Bold prediction: White Sox targeting MLB home run title

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Kicking off what's expected to develop into a second-half power surge by the Chicago White Sox, lead-off hitter Sam Antonacci on Friday night connected on a two-run home run.

The lead-off hitter likely did more than cap a five-run second inning.

Antonacci may have signaled that the rebuilding franchise's first-half rise to the top of the AL Central may not be a fluke after all.

Coming out of the All-Star break, the White Sox ranked fourth in team homers with 129, 13 behind the MLB-leading New York Yankees.

With slugger Munetaka Murakami returning to the lineup after a stint on injured reserve, catcher Kyle Teel rediscovering his stroke after a late start and shortstop Colson Montgomery continuing to refine his extra-base swing, would it be bold to predict the White Sox ending the regular season as the league's top home-run-hitting club?

Or should it be expected?

White Sox power hitters coming of age

Entering Friday as AL Central co-leaders, the White Sox did not lose much momentum during the All-Star break, collecting eight runs through five innings against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre.

Things were different recently. Two seasons removed from a 121-loss campaign, the White Sox ranked No. 23 in team homers last season, finishing with 165. The team leader, Lenyn Sosa, collected 22 round-trippers.

As the break this season, three batters reached the 20-homer milestone, led by Montgomery's 23. Third baseman Miguel Vargas slammed 21 and Murakami 20 in just 60 outings. All three are 26 years old or younger.

Twenty batters have connected on at least one homer.

With Aaron Judge (ribs) and Giancarlo Stanton (calf) sidelined, the Yankees' offensive production could fade until two of the league's top active power hitters return.

Would it be a bold prediction to think the young White Sox will continue their power surge and overtake the hobbled Yankees?

Or should it be expected?