While they’re streaky, one thing we know about the White Sox’ Cuban born and raised players is that when they’re hot, they’re really hot. When discussing Dayan Viciedo and Alexei Ramirez’s streakiness, you have to note that they can and will carry you at times. The last several weeks could indeed be one of those times for the Sox’ Cuban imports.
Alexei’s numbers are all consistent with his past years’ besides the home run total. Credit: ESPN
Overall, both of their stat lines are right around where most would assume. Viciedo is hitting .256 with 19 home runs and 57 RBI. Ramirez is hitting .260 with 7 long balls and 54 driven in. Sure, some people thought Tank would hit for a bit higher of an average and we all assumed Alexei would end with around 20 homers, but overall they’re pretty predictable numbers. And when you think about it, considering how bad they are when they’re going bad (usually around a .200 average), you realize just how great their hot streaks must be to bring their numbers to where they normally are.
The Sox have more consistent producers in Paul Konerko, Adam Dunn, Kevin Youkilis, Alex Rios, and A.J. Pierzynski, so Viciedo and Ramirez can really be regarded as X-Factors. They can take a team from mediocrity to contention or from good to great.
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A couple of weeks ago, I said that Viciedo is due for a hot streak, and it appears he was indeed. Throughout the last two weeks, Viciedo is hitting .326 and Ramirez’s power has come alive. If those trends continue, the Sox lineup becomes very, very difficult to beat. You simply don’t find other lineups with so many run producers … not even the rival Tigers have that much consistent pop throughout the order.
Do the Sox need these guys to play out of their minds the next month and a half or so? No. But if they do perform well, it really puts the team over the top and in my opinion not only makes the Sox the favorite in the division, but the clear cut favorites at that.