By Mark GonzalesAs long as the White Sox pound three home runs and collect 12 hits one night after beating formidable Felix Hernandez, the debate over whether they need a left-handed power hitter will continue up to Saturday's 3 p.m. non-waiver trading deadline.
"At this point everyone is looking around and trying to get the inside scoop of what's really going down," said Paul Konerko, who hit his 17th home run at U.S. Cellular Field this season. "There is one moment in the next couple of days when everybody forgets about it, and that's when it happens. That's how it kind of happens at the trade deadline.
Photo: Paul Konerko cranks his 17th homer of the year on Tuesday. (Chris Sweda/Tribune)
"The one time we made a nice little move that went under the radar it ended up being a huge move for the team and we went on to win the World Series," said Konerko, referring to the acquisition of infielder Geoff Blum from San Diego.
But Konerko wasn't about to play the role of general manager.
"You look around the room and you think about this team being (9 1/2) games back not too long ago," Konerko said. "Now here we are in first place. I know there are a lot of people that can throw around a lot of numbers and statistics that say otherwise, but it's tough to look around the room and say that when you have a group of guys that can overcome something like that inside the time we overcame it, that anybody in this room deserves to be replaced.
"Because that's what happens if you make a move or trade, somebody has to go. It's tough for me to look at anybody in this room and say they don't deserve to be here because of some statistic. It might not be as important as the chemistry they bring to the team."
Manager Ozzie Guillen hoped that Tuesday's performance will convince general manager Ken Williams to keep the roster intact.
"When you have a team, you want to stay with them," said Guillen, who had the luxury of pulling center fielder Alex Rios after five innings and pitcher Gavin Floyd after seven innings. "Even when we were bad, I wanted to stay with them. Even when I was sitting here trying to get stuff out of my mind to talk to you guys about what I'm going to say now. I always say, 'I like this ballclub,' and I still continue to do that.
"I think they have a lot of confidence right now, they're having fun because two months ago we were very miserable and right now we have to make sure we enjoy it and take it one day at a time. I hope those guys go out there, score six or seven runs every night and make Kenny and my life easier. Keep the same guys the way we want to."
The Sox won for the 16th time in their past 17 home games, and there's a growing sense of confidence at U.S. Cellular Field - especially after a 4-6 trip to start the second half.
"This park, when it gets hot, it's good to hit in," said Konerko, who is batting .338 at home this season. "It should be to the advantage with our pitchers that it's a good thing because we feel like we can hit and do some things and with our pitching, even if the park is playing small, they shut down guys who can hit the ball out of the park a lot. That's how you draw it up and that's been working.
"This team gets into a good routine at home, especially the hitters. You get to control how you do your things throughout the day and can control how you feel going into the game. On the road you're sometimes at the mercy of where you're at and can't do that. We have to get better on the road but it's nice to get the wins at home, too."
The game time temperature was 84 degrees, but Floyd said the conditions were more humid. The muggy weather works well with shortstop Alexei Ramirez, who hit a two-run home run and is batting .367 in his past 29 games.
"I'm working every day, seeing more consistency and I know the pitchers," Ramirez said. "But the weather is a big factor. The weather is just like it is in Cuba. For some reason, and I don't know why, I feel really comfortable hitting in really warm weather. That's a big part of it."
Another great win but you have to feel bad for Rowland-Smith. The guy starts the game with a 1-9 record and the manager Wakamatsu leaves him in for five innings to get shellacked for 11 hits, 11 runs, three homers and two walks. Why torture a guy like that when he obviously doesn't have it? Maybe Wackie is saving is middle relief corps for the stretch run. HEY, WACKIE, THERE WILL BE NO STRETCH RUN! LOOK AT THE STANDINGS, YOUR TEAM IS IN LAST PLACE, 20.5 GAMES OUT! LET YOUR STARTERS RETAIN SOME PRIDE YOU MANIAC.
Yeah, yeah, it's the warm weather and playing at home...that's it.
Come on, you're MAJOR LEAGUE players, stop making excuses.
It is what it is, the Sox are playing horrible teams and beating them like they should.
What will the excuse be when Boston or the Twins crush them at home with this same warm weather?
Wait till next year kids..... daggummmit
Sir Dragon of Oak Forest
Stick with the AL EAST
Pride......tradition............1919
Every player on the roster has not contributed in a significant way. They don't ALL automatically deserve a ticket to the playoffs, so I'd have no trouble replacing them. In fact, someone is due to be replaced when Teahen is brought back. Either Viciedo or Lillibridge. I'd love to replace Linebrink with a quality pitcher. I'd love to trade off Jenks, Jones or Kotsay for someone who can do the job. Paulie is just being diplomatic.