As Chicago enjoys its major-league-leading record, I think back to Los Angeles. But not the Dodgers crew that, until its current three-game skid, had the most wins — I have in mind the 2003 vintage. That team had a notoriously awful offense, ranking last in many batting categories. It was also involved in a considerable number of one-run games, as it employed a “small ball” strategy to manufacture runs. The dominant pitching staff ended up keeping the club in contention.
The White Sox, while perhaps not at the same level of offensive futility, is nonetheless pretty unimpressive themselves. They have the AL’s lowest on-base percentage at .300. Despite their 20 homeruns (good enough for 4th in the league), their slugging percentage of .408 and OPS of .707 put them at 10th. Meanwhile, the pitching staff has been awesome. Its top-ranked 3.18 ERA is 0.34 better than the next competitor. It also boasts the second lowest opponent OPS at .650.
With this kind of formula, I question whether the White Sox can remain atop the majors for much longer. I know that, with the Dodgers, it certainly wasn’t enough to be a real force.
Update: By the way, nine of Chicago’s first fifteen wins are by one run.
2 thoughts on “The White Sox Channel the Dodgers”
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Although I’m no fan of the moves Sox GM Kenny Williams has made over the past few years I like the fact that they are playing a version of small ball. This is what baseball has been missing (save the Marlins) for the past few years. Podsednik has beena difference maker. I like how Guillen has called out Frank WIlliams. It will be interesting to see how his presence effects them when he gets back.
I give extra credit to teams who win when their stats and personnel say that they shouldn’t be winning. With El Duque & Contreras, they have some new young arms on the staff & who knows how the offense will change when Thomas gets back in the lineup.