As the White Sox head to division-leading Detroit for a crucial three-game series, we look at who’s up–and down–in both clubhouses:
3 UP . . .
DETROIT PITCHING
Move over, White Sox. The Tigers haven’t suffered a major dropoff after left-hander Mike Maroth was lost in late May to elbow surgery.
Their starters have combined for a 50-13 record and 3.53 ERA–more impressive than the 45-23 and 4.72 marks by the Sox’s highly touted starters. The Tigers lead the American League with 12 shutouts. And if the Sox win the first two games of the series, All-Star left-hander Kenny Rogers is lurking. He beat the Sox 6-2 on June 8 to help Detroit avoid a three-game sweep at U.S. Cellular Field.
CURTIS GRANDERSON
The Tigers’ center fielder is joining the likes of Coco Crisp, Eric Byrnes, Chone Figgins, Travis Hafner and Torii Hunter as Sox killers. Granderson, a former Thornton Fractional South High School and UIC standout, has been a pitcher’s best friend by not committing an error in his first 143 major-league games. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Granderson’s streak is the longest by a non-pitcher to start his career since Dave Roberts didn’t commit an error in his first 205 games.
JON GARLAND
Jon Garland’s sinker is back, and so is the form that saw him win 18 games last year. Garland is 4-0 with a 3.41 ERA in his last five starts, and the Sox will need his sinker to cool off a productive Tigers’ offense. Garland is 10-5 lifetime against Detroit.
. . . 3 DOWN
MIDDLE OF SOX ORDER
The Sox’s offense Sunday was similar to the Bulls’ doughnut attack–no center. A 1-for-13 performance was baffling for a nucleus known for hitting in the clutch. They’ll be put to the test Tuesday, as they’re likely to face some flame-throwing relievers after soft-throwing left-hander Nate Robertson. Comerica Park is known for its spacious dimensions, so Jim Thome, Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye should settle for singles and doubles to extend rallies.
SOX FUNDAMENTALS
Fans have rightfully asked, “What happened to Ozzie ball?” Jim Thome’s failure to slide into second cost the Sox an out in Sunday’s loss at New York. And Juan Uribe’s inability to lay down a sacrifice bunt in the eighth eventually led to Scott Podsednik’s inning-ending double play. “If you make mistakes, good teams will capitalize on your mistakes,” Thome perfectly summed up.
JOEL ZUMAYA
At the start of the second half, scouts have banked on the Sox overtaking Detroit in the AL Central because of the inexperience of some of the Tigers’ young pitchers. That includes the 22-year-old reliever Zumaya, who has allowed seven hits and three walks in his last five games (5.06 ERA). Despite his youth, Zumaya vowed that Paul Konerko wouldn’t hit a home run off him after the more-seasoned Konerko took Zumaya deep on April 10. It’s time for Zumaya to act like he has handled the rigors of a pennant race.
PROBABLE STARTERS
TUESDAY
WHITE SOX
Jon Garland
(8-3, 5.37)
DETROIT
Nate Robertson
(8-5, 3.36)
6:05 p.m. (bull) Ch. 26
WEDNESDAY
WHITE SOX
Javier Vazquez
(9-4, 5.07)
DETROIT
Jeremy Bonderman
(9-4, 3.59)
6:05 p.m. (bull) CSN
THURSDAY
WHITE SOX
Jose Contreras
(9-1, 3.48)
DETROIT
Kenny Rogers
(11-3, 4.10)
12:05 p.m. (bull) CSN
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mgonzales@tribune.com
