Black Betsy

More Ugliness / Rest Of The Year

Well, Mark Buerhle didn't pitch so well on four days' rest. With the Twins beating Cleveland, it looks like the Sox will be 6 games back - and looking forward to next season. With the Sox having spent a good deal of their treasure (read: minor league talent) trading for Carl Everett and Roberto Alomar in a last ditch effort to win the division, the last month or so of the season is going to be frustrating.

The question is, then, what the Sox can accomplish during the remainder of the 2004 season. Here are a few quick thoughts.

• Find The Real Joe Borchard. If Joe Borchard is really going to be a regular for the White Sox in the future, the Sox should try to find out whether he can hack it as a regular by having him play every day for the rest of the year. Give him some reps, let him get comfortable and see if he can produce. If he can't, it is probably time to cut bait on Joe. I really would like Borchard to succeed - I've heard nothing but good things about his intelligence and work ethic - but I'm really doubtful. But that doesn't mean he shouldn't be given a long look and a good chance.
• Get On Jon Garland. Jon Garland's performance in his 3rd year in the Sox's rotation has left a lot to be desired. He's had some terrific games, some terrible games, and a lot of mediocre games. He seems to get beat consistently on his 3rd or 4th best pitches. It may be time for some tough love with Jon - telling him he can't shake off pitches and calling for sinker after sinker down in the zone. Make him see how effective he can be with his best stuff. Maybe he can learn something.
• Turn Willie Harris Loose. I'd just like to see Guillen give Harris the steal sign almost every time that he is on base. I think Willie is a smart guy and learns from his mistakes. He certainly appears to be afraid to make them on the bases. Make him learn by doing. Make him learn pitchers' moves and how and when to steal and how not to steal. If he gets on base at a .360 clip next year and steals 75 bases with a high success rate, he will really be an asset to the club.