The second half begins tonight for the Chicago White Sox as they meet Baltimore at U.S. Commiskey Park.  The first game post all-star game finds the Sox 2 games over .500, 3½ games behind AL Central division leading Detroit.  If you asked most people in May, this team was dead and buried, but a strong run beginning in the middle of June and extending until almost the break has gotten the Sox right back into the thick of it.

How does this team now go from point "b" to point "a".  Here's what Captain Obvious has to say:

• Big hits mean big wins:The Sox have been much more successful recently getting clutch hits with men on base.  They need to continue the trend to lower their percentage of runners left in scoring position.  They also need to get two out hits.
• Q to the rescue:Carlos Quentin needs to come back and hit like the 2008 pre All-Star break Carlos Quentin.  Chances are, he'll hit fifth or sixth, so if he can clear the bases ahead of him or set the table behind him, his addition will go a long way to keeping the Sox in the hunt.
• Tighten up the defense:  I'm tired of all of the excuses, especially about the left side of the infield.  If Beckham is a liability, find a utility guy and insert him in the eighth inning at third.  If the Cuban Missile plays defense with his head up his backside, sit his backside down and let Jayson Nix start until the Missile figures it out. The Sox have to improve their defense.
• To catch a thief: Another thing I am tired of is the combination of Sox pitchers not being able to hold base runners and A.J. Pierzynski not being able to throw out my grandmother (who died in 2004.)  Fix this!
• Preserve Pods:Scott Podsednik has slowed down the last couple of weeks.  Hopefully, he'll return refreshed after the break.  The Sox need him at the top of the order. 
• Taking the fifth: The Sox have gone back to the future and 2004 in their hunt for a reliable fifth starter who can get them a quality start.  Both Bartolo Colon and Clayton Richard have had their moments, but someone needs to step up now and take the role by the short curlies.  Even if it is Aaron Poreda.  At this point, I'd give Arnie Munoz another shot.  Just kidding.
• Revising the roster: The Sox need to think long and hard what they will do when Carlos Quentin comes back (reportedly next week.) Dewayne Wise is out of options and Brian Anderson has one left.  Which one would you keep?  I favor Anderson who is a solid defensive player.  You'll need him late in the game to replace the weak armed Podsednik in center.
• Pen them up: The Sox bullpen is solid, but they need to avoid situations like Saturday night when they almost coughed up the game to the Twinkies.
• Winning starts at home: The Sox need to play better at US Commiskey Park.  They also need to do better against both Detroit and Minnesota.