By Paul M. Banks
Is it possible that White Sox fans have become entitled? I guess having one of your own as the president might do that to you. But with 3 division titles this decade (not exactly the Yankees or Red Sox by any means, but pretty good within the context of cumulative White Sox history) maybe Sox fans are beginning to have loftier expectations for the Sox Which is actually a good sign, legitimately longing for and realistically expecting a World Series title every season. The magic and wonder of 2005 has truly had a lasting effect. However, Sox fans need to realize that this sure as hell isnโt 2005, itโs certainly not 2000, and itโs still not even close to 2008.
Just because this division as a whole would struggle in a series withโฆwell, instead of college basketballโs Big Ten/ACC Challenge, how about an AL Central/Pacific Coast League challenge. I seriously wonder how our boys would fare in that. The fact the White Sox were able to rise up and claim first place in mid-season despite looking like complete crapola from opening day till June, is the best testimony to how bad the division truly is. But that doesnโt mean the Sox are still alive. Seriously, how bad did Gavin Floyd look last night? Following what Ozzie called his worst start of the season.
Yes, heโs had hip problems and a bit of a hard luck season, but Sox fans need to quit bringing up the โwe have six left against Detroit line and weโre only 6 ยฝ outโ line.
Didnโt the Jim Thome white flag trade teach us something? That management knows itโs been over for some time. But maybe itโs because Jake Peavy starting Saturday, maybe itโs because Detroit is about to become the worst division champion in the history of sports.
I understand the comparisons between this team and 2000. Both teams consisted of young kids that played to their level of competition. The 2000 division champs played really well against good opponents and in must-have games, but also stumbled against the Royals and (then last place) Tigers. But the main way this team resembles 2000, is they would get equally destroyed in October.
