Bookends

The White Sox bookended their seasons with wins, 8-1 against the Angels on March 27 and 8-0 over the Nationals yesterday. It was all the games in between that were a problem. But at least Shane Smith righted his ship and once again looks like he can thrive as a top-of-the-roatation starter. Five days after limiting the Yankees to one run in five innings, the 25-year old Rule 5 acquisition did even better against the Nats, retiring the first sixteen batters until giving up a single to Brady House, who was the only National to reach base. Smith went six innings, and three relievers didn’t screw anything up. Did I mention Brooks Baldwin? If not, I should. Baldwin went 2-for-4 with a homerun and double good for three RBIs. The former twelfth-round pick finished with eleven homers and fifteen doubles in 300 at-bats, numbers that move him back into the “Maybe” category. As I’ve said on occasion, Baldwin intrigues with his ability to play multiple positions. He played everywhere this year except first and behind the plate (and was listed as the team’s emergency catcher). If the 25-year old switch-hitter can add 25 to his BA, he’s a keeper. The Sox under New-Mickey Venable finished the season at 60-102. According to Chris Getz, I should be impressed. Funny, but baseball-reference.com gives them a Pythagorean won-loss breakdown of 71-91. That was attainable, and getting there next season won’t be cause for celebration.