In case you thought the power-hitting catcher playing everyday for the Chicago White Sox this season was someone other than longtime South Side luminary A.J. Pierzynski, worry not: it's definitely still A.J. Pierzynski. After blasting two homers in two games against the Twins this series, Pierzynski now has as many home runs this season (18) as he did each of the last two seasons combined. But make no mistake: A.J. is still very much A.J.
↵Example A: after scoring the game-tying run in seventh inning on Tuesday against Minnesota, those ever-present microphones in Target Field caught Pierzynski saying "Let's hit this piece of shit!" loud and clear while Twins starter Nick Blackburn toils away in the distance. Important note: Pierzynski reached base after getting hit by a Blackburn pitch, so he had a reason to be upset. The moment was immediately canonized on Deadspin. Yep, classic Pierzynski.
↵Classic met modern in the top of the ninth when Pierzynski blasted a two-run homer to put the White Sox ahead and snap a two-game losing skid. He's OPS'iong .866 on the season and showing no signs of slowing down. I don't know how this is happening, but the White Sox's postseason chances hinge on A.J.'s insane year continuing.