Emma: Hopes Are Bleak, But White Sox Playing Better Baseball
By Chris Emma--
(CBS) The concept of momentum is a falsehood and empty explanation for describing the ebbs and flows of a grueling 162-game baseball season, but for the White Sox, there has come the reality of playing better baseball and building the slightest reasons for hope as the All-Star break is upon them after a disappointing first half of the season.
"It's still not an easy road, but you continue to feel optimistic about what you saw in the last couple weeks," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said.
Ventura's seat is simmered slightly with the White Sox showing some fight as of late. They finished the first half with a 9-3 record, doing so against potential playoff teams in the Cardinals, Orioles, Blue Jays and Cubs.
Overall, the White Sox own a 41-45 record in the first half, a mark many would gladly accept two weeks ago when they fell to 10 games below the .500 clip. Chicago went from dead in the water to carrying an 8.6 percent chance of making the playoffs, per Fangraphs' projections.
Four months ago, the White Sox were celebrating their unofficial offseason championship, and general manager Rick Hahn was lauded for his execution. Then, it would've been hard to fathom what this season would become.
But, hey. There's hope.
"We've played better the last couple weeks, and we'll try to do a better job in the second half and keep going," White Sox left-hander Jose Quintana said.
Even with the strong play of late, the White Sox are dead last in baseball with a Fangraphs WAR of -4.5 for positional players. By comparison, the 29th-place Phillies carry a 2.2. The White Sox carry a weighted on-base percentage (wOBA) of .286 and a weighted runs created plus (wRC+) of 77, both marks ranking last.
The White Sox's defense has been horrendous, with ultimate zone rating (UZR) of -38.4 placing dead last, and their ultimate base running (UBR) stands at -10.7, also ranking 30th out of 30. But team pitching has been outstanding, compiling an 11.4 WAR and and 3.57 fielding independent pitching (FIP), each ranking among the best in baseball.
"We're pitching great," Ventura said. "Any time you can pitch like that, you got a chance."
During this 9-3 stretch, the White Sox have allowed two runs or fewer in nine outings. Excluding an abysmal four-error performance against the Orioles, they've committed just two errors since the winning run began and have come up with some timely hitting. Chris Sale has a 4.1 WAR, a 2.21 FIP and is a serious contender for the American League Cy Young award.
To prolong the success, the offense must improve. Too many key veterans are playing below their baseball card numbers, and only Jose Abreu has a WAR above 1.0.
"Winning some games, so we'll take it," White Sox first baseman Adam LaRoche said.
So, where do the White Sox go from here?
Hahn would be wise to sell off veteran assets and restock the farm system for the future. The White Sox's playoff hopes are bleak. But the problem is that this roster doesn't have many intriguing players to post on the trade block. Jeff Samardzija and his expiring contract should be dealt, but players like Adam Eaton, Alexei Ramirez, Melky Cabrera and Gordon Beckham won't draw much, if anything, on the trade market.
Looking at the long term, the White Sox are in trouble, with big money committed to struggling veterans and a farm system ranked 20th by Baseball America.
Doubling down on this season would be a potential disaster, so Hahn should refrain from buying before the trade deadline. Logically, there's one move to make -- deal the one marquee asset, Samardzija, and make the most of it from there.
Perhaps the White Sox have turned the corner this season, with their previously laughable defense now backing tremendous pitching and the offense showing some upside -- nice to see you, Melk Man -- and providing just enough to win games.
But most of this first half has been pitiful for the White Sox, which after the recent hot stretch leaves them in a weird place. They're doing just enough to entertain thoughts of a wild-card berth while still not displaying the offense to be a quality team for a longer stretch of time.
"Baffling, I don't know if it's that," Ventura said. "But you like the feel of what these guys are bringing to the table every day. They haven't quit, they haven't given up on anything. They continue to play hard, and that's what you can ask for."
Follow Chris on Twitter @CEmma670.
