WHITE SOX PROBLEMS

Normally i write bad stuff about the cubs in the first paragraph because it's what i do and what they deserve BUT today it's the WHITE SOX and the beginning of the end for manager ROBIN VENTURA.

he was hired three years ago with no managing experience and had a cinderella season, with the sox coming within two weeks of post season play. last year, his lack of experience began to show with poor use of his bullpen and staying wayyyyyyyyy too long with his starters.  99 losses. ouch

so this year, loaded with better than average offensive talent, robin has pissed away a good start in april & may by falling in love with RONALD BELLISARIO as his closer and once again, staying way too long with his starters. i truly believe that robin saved his job last friday by finally removing bellisario as the closer but he still doesn't get handling his starters. 

 two quick examples: CHRIS SALE has thrown 105 pitches against the angels in early june and the sox lead 5-1 out on the coast. last two batters in the 7th hit line drive outs and the first two angel hitters in the 8th hit him hard again for base hits.  gotta make a move, right?  sorry.  einstein lets sale give up another hit AND then pitch to MIKE TROUT, who promptly hits a grand slam to tie the game which the sox eventually lose 6-5.

example #2: TONIGHT, robin picks SCOTT CARROLL to pitch the nightcap and carroll gives up 10 hits, 3 walks and 7 earned runs and he's STILL ON THE MOUND when the 7th inning starts.  when he walks the first two batters, THEN einstein figures it's time for a change.

there have been rumblings for a month that robin has lost the locker room because veteran players understand that he lacks the knowledge to run a ball club from wire to wire and that einstein is responsible for at least 6 losses this season and those 6 would have the sox knocking on the door in the mediocre central division.  there have also been rumors that pitching coach DON COOPER has one foot out the door because of einstein's stubborn attitude when it comes time to make a pitching move.

the sox had a terrible month of june and i figure they have until the all star break on july 14th to see if they can right the ship.....if not, expect them to become big time 'sellers' before the trading deadline on july 31st. wonder what they can get for robin?