Remembering the glory days

Let’s go back to October 26, 2005, when life was good. I was a couple of months into my freshman year, I lived on a co-ed floor, my 19th birthday had been the day before and most importantly, the ground-out to White Sox shortstop Juan Uribe wrapped up a sweep in the 2005 World Series for the Chicago White Sox over the Houston Astros. That was their first championship since 1917, a drought of 88 years. \nNow let me bring you to the current state of my White Sox. To be polite – they are unwatchable. I am just glad that I can only see Sox games at best once a week on WGN, so I don’t have to go through the emotional drain after every loss. This team’s roster may resemble the 2005 White Sox in composition, but by no means do they play like the 2005 team. The fundamentals that led to the team’s success in 2005 have been everything far from that year, as they currently sit in fourth in the AL Central. The only bright spot for this year’s team has been Mark Buehrle’s no-hitter against the Texas Rangers. \nAfter last weekend’s interleague sweep at home (where I thought the commercial said you must protect your house) from their hated cross-town rival Cubs, the White Sox had dropped 22 of their last 27 games. That stretch has prompted GM Kenny Williams to start shopping his players, citing that they are out of contention for the playoffs.\nHere are just a few ideas I have to fix this situation: \nIn my opinion, the main difference between this season’s team and the 2005 team has been injuries. Besides numerous injuries to everyday players such as Jermaine Dye, Darin Erstad, Jim Thome and Joe Crede, leadoff man Scott Podsednik, to date, has played in fourteen of his team’s 73 games. In 2005, his .290 batting average and 59 stolen bases paved the way for the Sox.\nJust hit the ball, baby. Out of 30 teams, the Sox rank 30th in runs scored, batting average and hits. Enough said.\nDon’t trade away Buehrle. Instead, how about try resigning him? Although he will be the most sought-after pitcher before the trade deadline and you could probably get good prospects for him, he’s 28 years old. More importantly, he’s a left-handed pitcher and good left-handed pitching is hard to find.\nRetool your outfield. In other words, get rid of the aging Dye and Erstad. Dye, who is in his contract year, is hitting .230. If you’re not hitting in your contract year, it’s time to go.\nDon’t even think about firing Ozzie Guillen. Remember this is the manager who gave you your first championship in 88 years. That alone should keep him out of the dog house longer than a year and a half.\nCurrently, I have stopped watching White Sox games, and instead I’ve been watching the DVD from the ’05 championship. Oh, the memories. I’m keeping my fingers crossed and hoping I won’t have to wait another 88 years for the White Sox to win another championship because I’m sure I won’t live until I’m 109.