For all of the grief White Sox General Manager Kenny Williams has taken for not pulling the trigger on a big deal, it was two of Williams' smaller transactions that have returned the White Sox to the thick of the AL Central race: The re-acquisition of outfielder Scott Podsednik after Pods was cast adrift by Colorado and catcher Ramon Castro, acquired from the Mets for pitcher Lance Broadway.

Podsednik is the most impactful of the two, hitting over .300 and filling the bottomless pit known as the leadoff spot.  In some corners, Scotty Pods is garnering possible consideration as an All-Star. 

Castro, on the other hand, was a big "huh?" when he was acquired.  Thought to be a slight upgrade over the incumbent backup Corky Miller, Castro has done two things well.  First, he has become Jose Contreras' personal catcher, helping Contreras to a sub 3 ERA since his return from the minors.  Second, he's got a little pop in his bat, as evidenced by his three run, game winning home run last week.

Sure, most Sox fans would have loved to have seen Jake Peavy in a Sox uniform, but sometimes it's the little deals that win a championship.  In 2005, Kenny picked up Carl Everett and Geoff Blume before the trading deadline and both helped the Sox down the stretch.  Last year, Junior Griffey contributed even though he clearly was on the backside of his hall of fame career.

So, while you may sit and pine for a big name to come in and help the Sox catch the Tigers, sometimes the guys who are least known or are thought of as done are the kind of character players you need to come in and supplement what you already have.  If you don't believe me, check Kenny's track record.

Lightning Round

• While the Indians are playing like zombies, the Royals are a fiesty bunch.  The Sox need to continue to play good ball and to continue to hit.  You give Mark Buehrle six runs tonight and he will win.
• Why the heck did The Savior try bunting his way on his first time up when he's been hitting the crap out of the ball against Cleveland?
• Carlos Quentin says he may start rehab after the all-star break.  If the Sox continue to play well, I would say don't rush him and make sure he's 100% before he comes back.  That will set up an interesting roster scenario with most likely Dewayne Wise losing his spot.
• Want to know who the next Savior might be?  Need a name to throw at Ranger Ronge during the post game show? (i.e. I think Mark Buehrle sucks and we trade him and bring up Charles Shirek) Jim can help. (Sox Machine)
• If you think Alfonso Soriano got an overpriced, overvalued contract, then you ain't seen nothing yet.  All I know is Hawks President John McDounough used to work for the Cubs.  This is ridiculous.  Scotty Bowman must have been taking his nap while this was going on.  Don't get me wrong, I think Marion Hossa is a good player, but 12 years, $62 million.  I think not.  I can't think of anyone outside of Alex Ovechkin or Sidney Crosby who would deserve a TWELVE-YEAR DEAL.
• I don't know what Bill Weber did, but I know what he won't be doing.