Are the '05 White Sox the '04 Cardinals?

[ZMovieman]

I was having an interesting discussion with a White Sox fan and compared them to that team, but for the wrong reasons. He talked about how they held the best records at the break and their big leads in the division. After thinking about it more, I think the team's postseason aspirations are along the same lines.

 

Think about it. Both teams had very solid and reliable bullpens, which typically equal postseason success. Yet, they lack what Boston and Florida have had the past two years: shutdown starters. I'm not a huge Buerhle fan, but I respect him enough to say that he could get the job done in the postseason, but you're lying to me if you legitimately can say that Garland, Garcia, or Contreras can be shutdown POSTSEASON guys.

 

Like the '04 Cardinals, this is a staff of solid to strong pitchers without the overly dominant arm needed for postseason play. As they stand now, the White Sox, I think, would lose in the ALCS to either Boston or Los Angeles. Frankly wouldn't surprise me if they lost in the first round. Looking for your thoughts here.

[rocket]

I'm not sure what you're going for.

 

In terms of talent, the 04 Cards blow away this year's Sox. It's not even close.

 

But if you're talking about a team that surprises everyone and runs away with a division early, I can see the comparison. Though I still say the 04 Cards are miles ahead of the 05 White Sox.

[ZZ Thorn]

Very apt comparison. I could see the Sox making it to the WS and then getting swept too.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

I don't forsee the Sox making it past the divisional round of playoff games.

[ZMovieman]

I guess throughout the rant I was dwelling on the starting pitching. I was comparing the Cards to the Sox.

[NCCubFan]

Very apt comparison. I could see the Sox making it to the WS and then getting swept too.

To make the analogy complete they would be swept by a Wild Card team. This is where the Cubs come in. :D

[Fred Hornkohl]

Very apt comparison. I could see the Sox making it to the WS and then getting swept too.

To make the analogy complete they would be swept by a Wild Card team. This is where the Cubs come in. :D

 

I like the way you think, NCCF !! :wink:

[Coach C]

One thing to keep in mind that the AL Central is one crappy division.

 

White Sox's record in:

 

AL East teams: 9-4

AL Central teams: 28-5

AL West teams: 10-14

 

I would have no doubt in my mind that if the Cubs was playing in the AL Central, that they could pose a record at least close to the White Sox.

[Brian34Cook]

I think it's a good comparison to be honest. I thought the same thing myself the other week. Despite the White Sox having less talent than the Cards last year their team is just relentless and is putting everyone outta their commision in the regular season. With that said, the White Sox didnt start 22-23 then go on a rampage. They've done it from the start. Same question as the Cards going into the playoffs to me is, will they be playing good at the right time? I dont know about that.

[Mark Priors Calves]

One thing to keep in mind that the AL Central is one crappy division.

 

White Sox's record in:

 

AL East teams: 9-4

AL Central teams: 28-5

AL West teams: 10-14

 

I would have no doubt in my mind that if the Cubs was playing in the AL Central, that they could pose a record at least close to the White Sox.

 

Actually, the AL Central is a much improved division this year. The Sox, Twins, and Indians are all over .500, the Tigers are right below it and the Royals, well the Royals are the Royals.

 

There was a time about a month ago when the AL Central had the best combined winning percentage of all the divisions in MLB.

[Mark_R]

Buehrle is a shutdown starter come playoff time. I'd take my chances with Freddy Garcia, also.

[SouthSideRyan]

Did the Sox acquire an offense?

[Fred Hornkohl]

Did the Sox acquire an offense?

 

Oh, I don't know.... they seem pretty offensive to me ! :wink:

[RationalSoxFan]

Did the Sox acquire an offense?

 

Yes, in the form of Scott Podsednik, Tadahito Iguchi, Jermaine Dye, and A.J. Pierzynski.

[SouthSideRyan]

Did the Sox acquire an offense?

 

Yes, in the form of Scott Podsednik, Tadahito Iguchi, Jermaine Dye, and A.J. Pierzynski.

 

Yep, it's a real murderer's row. Completely compatible with Pujols, Edmonds, Rolen, anyone.

 

Those 4 combined lines (assuming my math was correct)

 

271/333/418

[XZero771679666304]

Did the Sox acquire an offense?

 

Yes, in the form of Scott Podsednik, Tadahito Iguchi, Jermaine Dye, and A.J. Pierzynski.

 

Yep, it's a real murderer's row. Completely compatible with Pujols, Edmonds, Rolen, anyone.

 

Those 4 combined lines (assuming my math was correct)

 

271/333/418

 

IMO, the 2005 Sox = 2000 Mariners

 

Win a boatload of games with marginal talent, hit the playoffs and go out.

[GodLuvsCubs]

Did the Sox acquire an offense?

 

Yes, in the form of Scott Podsednik, Tadahito Iguchi, Jermaine Dye, and A.J. Pierzynski.

 

Yep, it's a real murderer's row. Completely compatible with Pujols, Edmonds, Rolen, anyone.

 

Those 4 combined lines (assuming my math was correct)

 

271/333/418

 

IMO, the 2005 Sox = 2000 Mariners

 

Win a boatload of games with marginal talent, hit the playoffs and go out.

 

Is there such a thing as a Rational Sox Fan? :lol:

 

Seriously though, I'm gonna have to agree with XZero77 here.

[Holy Cow]

2005 Sox = 2000 Sox

 

No, but seriously, the White Sox are a more dangerous team than some of you think. They are second in MLB in ERA, BAA and OPS against, and third in WHIP (1.25!). Their pitchers may or may not be as good next year (not Garland, IMO) but I see no reason why their career years can't continue into the postseason. Happens all the time. With pitching like that, their average offense could be enough.

[CubRock2]

This is a very, very good question. When it comes to starting pitching, I think the comparison is dead on.

 

'04 Cards (playoffs) - Morris, Williams, Suppan, Marquis

'05 Sox - Burhle, Garland, Garcia, Hernandez/Contreras

 

The biggest difference is the #1 starter. The Sox have one, Cards didn't last postseason. Suppan was their best starter, and Woody Williams wan't too bad, either. Morris, Williams, and Marquis were all very similiar 6 IP, 4 ER + guys last fall. I don't see Garland (no track record), Garcia, El Duque or Contreras (all inconsistent), doing much different than that.

 

If the sox add a big gun with AJ Burnett or another starter coming over, that makes the comparison void. The offenses aren't even close, and the pitching difference will be greater. If you're looking to say the '05 Sox will collapse like the '04 Cards did, which is possible if the Sox get the postseason jitters, then you'd have to expect injuries, which is really what killed the Cards season last October (Morris, Carpenter, Rolen, etc) :roll: .

[RationalSoxFan]

Did the Sox acquire an offense?

 

Yes, in the form of Scott Podsednik, Tadahito Iguchi, Jermaine Dye, and A.J. Pierzynski.

 

Yep, it's a real murderer's row. Completely compatible with Pujols, Edmonds, Rolen, anyone.

 

Those 4 combined lines (assuming my math was correct)

 

271/333/418

I meant in general, not in any comparison to the Cards.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

Did the Sox acquire an offense?

 

Yes, in the form of Scott Podsednik, Tadahito Iguchi, Jermaine Dye, and A.J. Pierzynski.

 

Yep, it's a real murderer's row. Completely compatible with Pujols, Edmonds, Rolen, anyone.

 

Those 4 combined lines (assuming my math was correct)

 

271/333/418

I meant in general, not in any comparison to the Cards.

 

Did you see the stat line there, none of those guys are much above average if that. The Cubs do not have a great(not even good sometimes) offense, yet in OPS they have better hitters than Sox at every position but RF, where Dye holds a slight lead over Burnitz. They are going to need an increase in production from somewhere, whether it's players improving on their first half totals(Rowand, Uribe) or an acquisition via trade(Randa?).

[Kuzman]

One thing to keep in mind that the AL Central is one crappy division.

 

White Sox's record in:

 

AL East teams: 9-4

AL Central teams: 28-5

AL West teams: 10-14

 

I would have no doubt in my mind that if the Cubs was playing in the AL Central, that they could pose a record at least close to the White Sox.

 

Chicago 61 29

Minnesota 49 41

Cleveland 47 45

Detroit 44 46

Kansas City 32 59

 

St. Louis 59 32

Chicago 46 45

Milwaukee 45 47

Houston 44 46

Pittsburgh 40 51

Cincinnati 38 53

 

 

I wouldnt say the AL central is weaker then the NL Central. Minnesota is leading the WC and Cleveland is 3 games behind them. The Cubs are the only team besides St. Louis above .500 and barely at that. Let's see the cubs pose a record like the sox, but in the weaker division first.

[Transmogrified Tiger]

One thing to keep in mind that the AL Central is one crappy division.

 

White Sox's record in:

 

AL East teams: 9-4

AL Central teams: 28-5

AL West teams: 10-14

 

I would have no doubt in my mind that if the Cubs was playing in the AL Central, that they could pose a record at least close to the White Sox.

 

Chicago 61 29

Minnesota 49 41

Cleveland 47 45

Detroit 44 46

Kansas City 32 59

 

St. Louis 59 32

Chicago 46 45

Milwaukee 45 47

Houston 44 46

Pittsburgh 40 51

Cincinnati 38 53

 

 

I wouldnt say the AL central is weaker then the NL Central. Minnesota is leading the WC and Cleveland is 3 games behind them. The Cubs are the only team besides St. Louis above .500 and barely at that. Let's see the cubs pose a record like the sox, but in the weaker division first.

 

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