Chicago White Sox @ Cleveland Indians
Three games at Progressive Field, June 29-July 1
Wes: Sox win series — Tony: Sox sweep
Opening Punches
Wes: The Sox will roll into Cleveland this week having won four of their last five series, the only other being a rain-shortened two game split on the north side. They managed to bring themselves within five games of division leader Detroit, and playing the Indians could bring them closer. The only problem with that is this team seems like it’d do itself pretty well going forward by dealing some veterans; something that won’t happen if they continue to hover within striking distance of first. Kenny Williams would anything before he waves a white flag.
Tony: Tribe bullpen punches rest of team in the face. Really.
Rotation v. Rotation
Wes: The White Sox will throw Floyd, Richard and Contreras at the Indians.
Floyd had been spectacular over the last month plus while Pavano has been very hit and miss. Advantage CHI.
Richard against Lee isn’t exactly a lefty duel seen as how Lee has shown he can dominate and Richard has shown he can’t field his position, let alone last five innings. I’ll give the edge to CLE.
Contreras is back and will be showcasing himself for his last major league contract after this season. Sowers just isn’t very good. I’ll take Jose in this one.
Tony: Doesn’t matter due to incompetent bullpen. Seriously, they’re bad.
Offense v. Offense
Wes: The Sox have had trouble with Pavano so far this season and they never seem to hit Lee very well. Sowers is a different story, but I have a feeling that the low morale and swirling trade winds around Cleveland will have these guys unfocused. The sluggers for the Sox have hit consistently and have been joined now by the likes of Scott Podsednik, Alexei Ramirez, Gordon Beckham and Chris Getz. The Sox offense has out scored it’s opponents 74 to 52 while going 9-4 in their last 13 games.
Tony: Again, it doesn’t matter unless they teach Sizemore or Peralta or anyone else in the lineup to pitch. Stupid bullpen.
Scores and Outcomes
Game 1
Wes: Floyd dominates, Sox offense knocks around Pavano. 8-3, CHI
Tony: Bullpen kills Tribe comeback. 7-5, CHI
Game 2
Wes: Lee goes complete to make sure no one can screw up his gem, Richard gets yanked after 3+. 5-1, CLE
Tony: Bullpen ruins Lee start, solidifies fate of Tribe. 4-2, CHI
Game 3
Wes: Contreras keeps the comeback tour going, this time shutting down the Tribe. 6-2, CHI
Tony: No offense. No pitching. No Bullpen. The Trifecta. 5-0, CHI
