2011 Chicago White Sox MLB Preview (2010: 88-74, second place in AL Central)
After winning the 2005 World Series, the Chicago White Sox are looking to get back to the top of the standings, not only in their division, but the rest of the league. But with the perennially good-enough-to-win-the-division Minnesota Twins and upstart Detroit Tigers surrounding them in the standings, it’s going to take a right mix of breaks for it to go their way.
The first is going to have to be the team’s health. The back of the rotation is currently being held for once-upon-a-time Cy Young winner Jake Peavy, with the first four being Mark Buehrle, Gavin Floyd, John Danks, and Edwin Jackson. A series of shoulder issues are looking good according to sources, but how long can the White Sox wait? Their 21-year-old phenom-in-waiting Chris Sale will start in the bullpen, going through the same growing pains as last year’s AL Rookie of the Year Neftali Feliz, who had to see time in relief before making it to the starting line-up. The good thing is that whoever the Sox trot out in that fifth spot, they have a solid 1-4 rotation, while plenty of teams wish they had a number three pitchers as good as Danks.
On the offensive side, Carlos Quentin will have to be able to stay healthy to create some cohesion in a revamped line-up. With newly acquired Adam Dunn filling the DH spot full-time, Quentin doesn’t have the luxury of not playing his outfield role. However, the team’s offense does revolve around power, and if Quentin’s season is closer to his excellent 2006 year as opposed to his 2008 one.
2010 Chicago White Sox MLB Preview:
As Chicago White Sox fans know all too well, their team is never out of the playoff hunt, but a competitive American League Central means that they're never guaranteed a spot either. Only a few players remain from the Sox 2005 World Series Championship team, but an influx of proven stars and burgeoning prospects makes the squad an exciting club to watch in 2010.
Newcomers Andruw Jones and Alex Rios were targeted for their track records of production, and while pitcher Jake Peavy joined the White Sox late last year, 2010 will be his first chance to show Chicago what a former Cy Young Award winner can do over the course of an entire season. The club is also expecting big things from pitcher John Danks, slugger Carlos Quentin and veteran Paul Konerko to help take down their rivals in the central division.
Finally, the White Sox passionate fans will go wild if their golden boy, second baseman Gordon Beckham, can show why he's one of the most highly touted young players in the major leagues.
2008 Chicago White Sox MLB Preview:
After a year hampered by injuries and a bit of a hitting slump, the Chicago White Sox are the team to watch in the AL Central this season. The White Sox look poised to make a big impact and a run at the playoffs and possibly a repeat of their 2005 World Series title. U.S. Cellular Field will fill with south side Chicago fans looking for a win against their cross-town rivals, the Cubs, or maybe one of their division foes like the Cleveland Indians. No matter whom they're playing, a White Sox game is a baseball experience you don't want to miss.
The Chicago White Sox return with much of the talent that helped them win the AL Central last year. But White Sox fans will have one new face to admire, that of new Sox pitcher Bartolo Colon. Colon was brought in to augment an already strong White Sox staff that includes Mark Buehrle, John Danks and Bobby Jenks. In the field Chicago will lean on vets AJ Pierzynski, Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye. If White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen can keep his pitching going then White Sox fans could soon be cheering at another World Series.