White Sox ready to put '07 behind them

After losing their first two games of the 2008 season, the Chicago White Sox have responded by winning five straight to catapult to the top of the American League Central standings.

For the White Sox faithful who had been crossing their fingers that the disastrous 2007 season was merely an aberration, this past week would seem to vindicate that hope. At the very least, it has shown they are coming to the park expecting to win each day.

Some in the clubhouse are already drawing comparisons to 2005 World Champion White Sox. Manager Ozzie Guillen told the Chicago Tribune that he thought his current team was more together and has more fun than the '05 group. Still, he did stop short of predicting a parade in November.

In any case, the club appears to be fairly strong across the board. The lineup has a collective .276 batting average, good for third-best in the AL. The bullpen has been rock solid, and guys are diving all over the field making highlight reel plays.

Upon the team's return to Chicago following a sweep over the Tigers, Guillen couldn't hide how he felt about his ball club.

"I think the Chicago fans should be happy because we have a better club than people think," Guillen told the Chicago Tribune.

In their home opener against Minnesota Monday night, the White Sox extended their win streak to five games thanks to Joe Crede's seventh-inning grand slam that broke open a close game.

Continued at My Sportsbook...