That was some beating the Chicago White Sox took last night.  Between the unhittable Justin Verlander and two starters leaving the game early, the Sox were no match for Detroit last night 9-1.

The Sox were already behind the eight ball without the right side of their infield, Gordon Beckham (hand) and Paul Konerko (back) out of the lineup.  Things got worse when Freddy Garcia had to leave the game in the second with a stiff back and Manny Ramirez being treated for what appeared to be a bruised hand after being hit by a pitch for the second time in the game. 

The Sox were unprepared for garcia's early departure and trotted out September call ups Lucus Harrell and Carlos Torres to settle things down and spare the bullpen.  Neither was particularly effective and Torres was comical trying to throw inside.  It just goes to show that after Daniel Hudson, the Sox cupboard, at least at the triple A level is bare.

The Sox did work in some of their call ups offensively and in one of the signs of the apocolypse, the Cuban Sandwich earned his first walk in 82 major league at bats.  Other than that, nothing  last night, including the Twins, who, smelling blood in the water, pounded hapless Kansas City.

The Sox tragic number is now 21, with the next eight games perhaps telling the tale.  Two against Detroit, three against Kansas City and then the big showdown beginning next Tuesday at U.S. Comiskey Park against the Twins.  If Garcia is sidelined, there is no telling what Ozzie will do for a fifth starter.  I'm guessing Tony Pena might get another shot after his decent start in KC a couple of weeks ago.  The kids from Charlotte have nothing to offer except to eat innings.  Thank goodness Kenny picked up Edwin Jackson or the Sox would be in really deep trouble.

We've been here before.  Let's hope like 2005 and 2008 the White Sox can dig their way out of it.

Lightning Round

• Steve Stone did an admirable job of play by play last night, filling in for Hawk who  with his family foloowing the death of his brother in law.  I didn't know he had it in him.  For the next two games, Stoney will be away celebrating the Jewish New Year, so Wimpy and the Big Hurt will do the games.  I hope Wimpy has a strong back because he'll be carrying the Big Hurt for both games.
• I hope the next Mayor of Chicago is a Sox fan.  Richie Daley is a lot of things, but he was always a Sox fan, just like his Daddy.