If Mike Ditka were manager of the Chicago White Sox, he'd call Chris Getz  a "Grabowski."  Since da Coach is not, we'll have to refer to Getz in White Sox parlance as a "grinder."

The more I see this kid play the more I like him and yesterday I think I loved him as his ninth inning double scored two runs and gave the White Sox a 7-4 win and their first series sweep in four tries yesterday.

On a day where White Sox starter John Danks had less than his best stuff, the Sox hung in there nicely against Kansas City starter Zach Greinke, who entered the game with an 8-1 record and a 0.84 ERA.  Despite falling behind 4-1, the Sox clawed their way back and eventually got to KC's bullpen for three runs in the top of the ninth.

The sweep put a little distance between the Sox and Royals in the AL Central standings.  When the Sox got to Kansas City, the Royals were in second place, a game ahead of the Sox.  The Sox leave town in second place. 1½ games ahead of the Royals who have fallen to fourth and ½ game ahead of the Twinkies who suddenly find themselves in third.

Ten days ago, I made it clear that the next few series for the Sox were critical and that if they didn't get off the skids, it may be time to bury them.  They have, as I believed they would responded to the pundits, critics and bandwagon jumpers who thought this team stunk.  They have won nine out of their last twelve with timely hitting, good defense, solid pitching and few home runs.  This is what good ball clubs do to win.  With so many games near home in June, a decent month will put the Sox right where they want to be: In contention on July 4th. 

Lightning Round

• Perhaps the most compelling evidence yet to keep Gordon Beckham off the major league roster until September call ups.  I listened to the entire post game show on The Score yesterday and not one jackass called in to demand Beckham be brought up.  See what winning does?
• When Orlando Cabrera comes to bat tonight for Oakland, there is no reason to act like a Cub fan.  Unless you are the official scorer.
• Castro addresses the White Sox.
• Ozzie is pleased with the top of his lineup.  He ought to be.  The Sox have taken off since Alexi Ramirez took over the number two slot.  And props to Kenny Williams for picking Scotty Pods off the scrap heap and bringing him in to lead off for this team.  He's not your 2005 issue Scotty Pods, but he's made a huge difference.
• In a previous life, I had the privilege of working with former Auburn basketball coach Sonny Smith.  Coach Smith's best friend is Del Harris, who I booked on our show several times and had several phone calls with.  Del Harris is a gentleman through and through.  I also got to know his son Larry, who worked with us in Milwaukee when he was GM of the Bucks and is another one of my favorite people in sports.  Del Harris is retiring after fifty years in coaching.  Have a great retirement, coach.  You've earned it!
• I wonder how much this will fetch on EBAY.
  
• Craig T. Nelson: Real American Hero