Dye for MVP?

After trouncing the Detroit Tigers today 10-0, the White Sox escaped the Motor City with a split of the four-game series that keeps them 5 1/2 games behind the division-leading Tigers.

On paper, the series was a wash. But the Sox must be relieved to come out of it with a split after losing the first two games. As far as I'm concerned, they still have a chance to win the division.

Outfielder Jermaine Dye led the Sox power surge today, hitting two home runs, driving in three runs and scoring three. Dye is having his best season as a pro, hitting .325 with 37 home runs and 99 RBIs. Sports writers really need to take a closer look at Dye as a possible MVP candidate along with David Ortiz of the Red Sox and Derek Jeter of the Yankees.

Where would the White Sox be without Dye, who has had so many clutch hits this season? Konerko has struggled at times and Thome is out with a hamstring injury. In their absence, Dye has emerged as the go-to guy when the Sox really need a big play offensively.

If the Sox do make the post-season -- and Ortiz and the Red Sox don't -- it'll be because Dye's quiet leadership and offensive power got them there.