MLB 30 in 30: Chicago White Sox Preview

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Taken from: The Traders Arena Blog » Blog Archive » MLB 30 in 30: Chicago White Sox Preview

Last year, the White Sox finished 89-74 as the AL Central winner. They did not get in the way they had expected, having to win their last 3 games against 3 different teams. They ended up beating the Tigers in a makeup game, Royals, and then the Twins in a 1 game playoff. Not the most conventional way to make the playoffs, but however you get in is all that matters, and anything can happen once you are in. They did end up losing in the first round but probably shouldn’t have even made it to being with. They started out awful and then in the 2nd half started playing some nice ball being led by the likes of rookie Alexis Ramirez, Jim Thome, and Carlos Quentin. Quentin likely would have been MVP had he not been injured in the last month and a half. The White Sox made a splash trading their staff ace in Javier Vasquez to the Braves for some really top notch prospects in Tyler Flowers, Brent Littlebridge, and Jon Gilmore. This trade can pay dividends for them in the next few years, they received some of the top prospects from the Braves system. They also traded Nick Swisher to the Yankees for Wilson Betemit, Jeff Marquez, and Jhonny Nunez. Betemit is a nice utility guy for them, although he should not be used in any clutch situations. After you watch him fail time after time again as a Yankee, you get sick of him being used in important situations. They also signed Dayan Viciedo, who was a Cuban top prospect and is only 19, to a four year minor league deal.

Here is their projected position players for the year:

C: A.J. Pierzynski: A.J. was an All Star last year but then cooled down in the 2nd half only ending with 13 HR and 60 RBI, which is respectable pop for a catcher. He has some fire under him which really can carry the team. His intangibles make him invaluable to the team.

1B: Paul Konerko: It may be tough for the aging vet to play 1B full time now that Swisher is gone, but he will have to manage with Thome being the DH. Konerko did not have a typical season last year only hitting 22 HR and 60+ RBI with a .240 avg. I expect around the same as he gets older, I wouldn’t be suprised if he got injured as well.

2B: Chris Getz: Not too much info out there on him, he is a rookie taking over the position. Behind him is Lance Nix and Brent Littlebridge, both are young so that is really a toss up.

SS: Alexei Ramirez: The AL ROY runner up, Alexei put up a great rookie campaign, helping lead the White Sox to the playoffs. He hit .290 with 20+ HR and 70+ RBI with 13 SB. A great year for a short stop, and to top it all off in his rookie year. It will be interesting to see if he regresses in his 2nd year like many players do.

3B: Wilson Betemit: As I discussed earlier, I do not really like Wilson. However, having a full year of playing time might change that if he is the flat out starter for the whole year. He could hit 15 HR if this happens and not be too bad. Although, I do not like him in any clutch situations.

OF: Jermaine Dye, Brian Anderson, Carlos Quentin: Quentin finally matched his potential last year going crazy with a .288 avg, 36 HR and 100 RBI, and that was in only 130 games. He would have won the MVP easily had he not been injured. I expect big things for the future for him. Jermaine Dye is likely to be traded before the season starts so he is up in the air. They lost Griffey JR. in the outfield so Brian Anderson takes over in CF again.

Here is their projected rotation and closer:

SP: Mark Buerhle, John Danks, Gavin Floyd (?), Clayon Richards, Jose Contreras: This is a decent staff even after losing Vasquez. Buerhle used to be an ace, but is an innings eater and also pitches a very quick game, allowing the defense to get off the field immediately. John Danks had a great year last year, as did Gavin Gloyd. However, there are trade talks about trading Gavin Floyd for Brian Roberts. This makes sense as they do not have a clear cut second basemen. Lance Broadway would fill his spot if he were to be traded.

CL: Bobby Jenks: The flamethrowing closer who last year lost some velocity, although he said it was by design. There were trade talks to the Mets but those have blown over. I would like to see him pump it back up to 98 or 99 MPH and strike out more than a batter per inning.

My expectations for the team this year: I do not think they will make the playoffs. I think the Twins will be up there as they are every year, with the Indians back in the mix as well. Who can count out the Tigers? They were the WS pick by many before 2008, diappointed us all, but have the same team. It should come down to the wire in the central like it always does.

Tommorow’s Preview: Cincinatti Reds