Houston Was A Wakeup Call For White Sox But Don't Panic

"My butt is so sore from being kicked four days," White Sox manager said after another beatdown at the hands of the Houston Astros, "it hurts to sit down." For White Sox fans there eyes are still sore from watching their team get dismantled in a four-game sweep against another World Series contender. It seemed like nothing could go right for the White Sox. They may have one of the best rotations in the game but, three of their four starters got shelled. Dylan Cease, Lance Lynn, and Dallas Keuchel failed to make it through four innings. The offense got shut down and, their defense was shotty. The team got outscored 27-8 in four days. There were miscues galore. Tim Anderson dropped a ball on a rundown, Moncada made an errant throw, flyballs were dropping in between outfielders. "Not a lot of good, a lot of bad," Dallas Keuchel said after facing his former team. "It was a good old-fashioned butt-whooping." Overall it was a bad look for a team coming off a great series win over the Rays that gave them the best record in baseball. That title is now gone, but in the words of the great Lance Lynn, "it's June nobody gives a shit." No World Series has ever been won in June. A few bad starts do not discount all the quality ones that White Sox pitchers have posted. The offense will be getting Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert back. Outside help may also be on the way. While the reserves have done an admirable job, this series made it clear that the White Sox need help to overcome injuries. Bob Nightengale reported that the White Sox are interested in acquiring Eduardo Escobar, a power-hitting infielder with 15 home runs this year. Escobar began his career with the White Sox and has put together a solid 11-year resume since then. Jake Burger has also been playing second base in Triple-A Charlotte which could signal a possible promotion to the show. Gavin Sheets is also raking in the minors and his services could be of some use.

The season is nowhere close to over. The White Sox upcoming schedule is favorable and the division is a mess. The Houston series just served as a wake-up call that toppling the American League will not be easy. But nothing worth having in life is. "We ran into a really good offense," Keuchel continued. "And we've got a lot of work to do if we want to come back here, maybe, in the playoffs and win the series." The White Sox have proven that they can beat good teams. People quickly forget the White Sox 4-2 record against the Blue Jays and Rays, two of the better teams in the American League. They are also nowhere near full strength. It's too early to draw conclusions and too early to panic about the offense. Clearly Rick Hahn has some work to do before the trade deadline but this team is still well-positioned to fulfill their championship aspirations. It's okay White Sox fans. Take a deep breath.