VAfan Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 I've been thinking about putting up a post with this title for some time. There isn't going to be a lot of analysis in it. I just want to put it out there that if the Sox are on their game, they can be the best team in baseball. The top-six in their lineup -- Anderson, Robert, Abreu, Grandal, Jimenez, and Moncada -- can play with anyone, including the Rays and Jays and anyone else if they are on. Right now, only Robert and Grandal are truly on. And their bottom 3 can still do damage, with Vaughn, Engel, Hernandez, Sheets, Garcia, Goodwin as options. They have power, can draw walks, get hits, can score with and without the long ball, and have speed that hasn't been fully utilized to save wear and tear. Their rotation includes 2 Cy Young favorites in Lynn and Rodon, and staff "ace" Lucas Giolito who seems like the kind of pitcher to come up big the bigger the game. Regardless of how they handle the 4th spot, having 3 aces should be enough. Assuming the bullpen holds up. They also have starters who have pitched some fantastic games in Cease and Lopez. The bullpen could also be lights out with Hendriks, Kimbrel (if he can get his act together), Bummer, Kopech, Crochet, and even Lopez. Maybe Cease if he's not used to start? Each of these groups -- offense, starters, and bullpen -- can be top notch. But all three can and have imploded. We just aren't going to know which version will take the field until October. It's gonna be a crapshoot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bossanoveralls Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 I old enough to remember the Sox being eliminated this time of year. The suspense in your post can just go ahead and have its way with me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CentralChamps21 Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 Of course anyone can beat anyone, but some outcomes are more likely than others. I don't know if I'd have the time to put this together, but I'd like to see the fWAR/162 games for each team's expected playoff starting position players + top 4 starting pitchers + top 5 relievers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 And if you look around the MLB playoff teams, they all have their own holes and flaws too. The Sox are far from alone here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerksticks Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 2 minutes ago, southsider2k5 said: And if you look around the MLB playoff teams, they all have their own holes and flaws too. The Sox are far from alone here. On paper we should have more talent and fWAR than any other team when healthy. playoffs is playoffs though 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptatc Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 29 minutes ago, VAfan said: I've been thinking about putting up a post with this title for some time. There isn't going to be a lot of analysis in it. I just want to put it out there that if the Sox are on their game, they can be the best team in baseball. The top-six in their lineup -- Anderson, Robert, Abreu, Grandal, Jimenez, and Moncada -- can play with anyone, including the Rays and Jays and anyone else if they are on. Right now, only Robert and Grandal are truly on. And their bottom 3 can still do damage, with Vaughn, Engel, Hernandez, Sheets, Garcia, Goodwin as options. They have power, can draw walks, get hits, can score with and without the long ball, and have speed that hasn't been fully utilized to save wear and tear. Their rotation includes 2 Cy Young favorites in Lynn and Rodon, and staff "ace" Lucas Giolito who seems like the kind of pitcher to come up big the bigger the game. Regardless of how they handle the 4th spot, having 3 aces should be enough. Assuming the bullpen holds up. They also have starters who have pitched some fantastic games in Cease and Lopez. The bullpen could also be lights out with Hendriks, Kimbrel (if he can get his act together), Bummer, Kopech, Crochet, and even Lopez. Maybe Cease if he's not used to start? Each of these groups -- offense, starters, and bullpen -- can be top notch. But all three can and have imploded. We just aren't going to know which version will take the field until October. It's gonna be a crapshoot. They are day to day, as are we all. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wegner Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 I have had a feeling for awhile that if the Sox make it out of the 1st round, they will win the American League pennant. No idea if they can beat whoever comes out of the NL but I'd sure like to see them try. It is exciting to be able to see playoff baseball on the Southside for the 2nd year in a row. This really has been a crazy year with all the injuries. This is just the first year of the window...if they win it all this season, terrific...but they should be set for awhile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Grinder Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 Based on sheer emotion w no logic plus a shot of pessimism personally I would NOT bet any substantial money on this team going deep in the playoffs. I really hope I'm wrong!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pcq Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 Also water is still wet. Sox hitters tend to struggle against good pitchers too. Nothing new. Let's hear it for the status quo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NWINFan Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 The title of this thread is right on. Of course, baseball is the hardest thing to predict since any team can win or lose on any day for all kinds of reasons. When I look at this year's team, there are times I think they can dominate anyone. Other times, I just wonder, especially what that offense goes dormant or another multi-run lead is blown in the late innings. I have no idea what they will do in the playoffs. I am just glad they are going to the playoffs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmags Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 The White Sox are a team. But they are also individuals. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Look at Ray Ray Run Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 The White Sox can hit the ball and they can miss the ball. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raBBit Posted September 14, 2021 Share Posted September 14, 2021 (edited) Sox need -relief pitchers to get the job done -hitters to hit with RISP -hitters to hit HR's If the Sox relievers pitch like they can and the offense has some combination of hitting with RISP & power then they are right up there with anyone other than the Dodgers for highest chances. Vegas have the Sox with the third highest WS odds for a reason. EDIT: I get it's a lot of IF's but same for every other team. Timing is everything and we're getting very close to fully healthy (fingers crossed) Edited September 14, 2021 by raBBit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoxAce Posted September 15, 2021 Share Posted September 15, 2021 I'm not the biggest Engel fan but he will be a welcomed addition come playoff time. IMO, the most underrated key to this thing, especially with his glove in RF. And it's amazing how far along names in the DH spot is now. I remember most had Mercedes penciled in months ago if the Sox made the playoffs. Now it's Vaughn/Sheets. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hankchifan Posted September 15, 2021 Share Posted September 15, 2021 5 hours ago, VAfan said: I've been thinking about putting up a post with this title for some time. There isn't going to be a lot of analysis in it. I just want to put it out there that if the Sox are on their game, they can be the best team in baseball. The top-six in their lineup -- Anderson, Robert, Abreu, Grandal, Jimenez, and Moncada -- can play with anyone, including the Rays and Jays and anyone else if they are on. Right now, only Robert and Grandal are truly on. And their bottom 3 can still do damage, with Vaughn, Engel, Hernandez, Sheets, Garcia, Goodwin as options. They have power, can draw walks, get hits, can score with and without the long ball, and have speed that hasn't been fully utilized to save wear and tear. Their rotation includes 2 Cy Young favorites in Lynn and Rodon, and staff "ace" Lucas Giolito who seems like the kind of pitcher to come up big the bigger the game. Regardless of how they handle the 4th spot, having 3 aces should be enough. Assuming the bullpen holds up. They also have starters who have pitched some fantastic games in Cease and Lopez. The bullpen could also be lights out with Hendriks, Kimbrel (if he can get his act together), Bummer, Kopech, Crochet, and even Lopez. Maybe Cease if he's not used to start? Each of these groups -- offense, starters, and bullpen -- can be top notch. But all three can and have imploded. We just aren't going to know which version will take the field until October. It's gonna be a crapshoot. Good analysis. The team now on the field, at pretty much full strength is more likely to win games, than the lineup without Robert, Eloy, Grandal and lately TA. We should be a juggernaut into the playoffs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonofaRoache Posted September 15, 2021 Share Posted September 15, 2021 5 hours ago, Jerksticks said: On paper we should have more talent and fWAR than any other team when healthy. playoffs is playoffs though All the teams that make the playoffs are good and will only play good players. No scrubs allowed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hi8is Posted September 15, 2021 Share Posted September 15, 2021 The Indians and Astros are losing. White Sox winning. These things are all bad, right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
poppysox Posted September 15, 2021 Share Posted September 15, 2021 I like our chances. In three weeks we just might be healthy for the first time all year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CentralChamps21 Posted September 15, 2021 Share Posted September 15, 2021 Piece of cake. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerksticks Posted September 15, 2021 Share Posted September 15, 2021 50 minutes ago, SonofaRoache said: All the teams that make the playoffs are good and will only play good players. No scrubs allowed. Lol. It’s the Sox vs the 9 perfect teams for the title Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonofaRoache Posted September 15, 2021 Share Posted September 15, 2021 23 minutes ago, Jerksticks said: Lol. It’s the Sox vs the 9 perfect teams for the title Well that is why the baseball playoffs are tough. You have loaded lineups and loaded pitching staffs across the board. Toronto has a lethal pitching staff as a wild card, Boston has Sale, and the Yankees have Cole. Gonna be tough for any team to see those two twice in a short series. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brijames1957 Posted September 15, 2021 Share Posted September 15, 2021 I have been a Sox fan for 49 years. Winning the Division and making the playoffs are a really big deal for this ball club. It doesn't happen that often. I have learned to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. This season has been a great journey so far. There is no way to predict what will happen in the playoffs. I just hope the team is as healthy as they can be and i will enjoy every minute of it. 1 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hi8is Posted September 15, 2021 Share Posted September 15, 2021 3 hours ago, brijames1957 said: I have been a Sox fan for 49 years. Winning the Division and making the playoffs are a really big deal for this ball club. It doesn't happen that often. I have learned to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. This season has been a great journey so far. There is no way to predict what will happen in the playoffs. I just hope the team is as healthy as they can be and i will enjoy every minute of it. How dare you express a coherent thought of reason on this place riddled with bipolar doomsday willynillies? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RibbieRubarb Posted September 15, 2021 Share Posted September 15, 2021 I was told the season was over in April when we lost 2/3 in Cleveland and were 2 games back. Why are you all still here? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kyyle23 Posted September 15, 2021 Share Posted September 15, 2021 There are two possible outcomes. I believe the Sox can do both. I have spoken 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.