Another frustrating loss for Abreu, Chicago White Sox

Before Tuesday night's game against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu didn't have much to say.

After Monday's 8-3 loss at Kansas City, Abreu had plenty to say about the Royals, who advanced to the World Series in each of the past two seasons and won the championship last year.

In addition, Kansas City is 72-40 against the Sox since 2011.

“I think it's desire,” Abreu told reporters. “It's desire to win. It's their hunger to win games and to be good. For me, that is the main point for them.”

When asked if the White Sox have the same desire, Abreu said “no.”

The truth can hurt, but give Abreu credit for being honest.

I always admired members of the Sox who spoke up when things were going bad.

Former shortstop/manager Ozzie Guillen was the best, and he wouldn't even try curbing the criticism when things were going bad.

Late in 2013 — when the White Sox were en route to a 99-loss season — Paul Konerko was asked if all the rumors before the July 31 nonwaiver trade deadline took a toll on the club's performance.

“Not really,” Konerko said. “I mean, we were horse(bleep) before the rumors. That's a fact.”

Even general manager Rick Hahn got on board the truth train earlier this season, proclaiming the Sox are “mired in mediocrity.”

A sensitive sort, Abreu did blame himself for the Sox's losing ways Monday, and he reiterated that point in a brief talk with the media Tuesday.

“What we talked about yesterday was about me,” Abreu said. “I don't have anything more to add. That's it.”

While he speaks through a translator, Abreu's frustration is clearly understood.

This is Abreu's third season with the White Sox since he left his native Cuba, and it's very likely going to be another losing effort.

The Sox fell 7-6 to the Phillies on Tuesday night, dropping their record to 72-79.

Acquired in a June 4 trade from the San Diego Padres to try to help the White Sox reach the playoffs for the first time since 2008, starting pitcher James Shields had another abysmal outing, allowing 7 runs (6 earned) on 9 hits and 3 walks in 5⅓ innings.

Melky Cabrera hit a 3-run homer in the third inning, and Adam Eaton added a 2-run double in the ninth.

Abreu, who got off to a slow start, has 11 games to hit 6 homers and drive in 5 runs.

That would give him 30-plus home runs and 100-plus RBI in each of his first three seasons. Albert Pujols is the only player in history to accomplish the feat.