Weeks 22 and 23 Combined Record: 4-8 (59-90 Overall), 4th in AL Central
After the rough week that was the second week of September for the White Sox, I decided to forget about recapping the Michael Kopech news. So, we are back for a two week segment of “This Week in White Sox Baseball”! Unfortunately, the games haven’t been too much better. Let’s take a look back at the past few weeks.
Series Recaps
vs. Tigers: Lost Series 2 Games to 1 (4-2 W, 8-3 L, 10-2 L)
vs. Angels: Swept 3 games to 0 (5-2 L, 12-3 L, 1-0 L)
@ Royals: Lost Series 2 Games to 1 (4-3 L, 6-3 L, 4-2 W)
@ Orioles: Won Series 2 Games to 1 (8-6 W, 2-0 W, 8-4 L)
The Weeks by the Numbers
4-9: Record White Sox need to achieve to remain under 100 losses on the season
0: Number of White Sox LH rookies that have hit more homers than Daniel Palka (24)
80%: Percentage of James Shields’ starts in which he’s pitched at least 6 innings
4: Number of Errors Tim Anderson has made in the second half (this is good)
.389: Adam Engel’s Batting Average during this road trip
0: Number of times I’ve worries about Yoan Moncada this week
Quote of the Week: Michael Kopech on Needing Tommy John Surgery
This is directly from Michael Kopech’s Instagram. Obviously, Kopech’s injury has been the focus of White Sox fans over the last two weeks. We don’t get to experience his starts next year, and Kopech will have to spend his time recovering instead of developing. However, I am fully confident – along with the entire White Sox organization – that Michael Kopech will come back as strong as he possibly can, and will be in a position to make a huge impact in this organization. Until then, there’s a spot open for the next man up in the rotation, which brings me to the Question of the Week…..
Question of the Week: How to Replace Michael Kopech
There are a variety of ways in which the White Sox can replace Kopech. So, I asked the fans which way they preferred. And, to say the least, the fans are split:
A) Sign a top of the rotation starter: 24%
B) Sign a low-risk, high-reward guy: 27%
C) Use minor league players in system: 25%
D) Keep James Shields: 24%
I’m glad the fans are starting to show some appreciate for what James Shields can do on and off the field. Bringing back James Shields would be, in my opinion, contingent on the fact that the Sox don’t pick up his $16M option and instead pay him something a bit less. However, with James Shields on his way towards retirement, he will probably want to sign with a contender.
I also don’t think it would be wise for the White Sox to spend their money on a top of the rotation starter. This offseason is supposed to be about spending to help the offense. I would prefer that the White Sox use Spring Training as a tryout for guys like Jordan Guerrero, Jordan Stephens, Spencer Adams, and Tyler Danish. However, seeing as there are two spots to fill if the Sox don’t bring back Shields, I could see the White Sox giving a AAA guy a chance, as well as sign a low-risk, high-reward player. Or, maybe, “Bullpenning” in that final rotation spot…… just an idea!
My Preference: C > D > B > A
Player of the Week
Thanks to all who voted, and congratulations to fan-favorite Daniel Palka on Player of the Week honors! Over the past two weeks, Daniel slahsed .323/.417/.710 with 4 homers and 6 runs driven in, including his game-tying home run against Detroit! Congrats to Yoan Moncada and Reynaldo Lopez, who also had solid showings these past two weeks!
Moment of the Week
Thanks to all who voted! In a close vote, Reynaldo Lopez stole the show, earning Moment of the Week honors for his 7 dominant innings against the Orioles. In the game, he walked one batter and struck out six, only giving up four hits along the way. Congrats Reynaldo!
Congrats this week also go out to Tim Anderson for his go-ahead home vs. KC, Matt Davidson for his walk-off bomb vs. Detroit, Ryan Cordell on hitting a MOONSHOT for his first career hit and homer, and Hawk Harrelson for making me tear up in remembrance of his amazing life in “Hawk”. NBC Chicago did an awesome job with that documentary.
The Week Ahead: Some AL Central Action Before Crosstown Series: Part 2
Tonight: Carlos Rodon (6-5, 3.10 ERA) @ CLE Corey Kluber (18-7, 3.91 ERA), 6:10 CT
Wednesday: Dylan Covey (5-13, 5.64 ERA) @ CLE Carlos Carrasco (16-9, 3.43 ERA), 6:10 CT
Thursday: James Shields (7-16, 4.53 ERA) @ CLE Josh Tomlin (1-5, 6.49 ERA), 6:10 CT
Friday – Sunday: Crosstown Classic Part 2… Starters TBD, but should be Giolito, Lopez, Rodon; a nice glimpse into the future for this series
Enjoy the Week, White Sox fans! Only two more left before Playoffs!
Featured Photo: Brandon Anderson (@b_son4) / Twitter