Ozzie Has Figured Out Vazquez

Wow. Javier Vazquez has had two starts in a row where he hasn't self-detonated.

Some of the credit has to go to Vazquez, who really does seem to have a new mindset on the mound this season. He doesn't seem to be as bothered by the umpires as he was last year.

It still gets to him, mind you. In last night's game you could see him become visibly upset with some calls, but he was able to move on.

Still, the biggest reason Vazquez hasn't had the huge inning yet has nothing to do with Vazquez.

It's Ozzie.

Ozzie has started taking Vazquez out the minute he shows any sign of trouble from the fifth inning on. On Friday Javier started the sixth inning with a walk and Ozzie practically sprinted to the mound to get him out of there.

If Ozzie keeps doing that, and the bullpen holds their end of the bargain, the way Vazquez pitches before the 5th inning he might end up with 20 wins this season. They'll be the cheapest 20 wins in history, but they'll still count in the standings.

Juan Uribe provided the Sox with all the offense they would need. He had a sac-fly in the second inning, and followed it up with a three-run blast in the fourth. Jermaine Dye also added a two-run shot in the fifth that sealed the deal.

Uribe has been terrific so far this season. He's hitting .321 with 3 home runs and 9 RBI. He's always had the home run and RBI production, but if he can keep his average from dipping too far below .300--say .290 or so--the White Sox are going to win a lot more games this season. Their offense was scary enough last season, and that was only with four guys producing on a regular basis. Now the top and bottom of the order are hitting again. Combine that with the pitching we've had thus far, and maybe the Tigers won't be so tough to catch after all.