After nine-straight losses, it was hard not to feel optimistic about the White Sox’s chances on Saturday night. Lance Lynn had a no-no through six innings and the offense provided him with a three-run cushion.
Then an unprecedented collapse in the seventh inning changed everything in a matter of minutes.
The Rays put up 10 runs on nine hits as they steamrolled through the trio of Lynn, Aaron Bummer, and Jimmy Lambert. Everyone from fans to national media members were left in a state of shock over what had transpired . Those sentiments at Guaranteed Rate Field quickly boiled over into frustration as fans in attendance began throwing beers from the upper deck and chanting “sell the team” on multiple occasions. The chants, which were directed at longtime owner Jerry Reinsdorf, were not only loud in person but audible on both television and radio broadcasts.
With the eventual 12-3 loss, the White Sox saw their record drop to 7-21, tied with the 1948 team for their worst start in franchise history through 28 games. As it stands now, only the Athletics are a worse team with a 5-23 record. If this isn’t rock bottom for the organization, then we are certainly getting close.
The White Sox will try their best to break the unfathomable skid before the calendar flips to May on Sunday afternoon. Though it won’t mean much at this point, it’s the least they can do for those still paying to watch.
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Featured Photo: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports
I enjoy listening to your podcasts and appreciate your loyalty to the Sox. I’ve been a fan for over 60 years. I too was duped into thinking the Sox would improve over 2022. I don’t know why. Their off season was highlighted by getting Andrew Benintendi for a really high cost, and Mike Clevinger for their annual reclamation hope e.g. Dallas Keuchel, James Shields, etc.
Lance Lynn has been on the slow decline since after the All-Star break of 21. Giolito had one good year to go along with three bad ones. Michael Kopech has always been a throw it and hope pitcher, even in the minors. And sorry to say, that even the great Dylan Cease walks too many hitters and throws way too many pitches to stay in the upper echelon of hurlers. How did we think they could stand pat?
The bullpen is very weak. All have trouble throwing strikes in critical situations. Bummer has always looked afraid and can’t handle big moments. Reynaldo will throw one down the middle to almost every hitter or throw a slider over the middle on 0-2. I trust none in the pen. Liam missing really hurts, but with this team the odds are he won’t be needed very often for saves.
Their offense should not be a surprise. Robert will never be anything until and unless he stops swinging at 2 feet outside breaking balls. And his bat actually looks slower on fastballs in the zone. Vaughn still chases a lot, and hits way too many grounders to ever be more than a .280 hitter, with 15 or 16 HRs and 80 RBIs. And he’s our best? Eloy is on a downhill slide. I actually wish they’d just let him play in the field to see if he can stay focused. Moncada and TA both started regressing before they got hurt, and with the shift out lawed, Yas has become just what we need, another singles hitter who strikes out a lot. Burger and Sheets are good for a dinger now and then but are both butchers on defense and should never be in the field. After all these years, we still don’t have a second baseman, but Elvis I guess will do. Unfortunately, he contracted the Sox chase habits and is not much of a threat at the plate. Colas? Should not have been brought up north as a starter. Experiment over. He can’t hit lefties and can’t hit breaking balls from righties.
So, what do we do now? Every team we play from here on out except maybe Oakland is better than we are. I’m old and hoped for one more great season before father time cut me off, but we are looking at a complete teardown again.