American League Central Preview: Chicago White Sox
By Tony Fischer
2014 Results – 73-89 4th place
2015 Projection – 91-71 2nd Place
The Chicago White Sox have been busy this offseason. After a disastrous and injury riddled 2014 season the boys from the south side have completely remade their roster. Gone are the old lumbering power hitters that characterized the Sox of the past. Now the team is populated with players who can not only hit but steal some bases when asked.
The improvements didn’t stop with the offense. The Sox also added a couple of arms to bolster both the starting rotation and bullpen. It all adds up to a White Sox team that is capable of making a serious run at the American League Central in 2015.
The Starting Rotation
Key Additions: Jeff Samardzija
Key Departures: Andre Rienzo
The Chicago White Sox rotation took a huge step forward in 2015 with the offseason acquisition of Jeff Smardzija. The former Cub and Athletic was traded twice last season and will be entering free agency after the 2015 season. But the risk of Smardzija walking in 2016 is outweighed by the boost he gives a White Sox pitching staff that ranked 27th in ERA (4.29) and 28th in WHIP (1.405) last season.
Smardzija also gives the Southsiders a bona-fide number 2 behind Ace Chris Sale that could end up being the best one-two punch in the American League Central.
John Danks and Jose Quintana are some other familiar names returning to the rotation and will help add depth to the rotation with continued progress. Hector Noesi and Brad Penny will round out the bottom of the rotation with one of those players likely going to the bullpen once Chris Sale returns from injury.
The Bullpen
Key Additions: David Robertson, Zach Duke
Key Departures: None
David Robertson was lights out in his first full season as a closer for the Yankees in 2014 and it earned him a huge free agent deal from the White Sox this offseason. The big question is whether or not Robertson can repeat his success as the bullpen ace. The Sox made a big bet that he can and if they are right the White Sox will have plugged a huge whole in the back-end of their bullpen.
Last years closer Jake Petrika will assume the set-up role for the White Sox role on opening day. He was serviceable in the pen last year notching 2.96 ERA with two holds and 14 saves. He should excel in getting Robertson the ball and stepping for the closer when he needs a night off.
Of course a team has to get the ball to the closer in order for him to be effective. Zach Duke finally found success in a 74 middle relief appearances for the Brewers last season. The Sox are banking on similar success this season by helping to bail out the bottom end of the rotation if the start to stumble.
The Line-Up
Key Additions: Adam LaRoche, Melky Cabrera, Emilio Bonifacio, JB Shuck
Key Departures: DH Adam Dunn, OF Alex Rios, OF Alejandro De Aza, OF Dayan Viciedo, 1B Paul Konerko
The Sox spent considerable time this offseason reshaping their aging line-up from a year ago. The 2014 Sox didn’t have much trouble in the power department but had the strikeouts to prove it. The 2015 White Sox are faster, younger and just as powerful as last years version but will be able to play station to station if needed.
Adding Melky Cabrera, Emilio Bonifacio will improve the outfield defense and speed while new DH Adam LaRoche should adequately replace the power bat of Adam Dunn. But the biggest addition to the line-up didn’t come from free agency or a trade.
Avisail Garcia is healthy and will finally start the season White Sox in right field. Garcia has a rare blend of power and speed and could threaten to be the star in a white Sox line-up that includes MVP candidate Jose Abreu. Avisail Garcia had 7 HR in just 46 games last season and is tearing the cover off the ball this season. All indications are that Garcia is in for a monster season that could push the White Sox to the top of the American League Central.
Of course no preview would be complete without mentioning Jose Abreu. The Rookie of the Year was also nearly the MVP as Abreu clobbered 36 HR and slugged at a .581 clip in 2014. Abreu should repeat those numbers in 2015 as he makes another MVP run.
Projected Batting Order
- Adam Eaton CF
- Melky Cabrera LF
- Jose Abreu 1B
- Avisail Garcia RF
- Adam LaRoche DH
- Alexei Ramirez SS
- Conor Gillaspie 3B
- Tyler Flowers C
- Emilo Bonifacio 2B