Lead Story - 4/1/2026

On the Cusp!

*Story Update: Since the publication of this story the Twins, Jays, and A's have tanked, putting the Sox up five games in the division with 14 games to go.

The gamble may just pay off. At 77-63, +102, the White Sox hold a game on the Jays, three on the Twins, and can almost taste the champaign that will be poured if they finally make the playoffs for the first time in their 16th season of existence. It started with a bold trade. Chicago shipped off 24-year-old budding superstar starter Britt Burns to Minnesota for established star Tom Griffin (13-9, 4.09, 1.21) and closer Fred Holdsworth11 (3.48, 1.03, 33 saves). Banking on established bats such as OF Chet Lemon (.292, .388, .572, 30 HR, 101 RBI) and DH Oscar Gamble15 (.302, .376, .478, 24 HR, 89 RBI), Chicago bet that they could improve enough to finally get the playoff monkey off their back and now they are a mere 22 games from doing so.

Perhaps nobody has been more instrumental or illustrative of the improvement than number two starter Francisco Barrios. In Season 15 Barrios was outright miserable (both statistically and personally) posting a 3-18 record with a 6.04 ERA and WHIP of 1.54. This year, perhaps relaxed due to his demotion to the number two slot and with the addition of a reliever such as Holdsworth11 who can close the door, Barrios has decreased his hits per nine allowed from 11.6 to 9.4 while maintaining his strikeout and walk rates. As a result his record has improved to a sterling 12-8.

It's not over yet. The Sox remaining seven series include five playoff teams from Season 15 in Oakland, Philly, Montreal, California, and defending champion Houston. With the exception of Oakland, which boasts a +90 run differential, all of those teams are set to return to the playoffs this season. In addition, Chicago will meet Minnesota for a very important three game series. If they sweep, a playoff birth is all but a certainty. If they are swept, things become much more precarious. So what do the Sox players say about the pressure?

"You know, after so many failed seasons it's simply a joy coming to the park each day knowing that we have a chance," says Barrios. "Have fun and it will all be okay."

Third baseman Bill Melton, who has played more than 2,000 games with Chicago and has been a part of all 15 non playoff seasons was more circumspect.

"There is a lot of pressure," he says. "Our fans deserve better after all those poor seasons. We traded away the future because we believed we can win now. To not succeed would be a tragedy."

1/10/2026

World Series History

Season 15: Colt 45's over A's in 6
Season 14: Expos over A's in 5
Season 13: Angels over Expos in 6
Season 12: Colt 45's over Twins in 6
Season 11: Twins over Expos in 6
Season 10: Blue Jays over Expos in 5
Season 9: Mariners over Expos in 7
Season 8: Blue Jays over Expos in 5
Season 7: Rangers over Expos in 7
Season 6: Phillies over Twins in 6
Season 5: Twins over Phillies
Season 4: Twins over Pirates
Season 3: Phillies over Rangers
Season 2: Angels over Pirates
Season 1: Pirates over Angels

League Chat Box

A's 1977 fall to Phillies 1969 despite Rijo's efforts

Jose Rijo whiffed 9 batters, but the Phillies 1969 managed to beat the A's 1977, 5-1. | Box

Angels 1971 fall to Expos 1969 despite Tanana6's efforts

Frank Tanana6 whiffed 8 batters, but the Expos 1969 managed to beat the Angels 1971, 3-0. | Box

Red-hot Lezcano15 can't overcome Brewers 1971 onslaught

A 4-RBI game from Sixto Lezcano15 couldn't lift the Padres 1969 to victory. Milwaukee prevailed by a score of 8-7. Doug Loman had a big game as well, knocking in 3 runs for Milwaukee while recording 3 hits. | Box

Big game for Kent16 lifts Blue Jays 1977 to victory

Jeff Kent16 drove in 4 runs, carrying Toronto to a 4-3 victory over the Cubs 1974. | Box

McDowell5 whiffs 8 in 3-2 win

Sam McDowell5 struckout 8 Seattle batters in a 3-2 win for the Indians 1969. | Box

2/2/2026

Pete Rose Era Rebuilds, Season 16

Pete Rose Era Rebuilds is a low maintenance custom league where terrible franchises from the 60's, 70's, and 80's get to try and build to respectability. Unique League Features: 1.) Detailed Season Previews, 2.) Mid-Season All Star Update, 3.) Playoff Preview and Summary, 4.) Draft Analysis, 5.) Periodic News Updates.