The White Sox return on Friday after the All-Star break! It's been a long week off for many fans, but worry not, baseball is back on for Chicago! The White Sox start off the second half of the season with a six game road trip that has them spending three days in Toronto where they'll face the Blue Jays for the final time this season. Then the White Sox are on their way to Texas for a three game stint against the Rangers that's sure to prove difficult.
The Rangers are only the start of it. The White Sox will finish out July and begin August with a 7 game tear against the top contenders of the AL East, the Yankees and the Rays. When the White Sox met those teams back in the first half of the season, the Rays swept the Sox, and the Yankees took two of three. That's why it's so important that the White Sox return from the break with purpose.
The opportunity is right in front of them
The White Sox open up with a three game trip to Toronto. The Blue Jays have been struggling this year, and the White Sox already swept them earlier this season. It's baseball we're talking about, and anything can happen, but it's safe to hope for at least a series victory.
From there the road is going to be a bit more difficult. With Cleveland hot on their tails, the White Sox will be hard pressed to hold onto the division. If they don't start out the second half on the right foot, and they don't build momentum from the moment the gates open, they may be in trouble of finding themselves a wild card team.
Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. As a matter of fact, the White Sox taking home a wild card berth is nothing short of extraordinary. For a team that was keeping their head down and focusing their efforts and energy on player development, suddenly we're talking about playoff ability.
With the trade deadline only two weeks (and some change) away, the White Sox will certainly be buyers. They're not in a position to sell, and they could use a bit of extra help in the bullpen. Regardless of how the deadline shapes up, the White Sox have found themselves in a position to win.
The White Sox spent the first half proving they belong in the AL Central race. If they're going to stay there, it starts with taking advantage of the opportunities in front of them before the schedule gets significantly tougher.
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