For all of you who have written or said that Ozzie Guillen has gone soft, be advised either the winds are changing or the aliens have returned the Ozzie we know and love. 

After last night's mind numbing, 8-7 extra inning loss to the Kansas City Royals, an annoyed Ozzie said "some of these players better check their ass."  Ozzie went on to say that he's not afraid things to shake things up and that if some of these guys don't appreciate being on this team, he'll find other guys who will.  You know, your typical Ozzie rant when things are starting to get away from him and the team.  However, this year it seemed to come a lot earlier.

If you were like me and giving this team the benefit of the doubt, this should be the first red flag.  I've said over and over that the Sox offense had not been adequately supporting their pitchers, but last night, Pink Gavin Floyd was staked a 3-0 lead.  When Floyd would give something back, the Sox would answer, leading at one point 4-1 and 5-4.  The Sox also led on several other occasions only to squander it and ultimately lose the game.  It was the first game they had lost after leading after six innings.

The Sox are now 1-4 against Kansas City, a team they need to beat if they intend on regaining their division title.  Additionally, their loss last night could be a stepping stone win for a young Royals team who many believe will be the 2009 edition of the 2008 Devil Rays.  Right now, the Sox are trying to prevent themselves from becoming the 2009 edition of the 2007 White Sox.

I've already seen the "frustration mounts" headline.   If it keeps up, Ozzie will be foaming at the mouth, Paul Konerko will go into the endless loop of "we're trying hard, nobody has given up yet" and the team will be heading down the crapper faster than your morning constitutional.  While many experts may have seen this coming, a lot of people figured if the Sox could run with the pack, they had a decent shot of winning the division.  So, what needs to happen?

• Run support-The offense needs to do their job so the pitchers can relax and the bullpen can get some time off.  No more excuses.
• Jose Do You See-Jose Contreras has maybe two more starts before someone hollers "NEXT."  If that happens, he certainly will be an asset in the bullpen as he can cobble together one or two effective innings.
• I could be Center Field-I'm okay with Pods for the time being.  Really.  It's not the issue unless someone not named Anderson needs to throw someone out at second or home. 
• Confidence-Yeah, you knew there would be a little regression with Floyd and John Danks this year, but nothing Doctor Don can't handle.  Just keep their heads screwed on straight and hope they can get support from their offense. 
• Nix-Getz 1,2 Punch-I think this is the Sox best opportunity at the top of the lineup, dropping Josh Fields to seventh in the order. The question is, where does Nix play?  If Nix can get on, Getz can get home over and hopefully, Q or Buzz Lightyear can get him in.
• Oh Yes They Call it The Streak-This team needs to put together a five or six game winning streak just to show they can do it.  I've read several places that people think they can and a one step forward, two steps back type of club.

It's way too early to panic, but it is time to be afraid, perhaps very afraid if some of these issues don't correct themselves by the end of the month.  Let's not kid ourselves, this is not an elite team by any stretch, but the only way to compete for a championship is to get to the playoffs.  Kenny and Ozzie know this and we'll see if last night's unfortunate and unacceptable loss doesn't light a fire under these guys.  If not, back up the truck and bring on Beckham.

Tonight, the Sox turn to Mark Buehrle for the big stop against Detroit.