Four reasons the White Sox will end up in the playoffs

The Twins and White Sox, the teams of choice for the writers here, are in the throes of a playoff chase. All through the beginning of this decade, there was a lot of talk between Steve and I, Sox and Twins fans. This year, for various reasons, the banter just hasn't been there. The primary reason is that in years past, we believed ours were the more worthy playoff team. This year we keep arguing over why our team will not be making the playoffs. With about 10 games left on the season, let's run down why it will be the White Sox winning the division.

- The Twins starters are pitching fewer innings than the bullpen. About a month ago, the bullpen up and imploded. They couldn't hold leads and teams like the Mariners were coming back and bringing about heartbreaking losses. Well, of late, the young Twins starters have found a way to prevent the bullpen from blowing late leads by just going ahead and falling behind early and getting pulled in the first 4 innings.

- The White Sox hit home runs. Homers are the most reliable way to have runs scored, so even when the team is slumping, they can still score a few runs every series. When the Twins slump, they try bunting. Bunting really doesn't work if the guy behind you can't get a hit, and especially if the guy ahead of you isn't on base and ESPECIALLY if you're Mike Redmond. The Sox, despite their pitching woes, are the more capable team when it comes to scoring runs, which may keep them afloat.

- The Sox have an ace in the hole. They have been playing without MVP candidate Carlos Quentin for the past couple of weeks, and there is still the chance he will return, which, of course, would provide the Sox a kick in the pants. The Twins had their ace in the hole, Michael Cuddyer, return a couple days ago. Turns out, he's a little rusty, as though he hasn't played at all this year.

- The Sox are up 2 1/2 games. The Twins have to lose three fewer games than the Sox for the rest of the year if they want any hope. Even if the Sox go 4-5 over the rest of their season, the Twins would need to finish 6-2 to even tie. Good luck.

If there is anything we can take from this season as Twins fans, it's that we know that our core is talented enough to make strong runs through the season, and now we know our weaknesses for next year.