In a recent game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago White Sox announcer John Schriffen suggested that the team's difficult schedule might be playing a role in their struggles. While color commentator Steve Stone acknowledged this as one reason, he also hinted at other underlying issues plaguing the Sox.

The White Sox were on the road facing the Brewers when things took a turn for the worse. While Chicago had a decent lead for most of the game, the Brewers surged ahead in the bottom of the seventh inning, scoring six runs and ultimately securing a 10-5 victory. Schriffen remarked that the Sox seem to be catching teams at the wrong time, implying that their tough schedule was working against them.

Stone chimed in, admitting that the scheduling could be a factor but cryptically alluded to additional reasons without providing specifics. "There's a few other reasons," he stated with a laugh, before highlighting the Brewers' commendable performance in the 2023 season.

Indeed, the Brewers have been playing well, currently leading the National League Central with a record of 34-23. If we consider Friday's game, it may be fair to credit Milwaukee rather than solely blaming Chicago.

However, an analysis of the White Sox's performance reveals a more significant issue. With a dismal 15-43 record, they currently hold the worst record in all of Major League Baseball. To put it in perspective, the fourth-place Detroit Tigers in the American League Central are closer to the division lead (10 games) than the White Sox are to them (13.5 games).

Chicago's run differential stands at -134, easily the worst in the league, with the closest team being the Colorado Rockies at -72. This data seems to debunk Schriffen's theory that facing strong teams is solely responsible for the White Sox's struggles.

Another point of consideration is that the White Sox are over one-third through the 2024 season. Dismal performances in the previous season, where they suffered 101 losses, suggest that the team's 2024 struggles may not be solely attributed to facing hot teams. In fact, the few wins they have managed might be the result of encountering opponents during a period of poor form.

As the White Sox continue to grapple with their performance, the team and its coaching staff will need to address the underlying issues that go beyond the strength of their opponents. While facing tough teams can present a challenge, it is evident that Chicago's struggles run deeper than their schedule alone.