Thome still stuck on 498 HRs
Upon further review, it doesn't look like Jim Thome is going to hit his 500th career home run against his former team, the Cleveland Indians.
Heading into the three-game series against the Indians, the White Sox' designated hitter had 3 home runs in as many games, running his career total to 498.
But after going 1-for-4 in Monday's rain-delayed loss, Thome followed up with an 0-for-4 showing in Tuesday's 8-3 defeat.
The Sox close out the series against Cleveland this afternoon and host the Los Angeles Angels for three over the weekend before heading to Kansas City and Minnesota on their final road trip of the season.
Thome would prefer hitting his milestone homer at U.S. Cellular Field, a sentiment shared by teammate Paul Konerko.
"We're all pulling for it,'' Konerko said. "We know if he doesn't do it on the homestand he probably won't make it back from the road trip because he is swinging the bat really well. It is hard to force those things. Hopefully, we are in the middle of him hitting about 5 or 6 in a week because that's what he needs.''
Tuesday's power was supplied by shortstop Juan Uribe, who accounted for all the White Sox' offense with a solo home run in the second inning and a 2-run shot in the fourth.
Still struggling: Skipping a start was supposed to help rookie John Danks finish the season on a better note.
The 22-year-old lefty went the opposite direction in his return to the mound Tuesday against the Indians.
Making his first start since Aug. 30, Danks lasted just 2¿ innings, allowing 3 runs on 3 hits and 4 walks while throwing 76 pitches.
Danks is 0-7 with a 7.01 ERA over his last 9 starts.
Sending a message: White Sox general manager Kenny Williams could have waited until after the season to extend manager Ozzie Guillen's contract.
Williams thought Tuesday provided much better timing.
"I want to let everyone in that clubhouse know heading into the off-season,'' Williams said. "We always sit down with our players for a season-ending discussion. One by one, the coaches will sit down, Ozzie will sit down with them.
"We've got plans to make. (Guillen's) got to know, the players need to know, the fans need to know that this thing, we're far from done here. We've had a very disappointing year, but my coaching staff is getting better as the days go by.''
Indians 8, White Sox 3
At the plate: Jim Thome (0-for-4) remained stuck on 498 home runs. Juan Uribe hit a solo home run in the second inning and a 2-run homer in the fourth.
On the mound: Looking for his first win since July 16, starter John Danks didn't get a decision while allowing 3 runs over 2¿ innings. Heath Phillips pitched 2½ scoreless innings.
-- Scot Gregor