Sox improve by doing nothing

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Twice this week the White Sox have gotten better.

No, Kenny Williams didnt sign a free agent or make a trade for a big time player. In fact, the Sox did nothing.

On Monday, the rival Tigers were dealt a crippling blow when DH Victor Martinez tore his ACL in his left knee during conditioning drills. GM Dave Dombrowski said that theyll replace him from within or via a minor move. Whatever they decide, Martinez is irreplaceable. The Tigers arent interested in winning another AL Central title. Theyre built to win it all, but the Martinez injury brings the Tigers back to Earth, at least a tad.

All Martinez did a year ago against the White Sox was hit .345. He only hit one homer, but it was a crushing three-run shot in mid-September that buried the Soxs chances of a division title and helped the Tigers wrap up the division by a mere 15 games.

On Thursday, Indians pitcher Fausto Carmona was arrested in the Dominican Republic for using a false identity. Turns out hes really not Fausto Carmona, hes Roberto Hernandez Heredia. Maybe the Indians wouldnt mind an identity switch. The one-time 19-game winner was just 7-15 with a 5.25 ERA in 2011. However, the only team he beat twice last season was the White Sox, and its unlikely that Carmona, or should I say, Heredia, will be available to pitch on Opening Day for the Indians in 2012. In fact, its unclear if hell even be available at all in 2012.

Regardless of who wins the 2012 American League Central, that team will need help and luck along the way. The White Sox seemingly wont be picked by national pundits, but they sure caught a pair of breaks this week simply by doing nothing.

Sometimes, crazy things happen. Maybe these bad breaks for the Tigers and Indians could turn into good things to come for Robin Venturas maiden voyage on the South Side.

Stay tuned.

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