With Apologies to Pete Townshend

Meet the new White Sox. Same as the old White Sox? I hope not, but it’s starting to look that way. Yesterday afternoon, Lance Lynn sleepwalked his way through 4.1 innings of “work,” giving up eight runs, all earned, along with three homeruns in a 16-6 loss to the Giants. For those fans out there keeping track, the visitors clubbed thirteen long balls in a three-game series, the first time they’ve done that in just about sixty-two years. Sox manager Pedro Grifol told reporters after the game, “He [Lynn] battled and gave us everything he had. That’s really all I can say. He’s a warrior out there. [Tribune today]” OK, but you’re not going to win many battles—or ballgames—with warriors performing like Lynn did. Maybe utilityman Hanser Alberto also qualifies for warrior-status after making his second relief appearance against the Giants. In the 124 years the Sox have been around in the American League, no position player has ever pitched twice in a series. While we’re at it, hats off to Jose Ruiz (1.2 innings, two runs and a homer, 22.09 ERA) and Gregory Santos (two innings, two runs, 7.36 ERA) for making it possible. Please, please come back, Garrett Crochet, and Ryan Burr, if only you were still around. As for Eloy Jimenez, the only thing he’s qualified for so far this season is the IL; Eloy made it through all of four games before landing on it with a pulled hamstring from running the bases. At least Yoan Moncada hasn’t joined him, yet. Moncada just needed a day off yesterday after playing six games. It’s almost as if Tony La Russa is calling down to the dugout with moves to make. I thought Michael Kopech was bad, and then along came Lynn. I thought Ruiz was bad (he is), and along comes Alberto, sporting a 36.00 ERA. What I don’t know is if the pitching staff has hit bottom yet. I guess we’ll find out soon enough.