolito’s perfect game and has even filled in the DH role occasionally. In just under 50 trips to the plate, McCann is batting .347 with three homers and seven driven in. In a regular season, these numbers might be much higher, which is why I think he would be right on the All-Star bubble.
Pitchers
STARTING PITCHERS: The White Sox starting pitching has been solid this season, with Giolito and Keuchel leading the way. Both own some outstanding performances, though I think just one gets in.
Lucas Giolito, RHP: Yes
It’s been a roller coaster year for the White Sox ace. Currently 3-2 in eight starts, Giolito has an ERA of 3.14 and is second in all of baseball with 66 strikeouts. He also just threw a no-hitter. While this isn’t where he was at this time last year, he also has three games with 10 or more strikeouts. It’s tough to argue that 66 punch outs (12 strikeouts per nine innings), and a no-hitter is not All-Star worthy. He likely makes it, but won’t get the starting nod.
Dallas Keuchel, LHP: No
One of the best weapons in the Sox rotation is the veteran arm of lefty Dallas Keuchel. With a record of 5-2 and an ERA of 2.70, Keuchel ranks in the top-20 in ERA and is tied for fourth in wins. This is impressive stuff, but there are quite a few pitchers better than him. Close, but unfortunately, no cigar.
BULLPEN PITCHERS: One of the best bullpens in baseball has been that of the Chicago White Sox. While it is rare that more than just a few relievers get into the midsummer classic, a pair of Sox relief pitchers have legit cases. Like the starting pitchers, though, I think there is only one who makes it.
Ross Detwiler, LHP: No
Ross “The Boss” Detwiler. What a pleasant surprise he has been in 2020. Shifting from an occasional starter in 2019 to one of the go-to middle innings relief pitchers in 2020, Detwiler has not been phased in the slightest. In 13.2 innings pitched in 10 games, he has allowed just two runs on eight hits and struck out 11. Solid stuff. This has been All-Star level relief pitching, but do enough people know what he has to offer?
Matt Foster, RHP: Yes
“Filthy Foster” has been a joy to watch. He’s come in from the pen 11 times and started two games for the White Sox. His WHIP is a mere 0.73, and he’s fanned 18 batters. This is All-Star level stuff from the 25-year-old righty.
The White Sox have quite the team. Any club who can do what they have done, thus far, in a shortened season obviously has a lot of All-Star level talent. It looks like 10 White Sox players have legit cases, while five seem to be guaranteed. This would be the 2nd most of all-time, behind the Go-Go White Sox of 1959, in which nine Sox players represented the team. Five representatives would also be the most since the White Sox had four players make it in 2005.
Do you agree with these assessments? Let me know on Twitter @Bartecki_Jake or in the comments below!
Featured Photo: White Sox (@whitesox) / Twitter
