Although the Pale Hose suffered a loss today at the hands of the still puzzling Jeremy Guthrie, they did pick up an opening series win against the Royals, a team that the Sox constantly struggles against. While it’s good that we got the first series out the way with positive results there are still things the Sox are going to need to improve in order to be more successful this season.
The glaring defect with the Sox teams of old and the one currently on the field is that they rely on the long ball way too much. Six of the seven runs the South Siders have scored all season have been off the long ball. This reliance on the home run will not fly in bigger ballparks such as Safeco Field, Angels Stadium, and Progressive Park, fields typically known to be more pitcher friendly. It is my hope that the Sox will be able to finally harness the doubles machine that should be Gordon Beckham, the speed that Alejandro De Aza possesses and the contact the Jeff Keppinger can provide in order to manufacture some home runs.
I make a big deal out the home run reliance only because this team has always been a streaky hitting team, and with the picture of consistency, Paul Konerko’s looming retirement, and the possibility of the big donkey heading into his notoriously long slumps there will be times when the long ball isn’t feasible.
However, this was the first series of the season so I will wait before giving my full-blown rant on the Sox style of offense. For now, I will enjoy the series win that we took away, and also enjoy the early success that Tyler Flowers is having as the new starting catcher. The Mariners sail into town tomorrow and begin a three game set with the Sox April 5th.
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