In memory

A great one

Chico Carrasquel, the first in a long line of Venezuelan shortstops to play on the Southside, died over the weekend. He was 77. Chico was a fan favorite, both during his playing days with the Go-Go Sox in the 1950s, and off the field as a coach and commentator with the organization. I had the pleasure to work with Chico more than a decade ago, when I was in a former life a member of the Chicago media. He was always a joy to talk with and will be missed. The Sox will pay tribute to him before monday afternoon's game at Comiskey vs the LA Angels, which will be on ESPN. Look for a video montage and a rendition of the Venezuelan national anthem.

The other news is, Frank Thomas will make his return on monday. Brandon McCarthy was sent down to Charlotte in an effort to make room. McCarthy had two starts with mixed results. Against the Cubs, he pitched good enough to win. Against Texas, he got shelled, as the Rangers ate him alive and knocked all his fastballs clear to the Prairie Chapel Ranch.

The Sox are still the best team in baseball, but are currently in their worst losing streak of the season - 3 in a row and just 2-4 in their last 6 games. The road trip to LA and Texas was brutal. Forget the Yankees and Red Sox, the Rangers and Angels look like the teams to beat in the AL. Here's hoping they beat on each other before the playoffs begin.