We're getting to the point in the 2009 season where if things do not turn around offensively for the Chicago White Sox soon, the end could be in sight.  Yes, i know it's only May, but approaching the first mile post of the baseball year, Memorial Day, this team has done nothing to inspire confidence that it can shake the hitting doldrums that have hamstrung them all year.

Yesterday's 4-0 shutout at the hands of the Indians only magnified the issues again.  it was the sixth time this year the Sox had been shut out.  Cliff Lee got tired late in the game, but rather than take advantage of it, the Sox left the bases loaded in consecutive innings.  Mark Buehrle didn't pitch poorly, but paid for his mistakes because he got no support from his teammates.

Adding to the frustration, right fielder Jermaine Dye faces a sure fine and possible suspension for tossing his helmet in the direction of home plate umpire Mike DiMuro. 

I lay the blame for yesterday's loss squarely at the feet of manager Ozzie Guillen's lineup.  Jim Thome had two home runs the night prior, yet he wasn't even a starter yesterday.  Corky Miller, who seems to hit lefthanders, was also on the bench in favor of A.J. Pierzynski.  Thome and Miller were two big reasons the Sox won Tuesday night, yet they sat yesterday.  What ever happened to playing the hot hand?  Ay carumba, Ozzie.

Some other quick thoughts:

• When is Major League Baseball going to sit these umpires down and tell them NOT to engage players, managers or coaches in arguments.  This means don't walk toward the dugout, don't point your finger at the dugout, don't keep arguing after the person you are arguing with has had thirty seconds of say and walk away rather than keep the argument going by standing there and keep arguing.  NOBODY goes to the game to watch the umpire (except his family.)  Yet, these umpires continue to be way too combative for no discernible reason.  This needs to stop.  
• Brent Lillibridge is starting to make me miss Jerry Owens.  Oh my God.  Did I actually write that? Obviously, when Brian Anderson is done with his rehab, he'll replace Lilibridge on the roster, especially since Lillibridge has placed himself squarely in the middle of Ozzie's crosshairs.  Daryl Ward could be an option, but Ward replacing Lilibridge would be like a gravel truck replacing a Porche in terms of speed.  Of course, since speed hasn't really been a factor for this team, would that be so bad?  Ward would make a decent replacement for Wilson Betemit, who really has no skills that I can see.
• Captain Obvious speaks.
• Sigh.