Santos Traded, Buehrle Signed. Where do Sox go from here?

Earlier today it was confirmed that Mark Buehrle would sign with the Miami Marlins. This is a day that will live in infamy for White Sox fans. The day that one of the most consistent and leading pitchers left Chicago. There are many people out in White Sox land hoping that this is just a dream and that somehow the White Sox will still find a way to get Buehrle back. I know this because I had a similar thought when I found out that he would be leaving. I was one of those delusional fans that thought that the White Sox would still sign him despite everything being against them. Now that my delusional feelings can officially be ended, I have a few things to say about Buehrle leaving. The first is that the White Sox lost a very important player. When you think White Sox the first players that come to mind are Paul Konerko and Mark Buehrle. The White Sox no longer have one of their franchise players, and Konerko will have to retire eventually. A big question is who will take over as the face of the franchise. The second thing I have to say is that I'm going to miss him a lot because he was one of my favorite players to ever wear a White Sox jersey. Finally, the last thing I want to say is that the White Sox organization screwed up by not doing whatever possible to keep him here. He has been the White Sox ace and the most consistent starter for years. He has won a World Series game and saved a World Series game. He threw a no-hitter and a perfect game. Through thick and thin, he has been there and I don't know what the White Sox will do without him. He will be missed and I can't help but think that the Sox could've tried a little harder to keep him.

In other news, earlier this week Sergio Santos was traded to the Blue Jays for a pitching prospect. The prospect is supposed to be pretty good, but I'm not sure if losing the closer is worth it. It seems like Kenny Williams has started to begin rebuild time. Now the Sox don't have an ace, a closer, and their setup man is on the trading block. One of their best relievers has been moved up to the rotation and everything is a mess. I don' know where the White Sox go from here, but it doesn't look good and 2012 is going to be a long baseball season.

Game Recap. White Sox win 3-1

Both Gavin Floyd and Tim Wakefield had good games. Through the first few innings, they were fanning down batters. Gavin made the first mistake in the third inning, giving up a home run to Jarrod Saltalamacchia but that would be his only big mistake of the game and the only run he would give up.

In the sixth, Juan Pierre laid down a bunt and reached first on that bunt. Omar Vizquel then sacrificed him over. Wakefield threw a wild pitch and Pierre advanced to third. Konerko hit a deep fly and that would tie the game.

In the next inning, Quentin was walked and then Pierzynski hit a home run that would win the game for the White Sox.

Santos got his 22nd save of the year. Even though he still isn't officially the closer, he kind of is. He'll probably have more than 30 saves this year, which is pretty good for a short stop.

Humber and Lester go at it tomorrow, which should be a good game. Both pitchers have been very good this season.

Game Recap. Sox win 2-1

Alejandro De Aza was called up to replace Alex Rios for awhile. I figured he would play well, but wouldn't be great. I was wrong. In the second inning he hit a two run home run. Those are the only runs that the Sox would score, but also the only ones they would need. De Aza also made an amazing play in the field. Pretty good for his first day in the big leagues this season. I hope to see more of him soon and hopefully this helps Rios know that he has to hustle.

John Danks pitched very well today. He got himself into quite a few jams, but managed to get out of them. He pitched 6 innings giving up 6 hits and one run. That one run was an Austin Jackson home run. He got his 4th win of the season and now has a 4-8 record.

Chris Sale pitched 2.2 innings giving up no hits and striking out three before Sergio Santos came into the game to get the one out save. That save was Santos' 21 of the season.

A good game for the White Sox. The pitching was great again and the bullpen was lights out.