10 Reasons why the Chicago White Sox winning the 2011 World Series would be good for baseball

With about a month and a half left to the season, the number of legit playoff contenders are winding down. And the staff here at Sully Baseball decided to look at each contender and see what would be positive about their potential World Championships.



Which players or managers would benefit the most from a title. Which fan bases would savor it. And how the perception of each franchise would change slightly. Remember, this isn't a numbers crunching site... this is all about emotion and things that strike my fancy.



The first potential World Series contender will be the Chicago White Sox. Why the White Sox? Because they are so unpredictable that they could either be in first place by next week or fall totally out of contention. So if I want to include them, I had better do it NOW!

10 Reasons why the

Chicago White Sox

winning the 2011 World Series

would be good for baseball

1. Another World Series title moves Ozzie Guillen closer to Cooperstown



Ozzie Guillen's Hall of Fame resume is a long shot at this point. 2 post season appearances, even with a World Series title, isn't going to cut it. (Ask Cito Gaston who won back to back World Series titles and two other Division Titles. Forget the Hall of Fame, he couldn't get hired.)



But another World Series title, and this one with almost a brand new cast of characters would add to his luster that the team plays Ozzie's brand of baseball. And when (not if) he takes over the Marlins and wins with them, he'll get even closer.



The idea of Ozzie giving a Hall of Fame speech is a wonderful concept, if for no other reason than for the need of a 7 second delay.

2. It would justify Kenny Williams' wild GM style



In an era of calculators, bizarre new stats and hoarding prospects, it would be nice to see Kenny Williams methods be rewarded again.



He's always willing to bring in a free agent, even an ill fitting one. He's willing to say "prospects be damned, we're winning NOW!" And he has taken some chances in Cuba and by bringing up prospects super fast and throwing them into the fire.



Is it sometimes irresponsible? Sure. Does it blow up in his face sometimes? Ask Adam Dunn.



Is it cool to see a GM always trying? You bet.

And to see that GM win a SECOND World Series spitting in the face of convention... that would be too cool.





3. A Championship could justify the Adam Dunn signing

Speaking of Kenny Williams' style, let's talk about Dunn. Right now Adam Dunn looks like one of the biggest busts in Free Agency history.



I mean he is so terrible right now that you have to wonder if he had a twin brother that he suited up in his place. And they've got 3 more years of this.



But imagine if he got a big hit in the post season. Or clubbed a big homer off the bench in the World Series. Then it would be kind of like J. D. Drew... an injury filled disappointment overall, but contributed big to a ring.



Besides, he seems like a likable accountable guy. I'd like to see him happy. (As if $56 million wouldn't buy happiness.)





4. Multiple Rings will help people remember how to spell Konerko and Buehrle



I wrote a blog post that was basically a love letter to Paul Konerko and Mark Buehrle.



Guess what? I spelled in Kornerko every single time.

And I had to double check Buehrle whenever I typed it. I double checked it when I typed the previous sentence. Is it B-E-H? B-U-E? B-E-U?

None of it is instinctual.



Maybe another title will seal that.





5. Everyone loves seeing A. J. Pierzynski happy!



Speaking of members of the 2005 White Sox with difficult names to spell...



Sure you might not like A. J. Pierzynski. Sure he seems like he might be a jerk. But look me in the eye and tell me you wouldn't want an obnoxious pest like him on YOUR team.







6. If the White Sox win, maybe Juan Pierre will do another unbelievably awful rap



There are few subjects I know less about than rap. But even as a total NON authority, I can tell you that the rap Juan Pierre did at the 2003 Florida Marlins World Series celebration was awful.



He called it rap. For me? The C at the beginning was silent.



Maybe he will improve in Chicago. Or maybe it will be just as bad.



Take a listen. Tell me how it is good.









7. A ring for Omar Vizquel



Vizquel is making one of the least likely runs at 3,000 hits and may have already have punched a ticket for the Hall of Fame.



The greatest defensive shortstop of his generation has played over 4 decades, won 11 Gold Gloves and played on 6 Division Champs and in the 1995 and 1997 World Series.



A ring would be nice.







8. The President needs a Pick Me Up!



There have been lots of ups and downs for the President this past year and no doubt 2012 will be one tense year for him.



Up for reelection, the markets are going nuts, lots of people still out of work and maybe he needs a little reminder of how good "Hope" feels.



Maybe his team winning the World Series can kick start his campaign!

Do it for AMERICA, White Sox!





9. Another World Series title could help the White Sox enter the "Big Bad Bully Club".



The White Sox are consistently among the top payrolls, they bid for free agents and they act like one of the "Haves" instead of the "Have nots."



AND they play in a big media market! But they never get mentioned as one of the big bad franchises.



Another title will tie them with the Yankees and Red Sox in the 21st Century. That sounds big and bad for me.





10. It would make the White Sox and Cubs fan dynamic more interesting



Would the White Sox finally the choice of the casual sports fan in Chicago? Would the winning of the South Side out weigh the cute and cuddliness of Wrigleyville?



Two things are for sure.



- White Sox fans hold ALL the bragging cards. Another World Series title would mean the White Sox would have won as World Series in the 21st Century as the Cubs did in the 20th Century.



- If what doesn't destroy you only makes you stronger, then Cubs fans must be damn near invincible!







So there you have it for the White Sox... Hall of Fame credentials, inter city rivalries, spell check and a Presidential race could all be improved.



They are all good reasons.

But there are other teams in contention too.



And I will get to them all!





If you liked this then go ahead and read the entries for the other teams.



NEW YORK YANKEES

Hey Giants... what's with the gum at the White House?

The Giants visited the White House yesterday. As always no matter who is President, the World Champion ceremony is always fun and a moment of celebration and shows a lighter side to the Commander in Chief.

But take your gum out of your mouth!

I know you are athletes and the Giants have the reputation of being rough around the edges.

And no doubt some of the players DIDN'T vote for Obama.

BUT TAKE THE GUM OUT OF YOUR MOUTH!

What the hell is the matter with you?

It's the White House! You aren't meeting a Fantasy Camp participant nor some guy Kayaking around McCovey Cove! It's the President of the United States.

It doesn't matter if it is Bush, Clinton, the other Bush or Obama.

Put your gum in the Zachary Taylor Memorial Spittoon and show a little respect!

Thank Goodness I know Luke Scott's take on Obama's birth

Seriously, it is very important to know this Good Ole Boy's take that he doesn't think Obama was born in America.

It's important for all of us to hear the well researched and relevant take of the Orioles left fielder on an event that happened well before he was alive, let alone an event he was a witness to.

Now there is a birth certificate, announcements of birth and an eye witness to the President's birth in Hawaii... but obviously THOSE ARE ALL FAKE.

The point is where is the REAL proof? You know, like color sound film of it happening... and having that baby branded so we can follow him from the womb to the White House. You never know! They could have been swapping babies in that hospital in a 50 year old conspiracy to get that baby to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

And that's why Luke Scott is famous. For his informed take on politics.

Oh and it is equally important to DIGNIFY those comments with responses.

I couldn't care less what people's politics are.
I don't form my political opinions based on Ben Affleck, Kelsey Grammar or Charo.

But it is always refreshing to hear people's opinions on relevant issues. You know the OPINION that he wasn't born in America.

I'd also love to hear Dan Uggla's opinion on the Kennedy assassination, Troy Glaus' take on Princess Diana's death and Manny Ramirez's dissertation on Area 51.

Actually I WOULD like to hear that last one.

Strasburg makes a run at Rookie of the Year

I've written a bunch about the NL Cy Young race this year. And while at this point Ubaldo Jimenez has the lead, if he stumbles, the likes of Adam Wainwright, Roy Halladay, Tim Lincecum, Chris Carpenter, Johan Santana, Josh Johnson, Matt Cain, Mike Pelfrey and Barry Zito all look like they'll put up numbers that could have WON the Cy a few years ago.

The National League is filled with ace pitchers and they are also showing a great crop of rookie stars as well.

The NL Rookie of the Year race was already crowded.

Jason Heyward, Mike Leake, Ike Davis, David Freese and Jamie Garcia have all made big contributions to their contending teams.

And recently promoted Buster Posey and Mike Stanton both look like impact bats.

But HO-LEE COW!
Stephen Strasburg is somehow actually EXCEEDING expectations.

Forget that his 2 wins. His ERA is 1.86, he's throwing 7 innings a game.
He has 32 strikeouts and only 5 walks in 19 1/3 innings.

Now granted he has faced the Pirates, Indians and White Sox... so he hasn't exactly faced the best teams yet.

But what if he keeps this up?

He might not only win the Rookie of the Year, but he might be mentioned in the Cy Young race as well.

How good is Strasburg so far?

Obama had to go see him last night... even with all stuff going on in the world... and who can blame him?

Oh I am sure someone will.

Strasburg makes a run at Rookie of the Year

I've written a bunch about the NL Cy Young race this year. And while at this point Ubaldo Jimenez has the lead, if he stumbles, the likes of Adam Wainwright, Roy Halladay, Tim Lincecum, Chris Carpenter, Johan Santana, Josh Johnson, Matt Cain, Mike Pelfrey and Barry Zito all look like they'll put up numbers that could have WON the Cy a few years ago.

The National League is filled with ace pitchers and they are also showing a great crop of rookie stars as well.

The NL Rookie of the Year race was already crowded.

Jason Heyward, Mike Leake, Ike Davis, David Freese and Jamie Garcia have all made big contributions to their contending teams.

And recently promoted Buster Posey and Mike Stanton both look like impact bats.

But HO-LEE COW!
Stephen Strasburg is somehow actually EXCEEDING expectations.

Forget that his 2 wins. His ERA is 1.86, he's throwing 7 innings a game.
He has 32 strikeouts and only 5 walks in 19 1/3 innings.

Now granted he has faced the Pirates, Indians and White Sox... so he hasn't exactly faced the best teams yet.

But what if he keeps this up?

He might not only win the Rookie of the Year, but he might be mentioned in the Cy Young race as well.

How good is Strasburg so far?

Obama had to go see him last night... even with all stuff going on in the world... and who can blame him?

Oh I am sure someone will.

Seriously Nats fans... buy a beer

You are going to need a few to get through this season.

You know opening day was bad when your best pitcher was Obama... and he wasn't exactly a control artist on the mound today.

Have the brew. Your lone highlight this year will be draft day.

The Nats have a new left hander

Their new left hander has shown that he will handle those on the right side.

It's too early to see if he should get a 4 year extension. But hey, if one franchise needs a little Hope and Change, it's the Nationals.

(But he still has the White Sox hat... clearly he's not home grown)

The Bush years were kind to Red Sox fans

Barack Obama is taking the oath of office in a matter of hours.
It is a time for renewal, hope for some, resignation for others but undeniably a time for great change.

As a Red Sox fan, let's hope two things remain from the Bush years:

1. Great luck for the Red Sox.
2. Rotten luck for the Yankees.

Massachusetts clearly isn't Bush country. He never came close to winning Massachusetts. And being from Massachusetts is such poison in the Republican Party that Mitt Romney had to distance himself from the Bay State and talk like he was a Michigan boy.

And yet an unprecedented amount of joy happened to Red Sox Nation and uncharacteristic failures befell upon the Yankee Empire that took some (if not all) of the sting of the last 8 years.

In Bush's 8 years:

- The Red Sox won Two World Series.
- The Yankees won no World Series.

That should be enough... but it gets better.

- The Red Sox would be the first team to ever come back from a 3-0 hole in a best of 7 series.
- The team that blew the 3-0 hole to the Red Sox was the Yankees.
- The Yankees would out bid the Red Sox for Alex Rodriguez... only to see A-Rod become a Hindenberg-esque flop in four straight post seasons.

Then there is the Angels factor.

- The Red Sox would win 2 Division Series against the Angels on walk off hits... one a homer by David Ortiz and the other a single by Jed Lowrie.
- The Angels would stun the Yankees twice in the Division Series... first in 2002 and then in 2005.

Then the Mariano Factor

- Mariano Rivera would blow two series where he was three outs from clinching.
- One of those series was the 2004 ALCS against the Red Sox.

Then the pick ups.

- In the Bush years, the Red Sox picked up two World Series MVPs (Manny Ramirez and Mike Lowell) two ALCS MVPs (David Ortiz and Josh Beckett), a classic Yankee killer (Curt Schilling) and an idiot in his prime (Johnny Damon.)
- In the Bush years the Yankees picked up a slew of post season flop artists (A-Rod, Jason Giambi, Kevin Brown, Javier Vasquez, Randy Johnson) and an idiot in decline (Johnny Damon.

More?

- The Red Sox won a best of 5 series where they were down 0-2 with three heart stopping games against the A's.
- The Yankees lost to a badly outmanned Tigers team.
- The Red Sox won another series when they were down 3-1, this time to an Indians team where they had to beat the eventual Cy Young winner on the road.
- The Yankees lost a best of 5 series because their star reliever got covered in bugs.
- The Red Sox won a game when they were down 7-0 and facing elimination.
- The Yankees missed the playoffs with a $200 million payroll.


So do well, President Obama.
Guide this country through troubled waters.

But that karma from the Bush years concerning the Red Sox?
Don't change THAT, OK?

Now go take that Oath of Office!

It's a time for change... on the Red Sox

Well, Barack won... whether you voted for him or not, there is no doubt that the next few years are going to be a lot different than the last few.

That's good on some fronts.
Might not be so good for the Red Sox.

The last 6 seasons have brought about 5 playoff trips, 4 ALCS appearances, a 12-3 record in post season games where they faced elimination, more heart stopping games and franchise defining moments than I can list and oh yeah... the World Championship we waited our whole lives for and a second World Series title to show us the first one wasn't a fluke.

But the Red Sox are at a crossroads right now and one they need to proceed down with great caution.

1. PREPARING FOR A POST PAPI/MANNY WORLD
Manny is already gone and Papi looked a lot less Papi like this year with his wrist injury.
And sluggers these days, without some *ahem* help, don't get BETTER in their mid 30s anymore.

So with the likes of Youkilis, Drew, Bay and Pedroia still in the line up, they'll score runs.
But if Papi continues to decline (not to mention Lowell) they will need to find a new centerpiece for the offense.

I would love to see them develop some pop from within.
Lars Anderson is developing into a Justin Morneau type and maybe if Lowell can't come back Youk can move to third and Anderson can come up with a right handed first baseman to platoon with him. (Possibly the return of Kevin Millar?)

I would prefer to bring someone through the farm rather than sign a Teixera (and lose draft picks.)
There's something reassuring to see this team be piece by piece rebuilt with guys who came up through the farm.

But they also need a right handed power bat to emerge as well (to replace Lowell's stick).

2. PREPARING FOR A POST LOBSTER WORLD

If you read this blog regularly, you know that the Lobster is Jason Varitek and his homer to win game 6 of the ALCS might have been his last highlight as a Red Sox.

Yeah he is the captain, but as I wrote earlier, Theo is as sentimental as Michael Corleone. And right now Varitek is in the rowboat saying his Hail Mary's.

Varitek can still call a good game, but he picked a bad time for his worst offensive season.
Not only was it a walk year, it was a year his wife walked too.

I know enough guys who got divorced to know the year they get handed their papers, they aren't likely to say the words "Hometown Discount."

With the Dodgers and Tigers as potential suitors, not to mention the Mets, Varitek will probably land elsewhere.
The Red Sox can offer him stability, loving fans and a chance to put a young catcher under his wing.

And I had suggested they offer him a player/coach position.
But not at a crazy price.

Without the Lobster, Kevin Cash will get some at bats.
Call me crazy, I know his stats this year stunk, but it seems like every time I saw him play he got a big hit (including a homer in the ALCS.) Who knows what will happen if he gets some at bats.

Stud prospect Luis Exposito is a few years away and George Kottaras looks like a better hitter than a catcher.
Maybe the Sox could pry away one of the Rangers catchers (Laird, Saltalamacchia, Ramirez or Teagarden) and have them split time with Cash.

Either way, it would be a good year for Varitek to become Crash Davis and help groom one of them.
But I'm sure the former Mrs. Lobster isn't going to give him a hometown discount!


3. PREPARE FOR MORE 2006 AND 2008 JOSH BECKETT
This is a terrifying thought for Red Sox fans... but a real one.
What if 2007 was a fluke and the real Josh Beckett is the guy who had a tendency to get smacked around in 2006 and 2008?

I mean his awesome 2007 post season means he owes us nothing, but what if that's exactly what we are going to get from him?

His 12-10 with a 4 plus ERA was nothing great last year nor was his post season.
Yeah, I know he was hurt... but he was also hurt in 2006... and never gave the Marlins more than 178 innings.

He might be a guy who put it all together in one glorious regular season and came up big in two different post seasons... but I think the idea of him playing the Pedro/Schilling role of "Bad Ass Stud #1 Who WILL NOT LOSE" might be a thing of the past.

4. DON'T PREPARE... CREATE A POST LOPEZ AND TIMLIN WORLD











I have nothing against Javier Lopez. In interviews he seems like a good guy and he has a World Series ring as a member of the Boston Red Sox.

And a casual glance at his stats, a 2.43 ERA as a middle reliever, seems like he did a good job.
Also look at his walks and hits per innings pitched. It's more than a baserunner an inning. And when you consider he is usually brought in for one batter and that's it, he was letting an obscenely high number of those single batters are reaching base.

Cherish that ring, Javy. See you at the reunion... and let's find a new lefty to come out of the pen.

As for Timlin... it's been a terrific 18 year career with 4 World Series rings (and a World Series clincher in 1992!)
But it's over.
I said that back in April and I'm saying it now. It's over. Offer him the pitching coach job in Lowell and have him work his way back to the bigs as a coach.

But his playing days are over.
The main attention in the off season needs to be to shore up the bullpen.
Papelbon, Masterson, Okajima and Delcarmen are all good... but they need 2 more arms to give it the depth they need to think of another title.

5. PREPARE FOR THE WHITEST RED SOX TEAM IN A DECADE

Seriously, are the Yawkeys back in control of the team?

I doubt it is by design... I think that Theo loves guys like Pedroia, Lowrie and Bay for their plate discipline and fitting perfectly into his offensive scheme.

But man this team is getting pretty G-D white!
When I looked to see what power prospects were on the way and saw his name was Lars Anderson, I was pretty sure he was not from San Pedro de Macoris in the Dominican Republic.

Look, I want players who are good players, not based on affirmative action.

I don't want them signing Black or Hispanic players for show.
(I hear Armando Benitez is available).

It's just odd as the team that won the World Series in 2004 was probably the most diverse team in Red Sox history and THE team for Domincan fans.

And it was terrific to see Boston embrace players of color after generations of having the reputation of being the most racially intolerant city of the Northeast.

Perhaps it is appropriate.

We have our first non white President while the Red Sox become as as diverse as the Skull and Bones Society.



Well there's a lot to do... and lots of things to hope for, including Buccholz getting his act together and Michael Bowden developing into the next star.

But they are in good shape to contend next year.
Can they put it all together?

In the words of our President Elect... YES WE CAN!