Cleveland Indians Series Preview: Chicago White Sox, June 28-June 30

We haven't seen the White Sox since late April. Unfortunately, during that series, the Tuesday game was washed out, hence this weekend's four games in three days. Friday's opener is scheduled for a 5:10 PM start with the nightcap tentatively set for 8:10 PM. Saturday's start is set for 4:10 PM and the finale on Sunday is slated for 2:10 PM. After a day off the road trip concludes with three more in Kansas City.

Team in a Box

The White Sox have struggled this season and have been 9.5 games back of Detroit for 10 games now. They are 2.5 back of the Twins for fourth. It is pretty easy to see why they are in last, their hitting has been atrocious. They are bottom three in most categories and dead last in runs, hits, walks, on base percentage and OPS. Their team OPS+ is a mere 79. The piching has been good though, they are top five in most categories including leading the leagu in fewest hits allowed. They also lead the league with nine shutotus. Their dfense has been very poor as well, third worst in fielding percentage and ninth in double plays turned.

Projected Lineup

No wonder Robin Ventura is pulling his hair out. This lineup looks fairly benign in 2013, but historically De Aza, Dunn, Ramirez and Beckham have usually given the Tribe hurlers fits. I have penciled in Konerko but he has missed the past three games with a bad back. If he continues to sit, I would expect to see Keppinger (59 OPS+) in the lineup. Other bench options include Casper Wells (32), Brent Morel (81, 3 PA) and Hector Gimenez (71).

Projected Starters

Hmmm, three lefties in four games. Hopefully we can do well against them. All three lefties have been good this year, with Sale exceptional. He has been really hurt by run support this year. The Indians beat up on him in his only start against them this season, eight earned runs in just 4.1 innings. Quintana threw seven shutout innings in his first start, allowing only one hit, no walks and striking out seven. He got the win in game two, but only lasted five innings, giving up two runs. Axelrod pitched six effective innings in his only start, one run, three hits and four strikeouts. We haven't faced Santiago yet in 2013, but he has been good historically, 2.76 ERA in 16.1 innings and a 11.0 K/9.

Key Relievers

Reed has been very effective in his nine appearances against the Tribe, only allowing two runs back in 2011. He has two saves in two chances this season against and only allowed two baserunners in three innings. Crain has a career 2.08 ERA in 65 innings and a 1.123 WHIP against the Tribe. He has been basically unhittable this season, his last earned run came against us on April 12. Thornton has typically struggled against us, 4.75 ERA in 66.1 innings, 1,432 WHIP. And 2013 hasn't been all that great either, 2.45 ERA with a 1.364 WHIP and 4.9 K/9 in 3.2 innings. Matt Lindstrom (168 ERA+), Nate Jones (94), Ramon Troncoso (101) and Brian Omogrosso (86)) are the other pen options.

On the Shelf

• SP Gavin Floyd (torn UCL right elbow) - 60-day DL, out for season
• 1B Paul Konerko (back soreness) - day to day, possibly this series
• SP Jake Peavy (left rib fracture) - 15-day DL, possibly late July
• CF Dewayne Wise (strained right hamstring) - 15-day DL, on AAA rehab

I would expect to see both Konerko and Wise in this series. Our revenge against Peavy will have to wait.

Almanac

*Does not include 2013 stats