Cubs look sharp while White Sox look to kill off their few remaining fans

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The Cubs find themselves in the midst of a two game winning streak after Moday’s 7-0 win over the Pirates.  The game was highlighted  by an excellent start by Mike Montgomery, who went 5.2 innings and allowed only 2 hits and no walks while striking out 5.  That was a better start than either Yu Darvish or Tyler Chatwood has turned in all season.  On most teams with the Cubs current problems in the starting rotation, Montgomery would probably get to start so more.  With Joe Maddon at the helm, we’ll see.

I like Anthony Rizzo but......

The Cubs offense was powered by home runs by Anthony Rizzo and Addison Russell.  A controversial play led to the Cubs scoring a couple of more runs in the 8^th inning when Anthony Rizzo took out Pirates catcher, Elias Diaz with a questionable slide when Dias was trying to complete a 6-2-3 double play on a a Chris Gimenez groundball.  The play slide was ruled as legal.  Anthony Rizzo is one of my favorite players, but I didn’t like that slide and can see where the Pirates would be upset.

To give credit where credit is due...

I don’t say this a lot, but Joe Maddon had a good day. I have a lot of issues with his lineup choices, but he’s made good use of his bullpen this year.  Today was no exception.

Wow, just wow

And then there’s the White Sox. The Sox gift wrapped a 9-6 decision to the Cleveland Indians.   It was a nauseating display of ineptitude seldom seen on a big league field.  After the Sox pulled out to a 5-1 lead, they gave the Indians 5 runs by virtue of one the worst displays of defensive malfeasance of the season.  And based on this teams defense this season, that’s saying something.  Where to begin.

Let's name names

The latest White Sox retread behind the plate, Alfredo Gonzalez, stated the clown show by dropping a pop foul.  And Gonzalez looked really bad doing it.  After thet, Tim Anderson was charged with an error on a throw that should have been picked by first baseman, Matt Skole.  The capper was a blooper that right fielder/ statue, Dan Palka played into a bases clearing double.  Palka can swing the bat, but he’s one of the worst outfielders I’ve ever seen.  There is no value in seeing that day after day.

I can’t believe there isn’t a better option than Alfredo Gonzalez behind the plate.  The Sox might need to go outside of the organization for some semblance of respectability.  I wonder if the White Sox front office would consider going outside of their family for a date?   Sometimes diversity is a good thing guys.

These qualities work for the manager of the White Sox

Rick Renteria used four pitchers in the disastrous fifth inning.  Watching Rick manage this team is like watching a kid play dress up like adults.  Rick has some qualities that make him appealing to the Sox front office for this job.  He has a high tolerance for losing, he works cheap and he can explain losses in two languages.  I doubt those qualities will ever get him a job managing a contending team. 

In combing through the wreckage of today’s game, I should mention a few positives, though it pains me.  In his first big league game, Matt Skole had two hits, including his first home run.  Also, Dylan Covey wasn’t terrible.