Sox Sentinel.
CHICAGO OFF TO PATCHY START
After 3 weeks of the season Chicago sit third in the Midwest division of the JL with a 9-12 record. They had got off to a solid start standing 7-4 until they were steamrollered by the Madison juggernaut and finished off by Omaha. A 2-2 split with remaining Midwest rival Phoenix left them with a 2-8 record in the division. Early signs are that Chicago is at least putting up a fight this season and while not exactly setting the world alight they are at least paying lip service to being competitive.
The Good.
The revamped bullpen ranks 3rd in the JL with a 3.36 era.
Roger Pavlik, and Fred McDowel have been the stars ably assisted by closer Masatake Hirose
On the offensive side Asdrubel Fernandez, has proved a genuine lead off threat and is hitting .289 while 3B Hector Fernandez, who was acquired in the controversial Luis Luna trade is hitting .310 in the clean up spot.
The Bad
The starting pitching has been patchy while the hitting, aside from the two Fernandez and Framaggio, has been poor.
The Ugly
The injury Gods have not been kind to the Sox. Kevin Greene, signed from FA to provide back up in the absence of Anthony McHugh, is himself out for 6 weeks with a fractured finger. Kevin Stewart, who has been in fine form at 3B hitting .317 is out for three weeks with elbow soreness. This after McHugh went out for the season, and George Bellairs, and Charlie Scott, were lost for April. On a positive note both Scott and Bellairs are now ready to return.
So early days but signs of life in Chicago.
