2015 MLB Team Previews – White Sox
The Chicago White Sox made some splashy moves this offseason which really increased expectations, so much so that even a minor injury to ace Chris Sale is not dampening spirits too much right now.
MLB Lines & Matchup Insight
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They are definitely a contender in the American League Central which has been dominated by Detroit for quite a while now.
2015 MLB Team Previews – Chicago White Sox
- American League Central: +300
- American League: +1000
- World Series: +2200
Key Additions:
OF Melky Cabrera
DH/1B Adam LaRoche
RH David Robertson
RH Jeff Samardzija
Chicago did some very nice upgrading here. Cabrera and LaRoche are two consistent, professional hitters who will lengthen the lineup and provide some protection for Jose Abreu in his second season.
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Robertson can be an an elite closer and Samardzija will make the rotation less lefty dominated while also increasing its overall talent.
Key Losses:
1B Paul Konerko
Konerko may have been a good soldier but he was definitely past his prime. Abreu is probably better than he ever was so his loss won’t be felt too much.
LaRoche will more than cover for what he provided a year ago.
Projected Starting Lineup:
OF Adam Eaton
OF Melky Cabrera
1B Jose Abreu
DH Adam LaRoche
OF Avisail Garcia
SS Alexi Ramirez
C Tyler Flowers
3B Conor Gillaspie
2B Carlos Sanchez
The top four is really good and Abreu showed no signs during his amazing rookie season that he is going to fade in year two.
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Cabrera is almost always underrated but he had a great season with Toronto last year and will be in another hitters park.
By bringing in in LaRoche they have tapped another former Washington National as a power source (it worked with Adam Dunn, sort of). There is no reason to think he can not hit 30 homers or more.
The bottom of the lineup may be light on pop but as long as they don’t strike out too much it is more than good enough for this team to be among leaders in runs scored. I almost forgot about leadoff hitter Adam Eaton.
With a full season of ABs he should be among hit leaders. he is hard to get out.
Starting Rotation:
LH Chris Sale
RH Jeff Samardzija
LH Jose Quintana
LH John Danks
RH Hector Noesi
There is a good chance Chris Sale misses a turn at the beginning of the season but that is not the end of the world as they are still watching his innings a little.
Once he is back he and Samardzija will be as good as any lefty/righty duo in the AL this year.
The 3,4,5 spots are filled with serviceable to better than pitchers who are going to be backed by strong offense. Chicago also has a future ace in Carlos Rodon available to fill any unexpected holes in the rotations.
Stuff wise he could be as good as Sale and if he is ready this group goes from pretty good to among the AL’s best.
Closer:
RH David Robertson
RH Jake Petricka
LH Dan Jennings
I am not a fan of spending big money for a closer but Robertson has been pretty good since taking over for Mariano Rivera in New York.
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He misses a lot of bats and is hard to hit but he gives up too many homers for my liking.
Hopefully that won’t get him into too much trouble in Chicago. Petricka closed some games for Chicago last year but his numbers are not elite. Jennings, from the Marlins, looks like he will be the top lefty in the pen.
His numbers in Miami last year were very good but his track record is short.
2015 Chicago White Sox Season Predictions:
The White Sox are definitely improved from last season but the Central is deeper than most think, even if the Royals slide some. Some are projecting this team to win the division but that would mean they are leaping over the Royals, Indians and Tigers.
That seems a little too much to expect for just one season. I think this team should be in the mix though and definitely is a Wild Card Threat.
At +300 to win it they are the best value among the contenders so they might be worth a shot.
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