The Sox through the first 12 games

Even though that dreaded evil known as school has kept me away for a month or so, I have managed to escape it for a bit. So let's talk some Sox baseball!

First, let's point out the things that have gone well for the South Siders. Their 7-5 record is no slouch, especially when you consider they're only a game behind Cleveland and Kansas City, two teams that certainly won't keep up this kind of play for long. Chicago's offense has been nothing short of terrific, as their 73 runs rank second in MLB to Cincinnati. Paul Konerko's been tearing the cover off the ball so far, hitting .362 with three homers and 12 RBIs, and he's been getting on base at a fantastic .436 clip. Alexei Ramirez is avoiding his usual slow start as well, as he has three home runs himself. Gordon Beckham and Carlos Quentin are both doing well offensively, and once Adam Dunn settles back in from his emergency appendectomy, this offense will arguably be the most formidable one in baseball.

There is one little concern I have with this team so far however, and that has been their bullpen. They have already blown six saves through these first 12 games, with four of them coming from the arm of Matt Thornton, the designated "closer." Is this just a bad start, or a sign of things to come? This bullpen appears to be way too talented to be performing this way. Things especially look worse when your four of your key relievers (Chris Sale, Thornton, Tony Pena and Will Ohman) all have ERAs north of seven right now.

While this is certainly cause for concern, this is not a time for panic, mostly because I believe the starting pitching and offense can carry this team in spite of their bullpen. However, late inning losses can really begin to take their toll after a while, even during the first month of the season. The Sox can win blowout games all they want, but eventually the bullpen needs to start getting their act together and finishing ballgames. Hopefully that begins tonight against the Angels, a team they have played well against during the last few seasons.