Ladies and gentlemen, we've come to the point in the season that potentially could be make or break for the 2008 Chicago White Sox. Ten road games, all against divisional opponents that could have a big say in the outcome of the AL Central race.  I'm aware it's only July 25, but there is no better road trip for the Sox to send a message then this one.

The Sox open the trip in Detroit. The last time the Sox played in Detroit, they got swept out of town.  The Tigers, who many people wrote off in April after a horrific start, have crawled within 5½ games of the Sox.  Two out of three in Detroit would add a little distance between the two teams and maybe kick the Tigers to the curb for the rest of the season. 

Then, it's on to Minnesota, who starts the day 2½ games out (thank-you Yankees!) for four huge games against the Twins.  The only time the Sox played in Minnesota this year was in April, where they were swept in two games.  I honestly believe the Sox could shake up this young Twins team with three or four wins in the roller dome.  And, while you can never dismiss the Twins, you may be able build a nice comfort zone.

So, let's review: The first seven games of this trip are against the two teams closest to the Sox in the standings in venues where the Sox were swept the last time they played there.

If the Sox can tread water in these seven games and then exact a little revenge on the Kansas City Royals, a team that took them two out of three games at US Commisky Park last weekend, this may set the stage for the Sox to coast to a division championship.  And, as we all learned in 2005, anything can happen in the playoffs.

This is not going to be easy.  Realistically, two out of three in Detroit and a split with the Twinkies is my best case scenario, or at least what I think it will take for the Sox to stay where they are comfortably.

In my great unwashed opinion, here's what I believe needs to happen for the Sox to have a successful road trip and still be on top of the AL Central on August 1:

• Young Guns Need to Get Their Mojo Back: Pink Floyd hasn't looked good his in last couple of starts and John Danks looked awful Monday night against the Rangers.  Both of these guys need to get it together for this stretch and return to the form that had people mad that they weren't selected for the all-star team.  I think Danks will bounce back, but Floyd may be a little weary from so many innings pitched this year.  Floyd is especially vulnerable if he goes out and starts slow. Or starts giving up home runs.  Floyd and Danks become that much more important with Jose Contreras on the DL and a rookie pitching in his slot. 
  
• Paging Paul Konerko:  The White Sox captain needs to step up to the plate and shoulder his part of the load.  He's shown slight life signs lately, but the Sox need him to go on a tear.  A big, mean, nasty, home run, double, RBI binge like tear.
  
• Pen Pals: The Sox bullpen needs to get it in gear in a hurry, especially from the left side where both Matt Thornton and Boone Logan have looked Mike MacUseless awful lately.  Scott Linebrink will be available which will help, Bobby Jenks is back, which will also help.  With the exception of D.J. Corrasco and Big Bad Bobby, the entire pen needs to kick it up a notch.
• Don't get greedy, Crede: The Sox defense lately has been inconsistent.  You get the feeling these guys are pressing just a little bit.  Just relax and don't always try to make the web gem play.  Okay, Joe?  You too, 18.
  
• Umps are Chumps: Rob Drake is still in Chicago where he will be drawing the ire of Cub fans the next couple of games, so he's a non-issue.  Anyone know where Phil Cuzzi is?  Let's hope that he's out west and not a participant in at least the first seven games.  Even if he is, quit glaring at the umps on the close pitches and swing at one once in a awhile.  That means you, 25.  And Hawk, there is no crying in baseball so please stop.
• Play Them One Game at a Time: Look guys, as much as this pains me to say, this trip, as important as it could turn out to be, is not the end of the world if you fall on your faces.  There will still be two months of baseball left after it's over, even if you go 0-10.  Just play them one at a time, keep the momentum gained in the Rangers series going and come back at 6-4 and everything will be good.