Chicago White Sox Favored To Win Division
It has already been six years since the Chicago White Sox won the 2005 World Series. In 2010, the Sox again contended for the American League Central Division but finished second to the Minnesota Twins. While the Twins won 94 games last year and the Sox won 88, off season additions and subtractions for both teams have made the Sox favorites to win the central this year.
Gone from the Twins bullpen is Matt Guerrier who signed with the Dodgers, Jon Rauch who signed with the Blue Jays, Brian Fuentes who signed with the Athletics, and Jesse Crain who signed with the White Sox. In signing Crain (3.04 era, 1.18 whip) the Sox not only improved their own bullpen but stole him from their division rivals.
When Thome left to go to the rival Twins prior to the 2010 season, General Manager Kenny Williams and Manager Ozzie Guillen decided to use the designated hitter slot as a way to get bench players at bats. Many different players hit in the designated hitter slot for Guillen last season but without the power production they were used to.
Though again battling injuries last season, left fielder Carlos Quentin provided good power production with 26 home runs and 87 RBIs, though many feel he is capable of even more. Rounding out the bottom of the Sox order will be third basemen Mark Teahen, Dayan Viciedo, or Brent Morel. Viciedo provides more power, but Guillen likes Morels defense better at the hot corner. Teahen provides balance to the line up with his left handed bat.
Getting on base in front of Dunn and Konerko are center fielder and speedster Juan Pierre who will once again lead off. In the second slot is shortstop Alexi Ramirez who shows occasional power and good speed at the top of the order. Right fielder Alex Rios had a solid season in 2010, hitting . 284 with 21 homers, 88 RBIs and 34 steals.
Though Freddy Garcia left to go to the Yankees, the White Sox starting rotation figures to be solid and possibly spectacular. Mark Buerhle, John Danks, Gavin Floyd and Edwin Jackson throw plenty of solid innings and provide consistent wins. But it is the returning Jake Peavy that could put the rotation over the top. Though recovering from a severe arm injury, Peavy has looked good early in the spring of 2011 and he was once the ace of the San Diego Padres. If he returns to his all star form the Sox will have one of the best rotations in all of baseball.
In addition to losing Crain, the Twins lost Matt Guerrier to the Dodgers, Brian Fuentes to the Athletics, and Jon Rauch to the Blue Jays. Additionally, their former all star closer Joe Nathan is coming back after missing all of last season following Tommy John surgery. Also, a week into spring training Twins all star first baseman Justin Morneau had yet to play and there was no time table for his return as he continues to deal with a concussion he suffered mid way through last season. With the subtractions and uncertainty of key Twins, it seems that the Sox have overtaken Minnesota as they, along with the Detroit Tigers, battle for the division.
Williams and Guillen both have signed contract extensions which provides the Chicago White Sox with leadership stability. Thornton signed an extension in spring training as well, giving the Sox a young core of solid players. With the additions, the Sox plan to build on what they already had and should contend for years to come.
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