Red Sox Series Preview: Battle of the Disappointing Sox

Aug 23, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (25) gets a hit to drive in a run against the Kansas City Royals in the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

If the Boston Red Sox have been considered a disappointment this season with all their underperforming big money signings, it is safe to say that the Chicago White Sox are in the same boat.  Playing in the same American League Central as the resurgent Kansas City Royals, the White Sox felt the need to go out and sign some high profile free agents to compete with the American League Champion Royals.  Jeff Samardzija, Melky Cabrera, Adam Laroche, and former Yankees closer David Robertson were brought in after last year’s 73-89 season.

With the exception of Robertson, who is performing to his career norms, the other three are significantly below their career averages. Samardzija especially, with his 8-9, 4.64 ERA this season has to be especially disappointing for the White Sox, after last season’s outstanding performance splitting time between the Cubs and Athletics (2.99 ERA). This has to be a factor in the White Sox lackluster season thus far, as they have limped to a 58-64 record, in seventh place, five and a half behind the current second wild card leader Texas Rangers. The White Sox are two games under .500 since the All-Star break, and 9-12 in the month of August, winners of three of their last four games.

After a crushing defeat on Sunday, the Red Sox are 56-68 on the season. Boston is 10-10 in the month of August and 11 games behind the Rangers for the second wild card spot.

Let’s take a closer look at the Red Sox series as they travel to Chicago to take on the White Sox tonight.