If Al Michaels was in Chicago today he would have said something like, “Do you believe in miracles?” Right now if you’re a White Sox fan, that’s the only thing to hope for. I hate to be a bearer of bad tidings, but I don’t think it’s gonna happen.

Back on September 18th, the Sox were 81-66, 3 full games ahead of the Tigers. Fast forward to September 30th, the Sox are 83-76, 3 full games back of the Tigers. That 2 and 10 record has all but eliminated the Sox from the post-season. Well, that’s not completely true, the Sox could sweep the Indians, while the lay down buys from Kansas City could do the same to the Tigers. Considering the Tribe just took 2 of 3 from the Royals, cumulating in a 15-3 beat-down on Sunday, both of those scenarios aren’t gonna happen.

You know what, I’m disappointed, but not mad. This is a team that wasn’t supposed to be within sniffing distance of the Tigers, and instead won’t be eliminated until the last 3 games of the year. That is damn good.

I have no inside information, but I do believe Sunday was the last home game for catcher A.J. Pierzynski. He has been an outstanding presence in the lineup since 2005. Unfortunately, his possible last home-stand wasn’t that good, going 4-20 with a home run and 2 RBI.

Wasn’t much better for the rest of the crew:

Adam Dunn went 2-25 in the final 7 home games. As a matter of fact, since his heroics last Monday, Dunn has just 1 hit in his last 21 at bats.

Paul Konerko went 5-25 with a home run and 2 RBI.

Dayan Viciedo went 4-16 with a home run and 3 RBI.

Alexei Ramiirez went 4-23 with 3 RBI.

Team MVP Alex Rios was the exact opposite, going 10-25 with a home run and 3 RBI, while Kevin Youkilis had 9 hits in 27 at bats, but with just 1 RBI. At least he was reaching base.

Pretty much the entire offensive staff was in a funk, especially against the Rays, finishing 5-25 with runners in scoring position. Even worse, in 2 of the games they only had runners in scoring position 3 times!

I have nothing bad to say about the staff. These guys just wore down. Chris Sale and Jose Quintana have thrown more innings than they ever have, while Francisco Liriano has been a bust (I was wrong on that one).

Jake Peavy pitched himself into a huge contract next year.

Gavin Floyd pitched one his best games in weeks, picking up the only win for the South Siders this weekend.

And the bullpen is mostly kids, who have never been on these type of pressure situations.

Am I disappointed..Hell yeah, but under the circumstances, I have to be realistic too. Having 4 games against the pitching rich Rays this late in the season wasn’t easy either.

Here some good news–or is it. Next year, the Sox finish at home against the Royals. Hopefully, by then they will have found a way to beat them.