Smallball Small Part of Postseason.

Yet another game-winning homerun in the playoffs followed by yet another essay which concludes that homeruns are relatively unimportant.


The White Sox are not a small ball team The White Sox hit 200 homeruns in the 2005 regular season. That didn't lead the league, it was fourth in the league. But they hit one more than the Red Sox and I'll betcha didn't know that.

The White Sox also stole a lot of bases in the 2005 regular season, 157 to be exact, which was third in the American League.

So while they clearly didn't rely on small ball, it's fair to say they have a "balanced attack." The much-coveted "versatile lineup."

Of course, no team's lineup was more "versatile" than Tampa Bay's with its 150+ homeruns and 150+ stolen bases. Except Tampa Bay sucks, so let's not talk about them. They're the smallball failure that nobody is trying to emulate.


"There is a general perception floating about that these teams have brought honor back to little ball. That a willingness to sacrifice, steal a base and emphasize defense has created the World Series match-up. So perhaps Gashouse Gang baseball will soon be back in vogue."

The White Sox are storming through the postseason by relying on power, not speed and sac bunting. Eighteen homeruns in eleven games, with only seven stolen bases.

Homeruns are good. I'm not sure why so many baseball observers dislike homeruns so much.