White Sox Are Still a Enigma in Victory

One month into the season, and the White Sox, who begin a series with the Angels on Friday, are a major disappointment.

They have the worst record in the American League and are lucky to be in AL Central, where as the last-place team, they are only five games out of first place.

What’s wrong? What’s not?

Albert Belle, the $11-million-a-year free agent, has struggled all season, going one for four on Tuesday night before hitting a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning to give the White Sox a 2-1 victory over Texas in Chicago.

He is batting .202.

The White Sox have missed third baseman Robin Ventura, who is out three to four months because of a broken ankle, and the Cincinnati Enquirer reported they are in the market for 36-year-old Terry Pendleton, whom the Reds called up from triple-A Indianapolis on Tuesday.

“When you are 7-16 [now 8-16], you don’t focus on one area. There are a lot of problems,” Ron Schueler, Chicago’s general manager, said Tuesday, adding he’s not ready for a major shakeup just yet. But the Chicago Tribune reported that the future of Manager Terry Bevington depends on the White Sox’s play the next two weeks.

Part of that time may be spent without outfielder Tony Phillips, a former Angel who was suspended for two games for a run-in with umpire John Shulock. Phillips is appealing.

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NEXT SERIES FOR ANGELS

WHO: Chicago White Sox

WHERE: At Chicago

WHEN: Friday 5 p.m., Saturday 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.