Rainy day thoughts on all things White Sox
The White Sox and Twins were rained out at U.S. Cellular Field Friday night, setting up a straight doubleheader today at 3 p.m., with the nightcap starting 30 minutes after Game 1.
Here are some Sox thoughts as we anxiously await this twinbill between the two worst teams in the AL Central:
•Chris Bassitt was impressive in Wednesday night's start against the A's, pitching 6 innings and allowing 1 run on 5 hits.
It was an important outing for the 25-year-old pitcher, and it was important for the White Sox.
Looking to 2015, the Sox could have four left-handers in their rotation — Chris Sale, Jose Quintana, John Danks and Carlos Rodon.
They need help from the right side, and Bassitt has put himself in the mix.
The White Sox are wisely wary of putting too much weight on September performances from minor-league call-ups, so they could be looking at Bassitt realistically making an impact at some point next summer.
For the Sox, they're probably pleased just to have a starting arm with potential, especially one that is right-handed.
Bassitt should make three more starts this season, and they should come against Kansas City, Detroit and K.C. again.
Both teams are in the playoff race, so Bassitt will get a good test. And the White Sox will get a much better read on what they have.
•Conor Gillaspie continues to intrigue.
On the one hand, he ranks 10th in the American League with a .292 batting average and is a better defensive third baseman than you might think.
On the other hand, third baseman are supposed to hit for power and Gillaspie has 7 home runs along with 51 RBI.
Is he the Sox' guy going forward? Until Gillaspie is offered a multiyear contract, it is difficult to say.
Gillaspie is a nice player, but I still think he's keeping the seat warm at third base until Matt Davidson either figures it out in the minor leagues or a better candidate emerges.
•Sometimes a trade provides a needed change of scenery and the player involved is able to hit the reset button and start performing.
With that in mind, we propose this deal for two similar players in need of new homes — the White Sox' Dayan Viciedo to the Phillies for Domonic Brown.
•Jose Abreu has a solid .317 batting average, but the red flag is still flapping over the power numbers.
Not only has the Sox' rookie slugger gone 17 games without hitting a home run, Abreu has been stuck on 99 RBI since Aug. 31.
He's obviously tired as he nears the end of his first major-league season, but you have to wonder about Abreu's health, especially the left ankle. When he does get to 100 RBI, look for the White Sox to sharply reduce Abreu's playing time.
•In 6 September games, Tyler Flowers is batting .333 with 4 home runs and 6 RBI. For the season, he has a .243/.300/.395 hitting line to go with 14 home runs and 47 RBI.
Those aren't great numbers, but they're not bad for a catcher. The guess here is Flowers is back with the Sox in 2015.