20

7-11.  No, we're not referring to the convenience store that paid the White Sox to start home games at 7:11 pm.  We're talking about being 7 games behind Detroit with 11 left to play.  The Sox have an elimination number of 6 and a Magic Number of 20, never a good combination.  But most fans are ready for this season to be over, and it seems like the team is too.

The only bright spot in yesterday's 7-0 loss to the Twins was rookie pitcher Daniel Hudson.  In five innings, he gave up one earned run (three total) on four hits and four walks.  Look for Hudson to compete for the fifth spot in the rotation next year.

We weren't that eager for the season to end on July 23.  That was the day Mark Buehrle threw his perfect game, and it was the last time the Sox were in first place.  Since then, the team has been a disappointing 23-33.  That's no way to win the division, and there's no way the Sox win the division.  This year. 

For some reason, I'm strangely optimistic about next season.  Having four starters who've gotten it done in the past and some decent options for the fifth spot makes me think the Sox could have a decent year once they get this stinker behind them.  Jermaine Dye won't be around to see it, but the rest of the core probably will.  A healthy Carlos Quentin, who plays like he did in 2008, a fresh start for Alex Rios that returns him to All-Star form, another year under the belts of Gordon Beckham, Alexei Ramirez, and a hopefully healthy Chris Getz all make me look forward to 2010.  Maybe it's just the desire to stop thinking about 2009, but so be it.  Go Sox!