08/22/2008 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - It seems no matter how well the Chicago White Sox play, they can't quite shake those "piranhas" manager Ozzie Guillen calls the Minnesota Twins.
This time last week, Chicago and Minnesota were deadlocked in a tie for first place in the American League Central. Since then, the White Sox have gone on to win five straight, and eight of nine overall. And for their merits, a measly half-game cushion over the second-place Twins, winners of three straight.
An added element is the sheer dominance the White Sox have displayed during their run. They closed out a successful series in Oakland on Sunday with a 13-1 win. The very next day, after a long flight home, Chicago knocked off the Seattle Mariners, 13-5. That was followed by two more yawners over Seattle; Tuesday's 5-0 shutout, and Wednesday's 15-3 triumph.
The White Sox have blasted 39 homers in August, and continue to lead the majors in four-baggers, now with 188. To put that into perspective, the Texas Rangers rank second in the AL with 158 homers.
Even Ken Griffey Jr. got in on the action on Wednesday, belting hit his first home run since joining his new team three weeks ago. It was also career home run No. 609 for Griffey, who moves into a tie with Sammy Sosa for fifth place on the all-time list.
Now, Chicago hopes to take that power into a big series with the Tampa Bay Rays in what will be a matchup of the two teams with the biggest turnarounds from 2007 to 2008. The last time the White Sox played Tampa was back in May when they lost three of four, including two that were decided by walk-off homers.
But the stakes are higher this time around. The Rays, who last year finished with the worst record in the majors, currently are tied the top record in the AL (77-49), though they need all the cushion they can get over the Boston Red Sox (73-54). Meanwhile the White Sox, who have already exceeded last season's win total, are trying to add to their narrow lead over the Minnesota Twins in the AL Central.
Minnesota kicked off a brutal 14-game road trip in Anaheim Thursday night. Chicago will embark on a nine-game trip following the Tampa Bay series.
"Yeah, it's getting to that time," Paul Konerko said on the team's Web site. "It's about that time of the year where you start looking at the scoreboard. You can't let it control what you do. You still gotta take care of your own business. We're inside 40 games and we're definitely scoreboard watching, no doubt about that."
SOX WINNING THE NUMBERS GAME SO FAR
Guillen likes to have as many position players as possible at his disposal, even if it comes at the expense of the pitching staff. So when the team acquired Griffey on July 31, even with reliever Scott Linebrink and starter Jose Contreras on the DL, Guillen didn't panic to fill out his pitching staff.
Thanks in part to several breaks in the schedule, and in part to the solid contribution of callup Clayton Richard, Guillen has been able to carry just 11 pitchers.
"There are a few things behind the scenes about why we went with 11 pitchers," Guillen told the Chicago Tribune. "I always worry about it. Always. Because I don't like to overuse guys. But we have a day off here and there, and we were able to bring the guy from the minor leagues.
"I don't want to lose a position player. I have to pinch-run for a couple of guys with the game on the line, and I need those guys out there. Good thing we play well and I don't have to use those guys that much. It's hard for me to only carry 11 pitchers."
As long as the pitchers continue to throw gems, he won't have to worry so much.
WHO'S HOT
Alexei Ramirez (.309), who has homered in three of his last four games, is making a strong case for American League Rookie of the Year.
Closer Bobby Jenks, who spent the first half of July on the disabled list, has converted all seven of his save opportunities since returning to action. He has a 1.13 ERA over a 16-game span.
Carlos Quentin is 11 for his last 23, and the MVP chants are getting louder by the day.
WHO'S NOT
The team is in first place, has won eight of nine, and has put up 46 runs in the last four games. From 1-9, everyone is pulling their weight.
A LOOK AHEAD
John Danks (10-5, 3.11) has won seven of his last eight decisions, and he'll get the nod in Friday's series opener against Edwin Jackson (9-8, 3.97) and the Rays. Javier Vazquez (10-10, 4.34), who has given up just nine hits over his last two starts, will take on Scott Kazmir (9-6, 3.21) Saturday afternoon. And on Sunday, Mark Buerhle (11-10, 3.91) will close out the series against Andy Sonnanstine (13-6, 4.37).
On Monday, the Sox begin a four-game set in Baltimore, which includes a makeup game from April 28.
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