Do the 2005 Chicago White Sox have what it takes to finally walk away with baseball's biggest prize for the first time since 1917?

While playing for most of the year with the league's best record, no one is doubting that they will be playing baseball in October (barring a major collapse). Can these Sox accomplish what their counterparts in Boston did just a year ago and complete what may be the best team in the franchise's 105 year history?

The White Sox have held a lead in their own division since day 1 of the season, and it appears that they will go wire to wire in capturing the American League Central division. A reason for that might have to do with their impressive record against an improved division, as they have a 32-9 record against division foes. They have catapulted to the best record in the game (74-42), including the best road record (38-19) and have been the best team in one run games (26-14).

A lot of this success is due in part to an improved pitching rotation and a very improved defense. Last year, the Sox got maybe a handful of wins from their 5th starter, while this year's 5th starter -- Jon Garland -- has 16 wins (13 by the All Star break).

The pitching staff has been productive overall and had compiled 55 wins between the five starters, while the bullpen has been great as well. The White Sox also have a closer this year in Dustin Hermanson who is consistently converting on save opportunities, and the rest of the pen has done a superb job in holding leads and keeping the team within winning all year.

The defense last year was terrible and committed errors at the worst possible times but this year has been completely different. The errors have not been as damaging and are near the top in least errors committed.

Although the offense has not been able to put up the gaudy numbers that teams of Sox past have, their production has come when it is needed most. If leading in 37 straight games to start a season (a MLB record) doesn't relieve any urgency on pitching, fielding or hitting then it at least puts the pressure on the opponents to produce. As a result of this hot start, they went 27-10 and built a comfortable lead in the division.

But not all is good for the Sox as they approach the stretch run. Slugger Frank Thomas, the future Hall of Famer, appears that he will miss the remainder of the 2005 season, a huge blow to a team that has had trouble consistently hitting the ball. Although pitching has been carrying the team most of the year, at some point the Sox will have to start hitting in order to stay in games.

The lack of important games down the stretch also does not benefit them. Going into the playoffs, the Sox may not be playing their best ball and probably will not be going in on some hot streak. Teams in the past that had outstanding regular seasons; the 2001 Mariners, the 2000 White Sox and some of the Oakland A's teams of the last few years to name a few have failed to reach the World Series and only the Seattle Mariners advanced past the Divisional Series (but not after a difficult five game series).

Perhaps the most doubt caused by this team is that it is not playoff tested. How will this team hold up against battle tested and playoff experienced teams like the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Oakland A's, New York Yankees or Minnesota Twins?

Even though not all of these teams may have won World Series titles, they have had recent experience in the playoffs at some level multiple times over the last five years. With an inexperienced team like the White Sox, will they crack under the pressure?

The bottom line is that in order to win in the playoffs, a team needs to have exceptional pitching throughout the team, a great defense in order to hold a lead or keep a team within striking distance and an opportunistic offense. In October it doesn't come down to who hits the most home runs or how many runs you score, but when both occur.

The White Sox have been playing playoff mentality baseball (smart ball or "Ozzieball") all season long and once playoff time comes, the Pale Hose should have no problem adjusting to playing in October. If all holds up, the only problems would be where to hold the championship parade and how badly Sox fans want to rub it in to Cub fans.