Well, it's final over.  The long roller coaster ride known as the 2008 Chicago White Sox have finally glided to a halt as the amusement park known as US Commiskey Park is about to be shut down for the winter.  Unlike the weeping, wailing, gnashing of teeth and perhaps ritualistic sacrificing of small animals coming form the North side, Sox fans have absolutely no reason to hang their heads.

Nobody expected the White Sox to win the AL Central.  Nobody expected the Sox to finish higher than third.  The Sox lost to the best team in the best division in baseball, a division that is now having its' own playoff for the right to go to the World Series.  So this whole thing about getting knocked out is sad, yet comprehensible because the expectations weren't that high to begin with.

In 2008, we saw the future in John Danks, Gavin Floyd, Alexi Ramirez, Clayton Richard and Carlos Quentin.  We saw the handwriting on the wall for Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, Joe Crede and Junior Griffey.  We saw players not expected to contribute jump in and save the day like Juan Uribe and DeWayne Wise.  And we saw the ravages of a depleted farm system crank out disappointment like Josh Fields and Lance Broadway.

In 2009, the mountain will be higher.  The Twins young pitchers will have a year of experience under their belts and won't fade late in the season.  The Indians, provided they get some pitching still have a roster of impressive young players and won't get off to the horrendous start they did this season.  The Tigers still have a roar and the Royals could be the Rays of next season.  Getting back to the playoffs will be a tall order, but with a few tweaks here and there, it can be done.

So long and thanks for playing OC, Junior, Ooh Ooh Uribe, Toby and Joe Crede.  See you next spring, Paulie, A.J., Jimmy, Carlos, Jermaine, Alexi, Swish, Gavin, John, Mark, Clayton,Bobby, Scott, Octavio, Matt, Andy, Ehren, and DeWayne.  Don't let it hit you where the good lord split you Javy, Mike MacUseless, Boone, Josh and Lance.

Kenny Williams is charging his cell phone even as we speak.  His to do list includes rebuilding the entire left side of the infield (maybe, but third base for sure) finding a centerfielder who does not require a walker and is not a member of AARP, finding a couple more competent arms for the bullpen and finding a soft landing spot for Javier Vazquez (preferably with the Tigers, Twins, Indians, Royals or Rays.)

It's a long road to get to the playoffs and you are always disappointed when it doesn't wind up like 2005.  After last year, this will suffice. And if you feel bad, if you're let down, if you feel cheated, do yourself a favor.  Don't get mad, call a Cub fan.  You'll feel a lot better.