Chicago White Sox: A Different Look

Posted by Admin on 25 Mar 2010 | General Baseball

Review:

The Chicago White Sox are looking to bounce back from a lack-luster 79 wins in 2009. Finishing 3rd in the American League Central may be alright for a team in full rebuild, but the White Sox believe they can still contend in a weak division with a deep starting rotation, speed on the bases, and a good (not great) line-up. And they may convince others along the way.

Line-Up:

The newly acquired Juan Pierre (.308 average, 30 stolen bases, .365 OBP) is a dangerous leadoff man who will probably score 65-70 runs this season. Shifting from 3rd to 2nd, Gordon Beckham (.270 / 14 / 63) brings the 3rd highest team OPS (.808) and has a lot of growing to do still as he is only 23. Carlos Quentin (.236 / 21 / 56 in 99 games) and Paul Konerko (.277 / 28 / 88) and Alex Rios (.247 / 17 / 71, 24 stolen bases between Toronto and Chicago) will be the ‘core’ of the White Sox order. This could be trouble down the stretch as a possibility of average, power and speed at 3-4-5. Although ideal, it only works if each piece PRODUCES and is CONSISTENT! Rounding out the bottom is DH Mark Kotsay/Andruw Jones, C A.J. Pierzynski, 3b Mark Teahen, and SS Alexei Ramirez. The line-up has potential to be good but also has a lot of holes and question marks.

Pitching:

Although injured when acquired, Jake Peavy brings some needed relief for Mark Buehrle (13-10 / 3.84 / 105 in 213 innings pitched). If Peavy can come through as expected, this rotation is deep and strong. Included is Gavin Floyd (11-11 / 4.06 / 163 in 193 innings pitched) and John Danks (13-11 / 3.77 / 149 in 200 innings pitched). A rotation with this kind of talent 1-4 resembles the Red Sox, Yankees, and Philadelphia in depth (not quality), showing that they can go deep into the season. Closer Bobby Jenks had 29 saves last season and a 3.71 E.R.A. and may be on a tight leash this year. The White Sox also acquired an affordable J.J. Putz to shore up the bullpen.

Summary:

Their line-up looks good on paper, but will they produce? They lost power with the exit of Jim Thome to Minnesota and a risky waiver claim (and expensive) with Alex Rios that has not panned out as expected yet. Expect the White Sox to be busy in trades this season and look for some bats for average in the middle of the line-up and a power bat for the bottom (we have seen the end of Andruw Jones). Bullpen help may not be a priority as their starters go deep, but a solid long inning guy may be on their radar if a starter gets hurt or is not pitching well. I believe they improve on 79 wins, but will not beat the Twins out for the Central. Prediction: 83 Wins, 2nd A.L. Central. BONUS: 4 top starters win a combined 55 games)