I am ready to report my report card for the first half of the 2008 season.  I have highlighted the best and worse of the 2008 White Sox. I will start off with the players deserving the highest praise.

Carlos Quentin (A+) If there was a first half MVP of the White Sox it has got to go to Carlos Quentin.  Kenny Williams definitely found a diamond in the rough as Quentin has kept this team together with his bat and reliable defense. At times Quentin came out of no where and helped lead this team offensively when players like Paul Konerko and Jim Thome has rough first halves of the season.

Jermaine Dye (A) When Paul Konerko went down in mid June Jermain Dye certainly came up with MVP like numbers.   Dye once again is at the tops  in the American League in homeruns and RBI’s  despite not getting an invite to the All-star game . His bat and glove have won and saved about a dozen games this year. 

A.J. Pierzynski (A) The man that everyone in the league hates is still showing the White Sox why they continue to love him.  Batting over .300 and at times batting second in the lineup AJ helped the offense solidify itself.  He has come big when needed with the big hit and has done a even better job on defense where he is helping and contributing to one of the best pitching staffs in the American League.  It was another shame that AJ did not get voted an all-star but thats’ alright AJ usually gets the last laugh in the end.

Joe Crede (A-) Before this season began some thought Joe Crede would not be the same after his back surgery and it was time to give Josh Fields the rings at third base full-time.  Well once again Crede proved everyone wrong and actually batted a lot better than most expected.  He gets an A becasue he was not even expected to be as good as he was but he gets the minus for the un Crede like errors at third base.  Although Joe did have some nice grabs down at third.

Alexi Ramirez (A-) When we first saw the opening day line up for the Sox we saw an unfamiliar face in center field.  His name was Alexi Ramirez and now Sox players and announcers refer him to as the Cuban Missile.  Ramirez has been great filling in at second, short stop, and center when needed.  As well he has been a spark on offense that many did not expect right off in the beginning.  Hitting .300 and being a reliable fielder Ramirez is making a case for early ballots for rookie of the year.

Nick Swisher (B+) If Nick Swisher was more a bad guy he might of got a C on this list based on his numbers in the first half.  However Swisher has helped lesson the stress in the clubhouse and has been a reliable player so far after Kenny Williams got him via trade in the offseason.  I do expect better numbers in the second half.

Orlando Cabrerra (B) Cabrera has been a little bit of a distraction in the club house with his sometimes selfish antics.  However he has had a pretty reliable bat after a terrible April and is showing the Sox why this guy is a constant .300 hitter with high on base percentage.  He has also played a very strong short stop making the infield better since his arrival.

Paul Konerko (D-) The captain and veteran of the Sox better get it going if he wishes to keep his everyday spot at first base.  Paul has been hurt and that is why he did not get a ‘F” but he is one that must turn around in the second half if the Sox want to get into the post-season.  His defense has been really bad lately and his bat has been ice cold and has yet to thaw out,  However if his baseball card is right he should have a better second half.

Jim Thome (C-) Another player needing a better second half is the Mr Incredible himself Jim Thome.  Thome has played better of late but is not showing us yet that he can carry this time at moments in the season.  I believe Ozzie did not use Thome as much in the inter-league match ups because Ozzie knows he needs a healthy Jim Thome if the Sox want to make noise in August and September.  

Juan Uribe (D-)  The only good Uribe has done is filling in at second for awhile but he has done nothing at bat this year.  The Sox patience may be wearing thin with Juan as Alexi Ramirez has given Kenny Williams a reason not to keep Uribe.

Brian Anderson (B) Brian has adjusted very well being a fill in center field player.  Coming off the bench and not starting on a regular basis can sometime destroy a young player’s confidence.  Brian has excepted his role and Ozzie should be plenty proud of Anderson.  Brian has been big at bat in big moments and continues to show his best side which is his defense.     

Pablo Ozuna (C) It was unfortanant Pablo has not been contibuting becaseu of injury but this guy will be remebered as one of the players that helped the 2005 White Sox win the world series.

Toby Hall (B-) Hey being a back up catcher is not easy but Hall has done well since taking over this role. His arm has slowed down the opposition at times and his bat is all but extra with what he brings to the field every day.

Darren Wise(C+) Wise has been a another pleasant surprise helping off the bench with his speed mostly on the base paths and in the alleyways of the outfield..  If we can get him on base more he could be a better threat as a base stealer but he is young and his bat has not yet arrived.

Jose Contreras (B-) After a bad last season Jose has bounced back and has become a rilabl e starter again.  Although he lives and dies with that forkball and if he is on with that pitch he is nearly unhittable.  However Jose still shows inconsistencies and he is a better second half pitcher.

Mark Buerlie (B)  The so called ace of the Whitie Sox got beat up early in the year and at one time had the worst record of any Sox pitcher.  However mark pulled off a strong second half of the first half and is now back on track.  He is a starter that helps teams win when they need it the most and if Buelrie continues his success the Sox will continue to win consistently.

John Danks (B+) Danks has been the best and most consitent starter of any Sox pitcher but his stats do not quite show that becaseu his team for some reason always seem to not get run support for John.  I expect more to come for John and am excited to watch his development as a quality starting pitcher.

Gavin Floyd (B+) Just as reliable as Danks, Gavin has been a great addition to the starting rotation. He has shown he can strike batters out and currently has the best record for the Sox starters.

Javier Vasquez (C+) Vasquez the silent assasin has been just silent.  He has stuggled his last few starts after a promising start.  I do not understand why that this guy should not be a twenty game winner with all of his pitching arsenal.  The Sox need Javier to have a huge second half.

Nick Masset (B) The fill in starter and long relief man for the Sox has done pretty well  since giving that spot in the bullpen.  Nick has good stuff and maybe a potential starter down the road once the stretch begins for the playoff push.  I expect Ozzie and Coop to use him more down the road as long as he stays consistent.

Scott Linebrink (A-) Since brought over from the Giants Scott Linebrink has been a good set up man for Bobby Jenks.  I just hope it continues as the bullpen has bounced back after a terrible season last year.

Octavial Dotel (B-)  Dotel has given the Sox another bridge to use to get to Bobby and he has responded well.  I gave him a B- because he gave up some big runs during the Sox vs Cubs series.

Matt Thorton (A-) After a terrible last season Matt has returned as a dominant strike out reliever.  He is a lefty specialist that gives Coop and OZ quality innings with less stress compared t
o last year.

Boone Logan (B) Once again another bounce back player from a year ago and he needs another strong second half if he wants to collect some money.  Just like Matt, Boone is a rare necessity that all of major league baseball needs a quality left hander out of the bullpen.

Matt Wasserman/ Adam Russel (B) Both fill in guys for the minors have done a pretty good job when called upon.  Russel has been named the vulture for his late inning heroics lately after holding the opposition and allowing the offense to score.

Bobby Jenks (A)  One of the most reliable closers in the majors just does his job when called upon.  He had a few bad games but no closer is perfect 100 percent the time.  The Sox just need this guy healthy and he should bounce back from his latest injury.

Overall Sox Grade (B+)  I am pleased with the White Sox first place position but since 2005 I am not willing to give this team an A yet.  I want to see a return to the playoffs and then they will get the A they deserve.