White Sox lose, Rays advance to ALCS

The surprising Tampa Bay Devil Rays won game four of the American League Division Series over the White Sox in Chicago. The final score was 6-2.

The Rays' B.J. Upton, batting second, hit a solo home run in the first inning and Tampa Bay never looked back. Two innings later, Upton hit another, the White Sox didn't score until the bottom of the fourth, when Paul Konerko popped a solo homer. By that time, the Rays had scored four runs. Konerko's shot was only one of three hits Tampa Bay starter Andy Sonnanstine surrendered to the South Siders.

Sox starter Gavin Floyd had a rough day, giving up four runs in three innings.

The Rays will meet the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox in the American League Division Championship Series. Boston topped the Los Angeles Angels in its ALDS this evening.

The White Sox were picked by most of the experts to finish fourth in the American League Central. But they led the division most of the season, despite stumbling in September. It was early last month when the best player on the South Side, Carlos Quentin, broke his wrist. Until that injury, Quentin was a shoe-in to win the American League Most Valuable Player Award.

So this White Sox fan is happy for an enjoyable season. And there is reason to be hopeful for 2009. For instance, Gavin Floyd, who is only 25, was 1-5 last year. He was 17-8 in 2008. As for Quentin, he batted just .214 last year.

But White Sox need to add speed to the roster if they're going to contend next season.

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