On July 31, 1997, the Chicago White Sox trailed the Cleveland Indians by just 3 1/2 games, but the club made a trade that convinced fans they were giving up. Known as the "White Flag Trade", the Sox sent starters Wilson Alvarez, Danny Darwin, and closer Roberto Hernandez to the San Francisco Giants for six minor league prospects. Sox fans were upset, and the team ended up finishing six games behind the Indians. But of the six players acquired by the Sox, three made significant impacts with the club. Shortstop Mike Caruso was a starter for the 1998 Sox, hitting over .300. Bobby Howry saved 49 games for the Sox over the next five seasons. Keith Foulke had the greatest impact, notching 100 saves with the club as the Sox closer.
We have a good club. When Thome comes back things should pick up. Quote me on this: "the Chicago White Sox will not be batting .218 the entire season." The only concern is another team running away with the division like last seaon. If the Sox don't win 85+ games this season, i will be very suprised. Better to have a slump early than a late slump.
