By Soxman and Paul M. Banks

For the 2nd straight week, Soxman is once again in the driver’s seat at the Sportsbank, and plays host as Paul M. Banks pulls up a chair to talk 2nd place, 2nd thoughts on Brian Anderson, and a 2nd injury to Chris Getz.  We also move forward with the 2nd week of Maybe or Mirage, the Sportsbank’s White Sox version of ESPN’s 30-second drill.

SM: Well we are almost one month into the 2009 season and the standings say we are just an average team at 9-9.  I’m thinking of writing a book called A Tale of Two Teams to describe our Sox this season.  Want proof?  The Toronto Series.  We have seen some spectacular defense, such as the amazing diving catches by Brent Lillibridge and Jerry Owens, offensive execution and timely hitting in Saturday’s game, and then sloppy defense by Alexei Ramirez and Brian Anderson with offense that was just plain offensive in Friday’s 14-0 embarrassment.   Which performance do you think is reflective of the real team?

(PMB) Like on Sesame Street, “this week’s Sox Exchange is brought to you by the number 2.” I think this “two-faced” team is on pace for a 83 to 85 win season. I think you’re right about the roller-coaster. Expect a lot of results on this team (and in the AL Central overall) to not make a whole lot of sense. Ozzie told the media right before the season started that this team will be faster than last year’s, and that the only slow guys on this team are well, the middle-of-the-order guys we all know and love. This team should be able to move and bump and grind (with apologies to R. Kelly) out a few more runs than last season.

But I think the record will still decline from last year because I have bigger questions about our starting pitching, and as the old baseball saying goes “momentum is only as strong as tomorrow’s starting pitcher.” So that’s why we’ll see so much polarity.

SM: Speaking of Brian Anderson, it appears as though he’s making the most of his opportunity to become the everyday CF.  As you know, I have been one of his harshest critics, mostly because of the attitude he carried early in his career.   Don’t look now, but BA is leading the team in BA (pardon the pun), and has walked seven times leading all regulars with a .444 on base percentage (OBP).  Is it time for Soxman to admit that BA has finally arrived?

(PMB) Remember how down you were on Gavin Floyd at the beginning of 2008? His rapid progress shocked you (and pretty much everyone who saw him pitch in the Phillies organization) Still I just criticized BA harshly here last week.  His career batting average (.222) and on-base percentage (.282) are LAUGHABLY bad. However, Bobby Jenks was also once a prospect who seemingly loved the nightlife a bit too much and let it get in the way of augmenting his game. Ozzie helped straighten him out, if Anderson has got his ego in check…Perhaps now he’s matured and is ready to focus on developing his natural talent into making himself a true Major League hitter?

SM: Now onto the player who most resembles my exchange partner, Chris Getz, who could end up on the DL.  Can this kid catch a break (pardon the pun) or what?  He broke his wrist last season, hurt his hand early in the season, and now a broken finger.  He was handling lead-off duties well, hitting .340 with 3 SB and a .404 OBP., second best on the team.  Ozzie said Sunday that Gordon Beckham will not be called up in 2009 leaving Brent Lillibridge and Jayson Nix as the only viable alternatives.  Who do you think will man 2nd base and the lead-off spot?  Huge swallow…from a speed and statistical perspective, Brian Anderson is currently the best candidate.

(PMB) I’d love to get a Getz jersey t-shirt, but I’m hoping that he can stay off the DL long enough to get them from production to market. Ozzie raves about his potential- especially as a leadoff hitter. He’s certainly paid his dues, perhaps karma is about to bring him some well-deserved and better fortune. Nix’s injury was equally unfortunate and set him way back in the second-sacker race. Perhaps we can move Alexei back to this spot and bring back Orlando Cabrera? It took him awhile to get signed in the off-season…(J/K LOL!) Obviously, we’ll see pigs fly first.

If we could just build a Lillibridge to the portion of the season with a healthier roster and better depth, By that I mean, just tread water with Brent leading off until we have options again, I think it’s our best scenario. BA as the best plann?!?! You just scared the beJesus out of me as well as baseball fans from the South Loop to Tinley Park with that statement.

(SM) Alright lets close this week out with a piece growing in popularity Maybe or Mirage, where we hit 5 quick points on the White Sox and offer our opinion whether it is a sign of things to come or something likely to fade quickly.  Remember, no answer can be longer than 20 words!  Let’s play ball…

Lance Broadway will solidify the innings eater void in the bullpen.

(SM)  Mirage, “Jazz Hands” was 0-2 with a 5.63 ERA (10 ER/16.0 IP) and 15 strikeouts in three starts with Charlotte this season.  Two words:  Aaron Poreda.

(PMB) Mirage. I can’t think of any pitcher named like the lead in a cheesy elaborate big-budget musical who’s ever been good. He’s a bust like Joe Borchard.

Ken Griffey Jr. will hurt the White Sox in his return to Chicago this week.

(SM) Maybe.  Despite hitting just .192, Thomas and Crede homered in their return to the Cell.  Cue the Soul Glow music.

(PMB) Mirage. Jr. back in Seattle is like Willie Mays as a New York Met or The Babe as a Boston Brave: a way-past-their-prime legend returns to the city he started in to finish his career

Paul Konerko is back.

(SM):  Maybe.  A .537 slugging percentage and 13 RBIs in 12 games.  The Paulie wall is once again lit in the Sox Cave.

(PMB) Yes. What’s this? I’m just as optimistic if not more than SM this week! Usually I’m cynical.

Carlos Quentin is hiding an injury

(SM): Mirage.  2 hits in 11 at bats?  Bah.  He learned the damage bats can do. Now someone tell him about fastballs!

(PMB) Mirage. He had 7 HRs in like 10 days, He’s just coming down to Earth after an off-the-charts beginning.

John Danks is the Best Pitcher on the White Sox.

(SM): Maybe. 2-0, and a 0.95 ERA, second best in the AL.  I’m officially on the Danks bandwagon.

(PMB) Agreed. He’s developing into a star, which is especially great because Jack Egbert (6.43 ERA, 1.57 WHIP in AAA ball) and Jeff Marquez (0-3, 13.06 ERA for the Charlotte Knights) don’t seem to be!

Follow paulmbanks