Revamped bullpen doing bang-up job

Shaky bullpen performances were a big reason the White Sox slipped south of mediocrity last June and never challenged again.

One year later, a revamped and improved pen has allowed the Sox to shake up the American League Central Division standings.

The bullpen entered Saturday night's game against Minnesota ranked first in the American League in ERA (2.82) and strikeouts per 9 innings pitched (8.67), and it ranked second in opposing batting average (.211).

That improvement, combined with a starting staff that leads the major leagues in quality starts (40), are at the heart of a turnaround that has the Sox leading the Central by 4½ games -- as opposed to the 9-game deficit they faced on the same date last season.

"So far the bullpen has been tremendous," said White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. "Our job, my job and (pitching coach Don) Cooper's job, is to make sure we maintain those guys and keep them on the right track, make sure they're not overused."

Free-agent acquisitions Scott Linebrink and Octavio Dotel have been worth the money.

Linebrink leads the league in holds (14), is sixth among relievers in ERA (1.38) and is tied for 11th in appearances (28). Dotel, who ranks second in the AL in strikeouts per 9 innings (12.39) and has given up just 1 run in his last 10¿ innings.

"I think that's the best bullpen we've had in a little while," Guillen said. "I think (general manager) Kenny (Williams), when we talked about it, it was his biggest concern coming into this year, the bullpen.

"He did a tremendous job getting Linebrink and Dotel. I think (Boone) Logan and (Matt) Thornton have thrown the ball well and (Nick) Masset is doing a tremendous job."

Triple the fun: Paul Konerko's second-inning triple on a misplayed line drive by center fielder Carlos Gomez was his first since May 16, 2000, at Yankee Stadium.

Of course, watching their speed-challenged first baseman leg out a triple was a source of entertainment to his teammates.

"There was a lot of laughter going on," Joe Crede said with a grin. "That's something rare for him. We may never see that again."