Nathan on White Sox: “We Know A Tough Team Is Coming In”

The Texas Rangers and the Chicago White Sox aren’t traditionally rivals, but as far as this weekend is concerned, we don’t expect any lack on intensity in the three-game series between the two clubs.

Texas opened the month of July by getting swept by the South Siders, this after White Sox’ catcher A.J. Pierzynski more or less called out Ron Washington for leaving him off the American League All-Star team. (Pierzynski also kind of called out Mike Napoli, who was the starting catcher for the AL.)

But the source of the sudden rivalry has nothing to do with the White Sox backstop; rather, both teams are looking like strong playoff contenders as we enter the home stretch of the 2012 season. As a former Minnesota Twin, Joe Nathan is no stranger to playing heated games against the Sox.

“When you are playing a team that you may see in October,” Nathan said, per the Dallas Morning News, “it’s always big.

“Especially when you play a team that’s playing well. We know a tough team is coming in. We don’t want to treat this any bigger than any other series, but at the same time we’ve got to be ready.”