By Sam Reeves

Well, we made it. The MLB All-Star break is here and the Chicago White Sox are 3 games back in the AL Central, and in 3rd place. They are also 3.5 games back of the final AL Wild Card spot. They ended the “first half” taking 3/4 games in Minnesota, which is a pretty good step forward. Most thought this was the season defining stretch and decided this could be the funeral for the White Sox playoff hopes. Which, to be fair, is completely valid given the Sox track record playing in Minnesota. The White Sox only have two All-Stars: Tim Anderson and Liam Hendriks. Now many have voiced there valid opinions about Dylan Cease not being named an All-Star, let alone the starting pitcher for the game. However, I am just fine with him taking some time to throw some frisbees and talk about whatever people from Georgia talk about. After the break is over the White Sox finish their stretch against the AL Central with Cleveland coming to Chicago for 4 games. That is a pretty big series coming off the ASB.

After that the schedule gets “easier”. Colorado, Oakland (in Chicago), KC, Texas, Arizona, and Detroit are the teams that the White Sox should beat. Then you have Houston coming to Chicago for 4 games, 3 more in Cleveland, 3 in Oakland where the Sox never win, 3 in San Diego, 9 more against Minnesota (6 home, 3 road). So its not all that easy, but its not all gloom and doom either. The team showed signs of life in Minnesota, but then of course they have to take 4 days off and possibly lose all the momentum. However, I think there are bigger issues to worry about than just a little rust.

Lance Lynn has not been very good since being activated from the IL. Which, wake up, nobody ever seems to except Yasmani Grandal for some odd reason. Lynn had no spring training ramp up, he made some rehab starts and those were even, pretty bad. He is a predominantly fastball pticher (4 seam, sinker, cutter) and teams know it. They are sitting fastball and absolutely jumping all over him now. He is definitely the White Sox biggest disappointment, so far. Lynn is a veteran, and I am sure he can figure it out, because he has shown signs he can still strike people out. I am not writing him off just yet.

Johnny Cueto has to be the first half surprise. He has been a workhorse in the middle of the Sox rotation. It was a low risk/high reward signing, and boy is it paying off. Not only are his numbers good, he is acting as the hitting coach telling guys “hey, hit home runs.” and then they do it. His vibes are immaculate and just what a team needs to feel better and get in a groove. Now if they just let him bring a horse into the clubhouse or let him ride it to the mound every game, I believe things will be just fine.

My first half MVP for the White Sox is Jose Abreu. You can make a case for Dylan Cease but he only plays once every 5 days so, he isn’t built different. Jose Abreu was the target of several individual’s frustration early on this season. “He’s old.” “He doesn’t have it anymore.” Yada yada yada. As @MrDelicious13’s meme states “Tales of Jose Abreu’s demise have been greatly exaggerated.” Jose Abreu has a 2.8 WAR this season (per Baseball Reference), but his AWAR is 46. If you don’t know what AWAR is, you are new here or you just blatantly ignored our previous articles and that is just rude. Abreu has played all but 2 games this year, and has been the best position player on the team. He started slow, but he does, EVERY YEAR. For some weird reason everyone thought this really was the end for him. He wasn’t looking enthused, the media was asking him about his future, the poor guy just wants to win some baseball games with the team he helped rebuild. Let him do his thing, its going to be ok.

Do I think the White Sox will make the playoffs in some capacity? Yes. Will I be surprised if they do not make the playoffs? Absolutely not. Baseball is fickle, and frankly insanely weird. The only constant is the ball go far, team go far. Just ask them damn Yankees. I can see the White Sox getting into the playoffs and then being demolished by a wild card team this is better than them in every way. I can also see them winning the World Series. Baseball is a beautiful sport, but it is also fake and doesn’t count if the White Sox lose. Get ready for the second half, and hold onto your butts.