Survivor(s)

Adam Engel hit another homerun last night while Danny Mendick chipped in with two hits and a game-ending play that kept the Tigers from pushing across the tying run in the bottom of the tenth for a 5-4 White Sox win in Detroit. So, it’s nice to be right about those two guys, at least for a game. Engel has been around since 2017, Mendick 2019. Going into the season, neither would have been considered anywhere near cornerstones of the Sox rebuild. That they both find themselves playing key roles due to injury says a lot about perseverance and a particular skill set. Also luck. You have to be in the right place at the right time. I especially like Engel and Mendick for being throwbacks. Adam is very “No sir, Yes sir” in his public persona, as well as being someone who has gone from a cypher at the plate to a real power threat; as for his glove, just check out the highlight reel. Mendick? He looks to be a real hard ass, spikes high sliding into second base. Fine by me. I only wish Matt Davidson and/or Daniel Palka were around to enjoy the run, but, like I said, luck, skill set and opportunity all factor into a player’s career. And, with Palka, maybe a little bullheadedness. Davidson is with Triple-A Oklahoma City (Dodgers) while Palka toils away at Triple-A Rochester (Nationals). You never know.