So, the White Sox sit at 38-54, eight games back of the division leading Cleveland Guardians (45-45, yeah, I know). The Wild Card is out of reach as they are 12.5 back of the third spot, so realistically the division is their best hope. While the record doesn’t show it, after the 10 game losing streak which is possibly going to be the biggest reason for missing the playoffs, they have been a .500 club. Welcome back to mediocrity folks! That being said, being eight games out of first place isn’t exactly the worst case scenario for this team as the Pale Hose are still within striking distance and coming into this second half with a chance to make up some ground. However, can they still win the division? The answer is yes, believe it or not, but the Sox will have a lot of work to do in order to achieve that.
Out of the gates for the second half will be three games in Atlanta against the Braves, not exactly a team they want to face to get back into the race. After that though, its three in New York against the Mets and two back home against the Cubs. Then, the two most important series that will help them get back into the thick of things are three in Minnesota against the Twins and four at home against the Guardians, two division rivals that will help tremendously if things go the Pale Hose’s way. The hope is that this is the two week stretch that will be their best chance to get back in it. Otherwise, then selling is a must. August isn’t exactly going to be an easy month as they play the Yankees, Orioles, Rangers, and Brewers, all teams above .500 and also have to play the Mariners who are still in the thick of the playoff race, plus have to play the Guardians again in Cleveland for three games, somewhere that the Sox have not played well the last couple of seasons. While having to play the Cubs, Rockies, and Athletics seem like the best chances to make up ground, August will be too hard of a month to do that.
September/October would be the best chance as they play the Tigers twice, Royals twice, Nationals, and Padres, as well as playing the Twins at home, but again, the Sox will need to win in these next two weeks after the break if there’s any chance. Even though they also will play the Red Sox and Diamondbacks, those games will only matter if the team is in the playoff hunt. That’s a big “if” as this cannot be stated much more, these next two weeks are crucial for their playoff hopes.
So some will see the headline and write a “NOOOOOO!!!!! NOT A CHANCE!!!!” comment before even reading this article. This article is only meant to lay out what’s in front for the Pale Hose and let the reader make their opinion from there. As for how does the writer feel about their chances? I don’t think it’s realistic. Yes they mathematically have a shot and could still do it, but looking at August makes me cringe and with how this team is playing, it’s just not likely.
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