It’s exactly how everybody predicted it would be, the White Sox chasing the Indians and Royals. After today’s game the Sox are closer to last, that first. That nice start they forged for themselves is now a thing of the past.

For those of you that don’t know me, that 1^st comment was a joke.

For one of the top offensive teams in baseball, the White Sox came up empty the past 3 days against the Angels.

Saturday they were stifled by a rookie, Tyler Chatwood, making his 2^nd major league start, and first ever on the road. The only Chicago run off Chatwood came on Carlos Quentin’s mammoth shot in the 5^th inning. Other than that, the Sox didn’t really threaten at all. Even when they did get on base, like Juan Pierre, he gets gunned out by Hank Conger. Pierre has been caught stealing 5 times, compared to his 4 steals. Not a good percentage so far. Thankfully there are 147 games left to play.

Gavin Floyd looked nothing like the guy who pitched 8 innings, allowing 1 unearned run in his last start. He had a tough time locating, throwing 98 pitches in 6 innings of work. 3 of those pitches were wild, so you can surmise he didn’t have his good stuff on Saturday.

I’m not what to say about Will Ohman. His last 3 appearances he looked dominant, not so much Saturday. The big lefty pitched a third of an inning, giving up 2 hits and a run. Tony Pena’s Jekyl and Hyde season continues, as he pitched a couple scoreless innings.

Sunday, the Sox sent Mark Buehrle to the hill. Buehrle usually pitches well against the Angels. Losers of 3 straight, the Sox needed a gem from their left hander. He didn’t pitch too badly, but the offense, once again, came up nearly empty.

Dan Haren controlled the Sox for 6 innings, only when he tired did the Sox chip away. After scoring 2 runs off Haren, the Angels went to their pen and slammed the door on the Sox.

The Sox did have a chance to win the game in the 9^th inning, off first time Angels closer Jordan Walden, but were unable to capitalize on a bases loaded situation. Juan Pierre weakly flew out to left to end the game. Angels won 4-2, sweeping the Sox in Chicago for the first time since 2006.

The offense is slumping up and down the lineup. Last 6 games, Beckham is 2-22 (.090), Dunn is 2-19 (.105), Konerko 5-24 (.208), Rios 5-22 (.227), Pierzynski 3-14 (.214), Morel 1-13 (.076). The only guys hitting are Pierre who is 8-25 (.320), Quentin 6-24 (.250) and Alexei Ramirez who is 7 for his last 23 (.304). Things will, obviously, turn, but when they go bad they really go bad.

Jesse Crain looked dominant today, striking out 4 of the 6 batters he faced. Crain is very soft spoken, and not a big man, but boy can he bring it.

The Sox need to bring it tomorrow, as they start a 4 game series in Tampa Bay. Edwin Jackson, who struck out 13 Rays the first time he saw them, gets the start for Chicago.