South Side Strong

It's been a while since the Chicago White Sox made the playoffs. In fact, they haven't been to the postseason since 2008. Having watched the Chicago Cubs, their north-side rival, have all the success in recent memory, the White Sox were fed up and decided to do something about it. Low and behold, the White Sox lead the AL Central and are poised to make the playoffs.

The White Sox are the top batting team in all of baseball, leading the majors in batting average (.270). Led by Tim Anderson (.343 BA, .997 OPS) and Jose Abreu (.312 BA, 12 homers, 30 RBIs, .997 OPS), the White Sox are utilizing Guaranteed Rate Field as a hitter's park to their advantage. Eloy Jimenez (.303 BA, 11 homers, 26 RBIs, .958 OPS) and Luis Robert (eight homers, 19 RBIs, .902 OPS), there is no shortage on the White Sox's offensive power.

Chicago also has an excellent one-two combo to front their rotation. Lucas Giolito (who just threw a no-hitter against Pittsburgh) and Dallas Keuchel (2.70 ERA, 1.04 WHIP), Chicago has a formidable front of the rotation that should be a threat in the playoffs. The team's ERA (3.75, seventh in the majors) shows it.

The AL Central actually looks competitive this season. With the Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox and even the Detroit Tigers (!), it should make for an exciting pennant race. The White Sox are hoping they'll come out on top.