The sox made somewhat of a comeback in the AL central as they finished 85-77 2nd in the AL central 14.5 games behind the Cleveland Indians. Frank Thomas, Robin Ventura, Harold Baines and Danny Tartabull were the hitting stars. Frank Thomas was second in the league in hitting with a .349 average while clubbing 40 homers and driving home 134 runs. Robin Ventura had the finest season of his carrer with the bat hitting .287 while hitting carrer highs in homers (34) and RBI’s (105) and won another Gold Glove. Baines had a solid return to the Sox hitting .311 with 22 homers and 95 RBI’s, Right fielder Danny Tartabull (.254) slowed by injuries previous seasons hit 27 homers and had 101 RBI’s. Ray Durham (.275) stole 30 bases and utility man Dave Martinez filled in nicely from the bench hitting .318 adding 10 homers and 53 RBI’s. Right hander Alex Fernandez was the staff ace after the trade of Jack McDowell to NY in the off season. Fernandez was 16-10 with a 3.45 ERA and led the team in strikeouts with 200. Lefty Wilson Alvarez (15-10) had a 4.22 ERA and Veteran Kevin Tapani was 13-10, The staff was rounded out by rookie James Baldwin who went 11-6 and was second in the Rookie of the year voting. Roberto Hernandez had a fine season out of the pen with 38 saves and a 1.91 ERA. Another rookie, Matt Karchner had 7 wins in relief.

Another rookie, Matt Karchner had 7 wins in relief.

 

And to think, we traded a talent like that to the Cubs.

Frank was a beast tha year. Then again. He was a beast every year of the 90's save 99.