Whew… That’s a mouthful! The Chicago White Sox hit four consecutive home runs off two Kansas City Royals pitchers in the sixth inning of Thursday’s game.

Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, Alexei Ramirez and Juan Uribe completed the rare feat for the White Sox. Thome, Konerko and Ramirez all homered off KC hurler Joel Peralta, before he was yanked in favor of Robinson Tejeda, who surrendered the final blast to Uribe.

The video shows the impressive accomplishment, but you have to wonder what was going through the head of Peralta, who gave up three of the bombs. After the first home run, he probably didn’t think much of it, but it had to be on his mind after the second dinger. It is most certainly, the third tater that he won’t be forgetting for the next few days.

If Peralta’s MLB career is ever cut short, I’m sure the White Sox would love to have him as a batting practice pitcher for their organization. Check out the video below to see all of the long balls.

If you can’t view the video above, click here to see the ESPN.com video.

“I tried to play him in the outfield. It didn’t work. He couldn’t throw in from the outfield.”

I saw the big bold quote on this story before I even read it. And when I saw it - I just about spit a mouthful of Mt. Dew all over my computer screen. Now - this is a quote! A quote from none other than the ‘Master of Words’ - Jim Leyland.

Leyland is obviously fed up with hearing about Gary Sheffield’s claim that the 39-year-old can still play the outfield every day. Right now it looks like Sheff is having a hard time just swinging the bat (.210 average).

Leyland says he told Sheffield, before being traded from the New York Yankees, that he would only DH. So - maybe Sheffield is just in denial. Either way, one thing is certain. When a quote like this comes out, maybe you should think if you really have a legitimate claim. Sheffield may need to rethink the situation.

Photo: Newscom

In case you haven’t noticed, the best pennant chase in Major League Baseball is not happening in the American League East. It’s actually happening in the AL Central, where the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins are fighting for the top spot.

Coming into today’s games, the White Sox hold a slim one-half game lead over the second place Twins. However, it took 12th inning heroics by the Kansas City Royals to knock the Twins from the top spot on Sunday.

Sure, the AL East has big names like the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees (who are both losing to the Tampa Bay Rays). And the National League East seems to have a good fight between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets. But, the Twins and White Sox are both defying the odds. This wasn’t supposed to be the story this season. It was the Detroit Tigers’ year to win the division. Not so fast!

Chicago opened the season at 28/1 odds of winning the AL pennant. Minnesota faced 15/1 odds. Both trailed Detroit at 6/1 odds. However, it’s the White Sox and Twins that are the stories this season, with unproven lineups and pitching rotations.

The two clubs have just one three-game series left against each other, which will take place September 23, 24, and 25 at the Metrodome. We’ll have to wait and see how this chase finishes.

Think you know who will win the AL Central? Make your voice be heard with a comment or by voting in the poll (located in the right sidebar).

Photo of Chicago White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye: Newscom

I’m sure everyone noticed that C.C. Sabathia won his first game with the Milwaukee Brewers this week, yet his former team - the Cleveland Indians - have dropped 10 consecutive contests. General Manager Mark Shapiro better hope that Matt LaPorta is on track to make the majors this season, otherwise his team could be falling well past the Seattle Mariners and the Washington Nationals with the worst record in the entire league.

You already know my feelings on the Sabathia trade. The Indians didn’t get enough in return for the former Cy Young Award winner. Shapiro jumped the gun and sold off Sabathia out of panic.

Believe it or not, there are a few diehard Indians’ fans left (no - this is isn’t a Major League movie). Check out this video of one fan’s attempt at a tribute to his favorite team.