Believe it or not, the 2007 White Sox were doomed even before Jose Contreras threw his first pitch opening day against the Indians. Just ask PECOTA, an acronym for Player Empirical Comparison and Optimization
Test Algorithm, which correctly projected the White Sox would finish 72-90 before the season began.
The projection was scoffed at by fans and players before the season, probably because the White Sox averaged 95 wins the previous two seasons.
"Well, we're screwed now," Paul Konerko told the Chicago Tribune with a hint of sarcasm in his voice after hearing the projection. "I guess we'll just have to battle through."
I congratulate PECOTA on this being right, but seriously, how did they do that? I mean, no one could have seen a full lineup of experienced, successful, championship-ring-wearing players fail as miserably as they did. The prediction shocked me at the time, and it's even more shocking that it's correct.
It should be noted that in 2005, PECOTA predicted the White Sox would win 71 games. They finished that season with 99 victories, and of course went on to the win the World Series.
Ozzie has traded Kenny a bag of Skittles for the right to contract the Sox and move them to Caracas, Venezuela. Sadly, this wouldn't be the worst trade Kenny has made.