MLB
  Scores
  Schedules
  Standings
  Statistics
  Transactions
  Injuries: AL | NL
  Players
  Weekly Lineup
  Message Board
  Minor Leagues
  MLB Stat Search

 Clubhouses

Sport Sections
Wednesday, July 12
White Sox fans give midseason report
We told you what we thought of Chicago's first-half performance, now you've told us. Here is what you had to say about what the White Sox have to do in the second half:

What happens if Eldred's rebuilt arm blows an O-ring, and JB's infamous Jekyll and Hyde season problem returns? What if Triple-A sensation Jon Garland is just too green to fill Kip Wells' starting spot? Even with nine solid hitters in their lineup, without solid starting pitching, the South Side Hitmen could begin to lose ugly in the second half.

John Loftus
Chicago

For the second half, the Chisox need to get more innings out of their starters; the bullpen might have been overworked in the first half. If that means going out and trading for an innings eater, so be it. With the wealth of talent in the minors, the Chisox look to be the team of the future.

Michael Yu
Chicago

“ Admittedly, I was one of the many Sox fans grumbling and grousing about the firesale we had a few years ago. But now it seems like a stroke of genius. ”
— Michael Wood

I have yet to see a game where a single player on this team ever gave up. We are not winning ugly anymore, this is pretty to watch.

Tim Kane
Chicago

I think all Sox fans owe this first half to Jerry Manuel. He has been a strong, but quiet leader. He has taught this team to fight for each other, and never give up. Also Ron Schueler's moves since the "White Flag" trade have been extraordinary.

Michael Washington
Port Washington, N.Y.

I am growing tired of hearing sports reporters and analysts talking about how the Sox have not yet experienced the inevitable slump. Can't everyone just accept the fact the the Chisox are good? Is it possible that a good team can go the whole season without going into a funk?

Brandon Mills
Apex, N.C.

With or without national or local media coverage, the Sox are for real. Anyone who understands baseball, appreciates the game, knows that the talent is in place. Energy, enthusiasm, will-to-win attitude, bundled up in one of the youngest teams in baseball. Get used to it, their farm system in the best in the game!

John Novotny
Chicago

“ Being a Sox fan since 1958, it's second nature for me to look on the dark side of the cloud (rather than the silver lining). ”
— Rich Nowak

Jerry Manuel deserves a lot of credit for getting this club to buy into the "team" concept. How many 3-4-5 hitters in the majors would give up their at-bat to move a runner from second to third with no outs? This has been done all year long! Maybe Cubbie Baylor should show Sosa a few Sox clips on how to win games.

Brian Biel
Whiting, Ind.

It is tough to put together a group that can win so many games, and nobody saw this one coming. Frank Thomas is having the year we always knew he could have, and Ordonez, Lee, Durham, and the rest of the position players have all come together as a team. I think Jerry is doing a great job of putting all the pieces together. I still can't believe Thomas didn't go to the All-Star game. What a rip-off.

Jeremy Pettibon
Columbia, Mo.

I have been a die-hard Chicago sports fan all my life, but I still have my doubts. I have been heartbroken too many times. I can't help but to believe when late August comes around the injury bug will hit them, the timely hitting will cease and the pitching will fail at the wrong time. Experience and history is my best teacher. I remember the Cubs of 1969 and the White Sox of 1983.

Thomas Terry Jr.
Boston

I love all of the ESPN writers jumping on the bandwagon, especially Gammons. The Sox are young, fun to watch, and it is refreshing to see a teamful of players who care about winning and not salaries (Sosa). After the "brawl-game", people realized that the Sox were for real, and they were no longer kids. The Southsiders are going to have their day.

Jack Prahl
Buffalo Grove, Ill.

While this has been a great first half, one that nobody in baseball had anticipated, let's not break open the champagne just yet. Being a Sox fan since 1958, it's second nature for me to look on the dark side of the cloud (rather than the silver lining).

Rich Nowak
Alpharetta, Ga.

Admittedly, I was one of the many Sox fans grumbling and grousing about the firesale we had a few years ago. But now it seems like a stroke of genius. So Frank Thomas was badly overlooked for the All-Star game. No problem. My hope is that he takes it out on Joe Torre, the American League and Major League Baseball as he leads the White Sox to the World Series and himself to his third MVP.

Michael Wood
State College, Pa.

Don't change a thing. Don't fix something that isn't broke. Picking up a third baseman before the trading deadline will help. In the offseason get A-Rod!

James Lessner
Sierra Vista, Ariz.

 

ALSO SEE
Midseason report: Chicago White Sox

MLB midseason reports