No, we’re not dreaming. The White Sox are 32-16 with just a dozen games remaining in the 2020 regular season. I would typically throw a bunch of statistics out to suggest that they are one of baseball’s elite teams, but given that they have the best record in the American League and a 22-5 mark in their last 27 games (which is roughly half of the season), nobody needs any convincing. This White Sox team is supremely talented, fun, and has learned how to string together wins faster than even the most optimistic fans might have expected.
When the season began, I thought the White Sox would win around 32 games, sneak into the expanded playoffs, and have an entertaining season that ultimately cumulates in an early playoff exit. At this point, they would have to finish the season 0-12 to win 32 games. In other words, I have adjusted my expectations.
The three-game format of the first round of the playoffs this year might lead to a lot of good teams heading home earlier than anticipated. Three games is just such a small sample, and it is not difficult to see dominant clubs like the White Sox or Dodgers fall prey to a streaking #8 seed team. Therefore, it is necessary to preface any discussion of playoff expectations by emphasizing that getting out of the first round will by no means be a simple task.
Nevertheless, this White Sox team has consistently exceeded every expectation. For all the (warranted) talk of the club’s dangerous offense, the pitching staff also ranks third in baseball in earned run average. The lineup is deep, healthy (relative to the rest of the league), and features a hungry group of players such as Tim Anderson and Eloy Jimenez that seem to be built for the spotlight of the playoffs. Moreover, the energetic and fun-loving nature of the team as a whole is a statistically irrelevant but anecdotally necessary qualification for a successful playoff run. Credit where credit is due: Rick Renteria has the team playing loose and inspired baseball in a playoff-like atmosphere against the Twins.
I would never place World Series expectations on a team that has to advance past a best-of-three series in order to even make the divisional round, especially when that team does not have much playoff experience in the first place. However, given the performance of the White Sox this year, an early playoff exit would be a disappointment. That being said, the best advice I can give fans right now is to sit back, (try to) relax, and strap it down for these next few weeks that figure to speed by. No matter how far the White Sox can advance in the playoffs, you will want to remember these games and this feeling. This is what the rebuild was for, and this is just the start of the payoff — enjoy it, you deserve it.
This team is composed of an exceptional roster of talented natural athletes and players who display not only high level skills on the playing field but also enjoyable and entertaining personalities in the dugout. It’s easy and fun to follow this White Sox team! I do believe that Engel needs to be in the lineup in place of Mazara who will have next year in spring training to convince us that his resume was not a fraud. Also, more of McCann behind the plate, please, and sign him now for next year and beyond.
I couldn’t agree more. Another key factor has been our defense – Luis Roberts is just amazing in the OF.
You nailed the feeling and the buzz surrounding the White Sox this year. Great to see this team making strides and then taking a big leap to potentially being a serious contender.
I am super excited about our team this year. Even if it wasn’t an abbreviated season I feel the White Sox would be right up there. Such great acquisitions were made in the off season and Jose Abreu is just off the wall isn’t he? Not to mention great pitching, defense and let’s give credit to Rick Renteria while we’re at it. Just a totally well rounded team. As we’re nearing the end of this season can you guess what’s in my mind? Go White Sox!!!