Chicago White Sox may be a pretender in the American League

The Chicago White Sox currently hold the top overall seed in the American League. However, that designation is tenuous at best.

The Chicago White Sox have been on an excellent run of late. They have won four consecutive games heading into Monday, and eight of their last nine. This hot streak has fueled a surge to the top of the American League standings, with the White Sox holding the top overall seed in the AL by half a game over the Rays.

But one has to question how viable this performance is going forward. The White Sox have been able to pad their record against the dregs of the AL Central.

In reality, this is what good teams do. They batter the weaker teams while aiming to play .500 ball or better against winning teams. The White Sox have taken the first part of that concept to heart as they have demolished the Royals and Tigers.

But it is their record against everyone else that is concerning. If their 3-1 record against the equally miserable Pirates is removed, then the White Sox are just 9-13 against the rest of the Central teams.

This could be a major factor down the stretch. Chicago has four games left against both the Twins and the Indians. Meanwhile, they hold a one game lead over Minnesota for that top overall seed. The Indians have struggled of late, but are just 4.5 games back and could make a push.

The White Sox discrepancy against better teams does nothing to take away from this season. Lucas Giolito has been able to establish himself as one of the better starters in the game. Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert appear to be emerging stars. Jose Abreu is making a case for MVP and has an outside chance at the Triple Crown. This has been the type of season the White Sox were hoping for.

But that does not mean they are ready to be an actual contender just yet. The final two weeks will go a long way to determine whether the Chicago White Sox are contenders or pretenders.