Breaking Down The White Sox Chances

A.J. Pierzynski and the White Sox are on the brink of elimination (AP photo).

With three games remaining in the regular season, the White Sox are still alive in the chase for the playoffs. However, Robin Ventura’s team is on life support.

Chicago is three games behind Detroit for first place in the American League Central, which means the White Sox must sweep the Indians in Cleveland and hope for three straight Kansas City wins over the Tigers.

In other words, it will be tough, but not impossible, for the White Sox to qualify for the playoffs. Here are some notes in advance of what Chicago hopes will be “Comeback Week”:

• The White Sox have dropped 10 of 12 games to go from three games up in the division to three games back. The Tigers boast an 8-4 mark during that run, which began September 19.
• On paper, the Indians do not seem like a dangerous team, and they have been a big disappointment in 2012. However, interim manager Sandy Alomar, Jr., is auditioning for the full-time position in Cleveland, so he figures to have the Tribe motivated for the season’s final three games.
• What about Kansas City? The Royals have lost seven of eight, and the lone victory came in 14 innings Saturday after blowing a two-run lead in the ninth. However, if the Royals can help the White Sox, you can expect a standing ovation for the club when they invade U.S. Cellular Field for the 2013 season opener.
• For what it’s worth, the White Sox are 9-6 against Cleveland while Detroit is 11-4 versus the Royals.
• If the White Sox do avoid elimination for three straight days, they would play the Tigers in Detroit Thursday in a one-game playoff for a spot in the playoffs. The A.L. Central has featured a pair of playoff thrillers in recent years.
• With three games remaining for the big league club, the White Sox organization has collectively posted a record of 464-465, which means that a two-out-of-three take from Cleveland would result in an even .500 record in 932 total games for the White Sox and seven minor league affiliates. Crazy.

Here’s hoping we can talk about postseason chances again tomorrow. Go White Sox!

- Brian