The Chicago White Sox went 3-3 last week as they were outscored 28-27.  It’s hard to say what exactly the White Sox are missing so far as they are a much better team that what they have shown so far this season.  The White Sox are now 12-11 on the season which is good for 4th place in the American League Central, 2.5 games behind the Cleveland Indians.

Jim Thome is off to a rousing start for the White Sox this season.  In 18 games this season, Thome is 17 for 50 (.340 avg, 1.233 OPS) with 12 runs scored, 5 homers and 10 RBIs.  Thome has also walked 25 times so far this season and teams will continue to pitch around Thome until the rest of the White Sox lineup starts hitting.

With Scott Podsednik down for a while with an injured groin, it appears that the White Sox will platoon Pablo Ozuna and Rob Mackowiak for the time being.  The only problem with that is Mackowiak is off to a very slow start to the season.  In 12 games, Mackowiak is 5 for 27 (.185 avg, .611 OPS) with 4 runs scored, 1 homer and 2 RBIs.  If Mackowiak doesn’t hit better soon, look for the White Sox to try to acquire another outfield in a trade.

The White Sox had a decent week going 4-2 while outscoring their opponents 30-27.  The Sox combined clutch hitting with good starting pitching last week.  The Pale Hose are currently tied for 3rd place with the Cleveland Indians, 1.5 games behind the Minnesota Twins.

Darin Erstad is off to a slow start to his career with the White Sox.  In his first 13 games he’s only hit .156 with a .442 OPS.  He’s 7 for 45 with 4 runs scored, 1 homer, 3 RBIs and 3 stolen bases.  If Erstad doesn’t get it going soon, he will either get dropped in the lineup or benched.