The Chicago White Sox are the most interesting team in baseball. They have lost three of their top four outfielders to injury. Their best hitter is a 28 year old, with a burger named after him, who spent a decade bouncing around the minors and independent leagues. Their fifth starter went from being non-tendered to throwing a no-hitter and having the lowest ERA in baseball. The lineup is anchored by an MVP first baseman and a outspoken shortstop with a batting title. Their second baseman hits literally everything in the strike zone. At the helm of it all is a Hall of Fame manger, who nobody asked for, that continues to make head scratching decisions and win ball games. Along with all of these truths is the fact that this motley crew is the best team in baseball.
White Sox Pass Dodgers In Power Rankings
On Thursday ESPN released their Week 6 power rankings. For the first time all season the Dodgers did not sit a top the rankings. The Chicago White Sox jumped from seventh to first thanks in part to a six game win streak. Don’t just take ESPN’s word for it. Sports Illustrated also has them at number one in their power rankings.
After their back to back sweeps of the Royals and Twins the White Sox have a 69% chance to win the division. They also own the best run differential in baseball at +64. The next closest team is the Houston Astros at +44.
The scary thing is it doesn’t even feel like the White Sox have played their best baseball yet. The White Sox lead the majors in runs scored despite ranking just 25th in home runs. They are finding other ways to get it done. They rank first in the AL in OBP and are tied for second in batting average. The bad news for the rest of the league is that Jose Abreu and Yasmani Grandal are starting to heat up which means the long ball is coming. Andrew Vaughn also broke the seal and hit his fist home run of his young career. More should be on the way.
As a whole the pitching staff has been excellent. The team ranks second in runs allowed per game despite the fact Lucas Giolito is yet to hit his stride this season. Michael Kopech has emerged as a super weapon out of the bullpen. Dylan Cease is beginning to turn the corner and Lance Lynn and Dallas Keuchel have been as advertised this season. After a rough start the bullpen is beginning to turn things around. Liam Hendriks turned in a five out save on Thursday.
The White Sox depth will be tested the remainder of the season. Billy Hamilton, Leury Garcia and Jake Lamb do not inspire a ton of confidence. If the White Sox decide to keep it in house for their injury replacements then these three will be critical to the White Sox success. Hamilton has already proved he can contribute to winning baseball. On Wednesday he went 4-for-4 with three runs scored. On Thursday he made two game saving catches in center field.
As this win streak grows so does the White Sox confidence. Being atop the Week 6 Power Rankings is nice but the White Sox would like to be the last one standing come October. The way they are playing, they can accomplish just that.
