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2008 Chicago White Sox preview
The Chicago White Sox suffered through a painful 2007 season, literally and figuratively, as injuries and below-average performances dropped them to a 90-loss season and a battle with the Kansas City Royals for the American League Central basement. It was a dramatic drop for the 2005 World Champions, and this year will be dedicated to getting back into the thick of the AL pennant race.
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On paper, manager Ozzie Guillen has the players to turn things around…maybe. The Sox would like to have provided Guillen with even more ammunition, but they came up short in their pursuit of free agents Torii Hunter, Aaron Rowland and Kosuke Fukudome, and got outbid by divisional rival Detroit in their pursuit of Miguel Cabrera of Florida. The White Sox did land a different Cabrera — shortstop and leadoff hitter Orlando from the Angels — and signed centerfielder Steve Swisher and setup man Scott Linebrink to free agent deals. All of these additions will have to play key roles for the Sox to jump back into contention.
2008 White Sox Pitchers
The White Sox seem solid with starters one through three with Mark Buehrle, Jose Contreras and Javier Vazquez returning. Vasquez led the staff with 15 wins in 2007, but Buehrle and Contreras both slipped 10 wins last season and will need much better results if the Sox are to contend in the AL Central. Jon Garland went to Anaheim for Cabrera, so youngsters John Danks and Gavin Floyd are penciled in at the back end of the rotation.
If either or both falter, Lance Broadway is the top contender for a spot. The Sox have quality at the top of the rotation, but depth could be a problem over a long season or if injuries strike. Bobby Jenks is a top-notch closer (40 saves, 277 ERA in 2007), but the ChiSox setup men faltered last season, so they’ve added Linebrink and Octavio Dotel to the corps. Mike MacDougal, Matt Thornton and Ehren Wasserman are also likely to reside in the bullpen this season. If they can consistently deliver late-game leads to Jenks, the Sox pitching should hold up.
2008 White Sox Infield
The Sox infield is in a state of flux, but should shake out to be a strength. Paul Konerko (31 HR) is solid at first base, and Orlando Cabrera will add some flash and excitement to the leadoff spot with speed and high OBP and at shortstop with Gold Glove fielding.
Joe Crede will start the season at third base unless he is traded in the final week of Spring Training, a possibility the Sox have been pursuing all Spring. Crede played only 47 games last season before back surgery shut him down, and Josh Fields, who took over at 3B last season, will get the nod again if Crede isn’t around on Opening Day. Danny Richar was contending for second base, but will be on the DL until late April, so Juan Uribe, who was floated on waivers earlier in Spring Training, will probably get the job. The wild card is Cuban import Alexei Ramirez, who is raw but multi-talented. He had a strong spring and could see action at second base, along with Pablo Ozuna, or in the outfield with his role increasing as the season progresses. A.J. Pierzynski is the catcher with Toby Hall backing him up.
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2008 White Sox Outfield
Jermain Dye (28 HR in 2007) is set in right field, but slumped to .254 last season with just 78 RBI, and missed time with injuries. Jerry Owens will start in center field and newcomer Nick Swisher is penciled in for the left field spot. Brian Anderson and Ramirez are outfield reserves. Jim Thome is the designated hitter and is dependable in spite of his age (37 years old) with team-leading totals of 35 home runs and 96 RBI in 2007. He shows no signs of slowing down.
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2008 Chicago White Sox Outlook
The White Sox were last in the American League in scoring in 2007 (4.28 runs a game) and 12th of 14 in pitching (5.18 ERA). The big question is whether or not they have made significant progress. Injuries played a big role in last year’s 72-win season, but the roster has some age on it, and injuries are to be expected at some point. The "Pale Hose" have depth problems, so injuries will have a larger effect. There should be comeback years from a number of players, but it won’t be enough to put them into the divisional title race. The White Sox look like a middle of the Central Division team, behind Cleveland and Detroit — who have more talent — and ahead of Minnesota and Kansas City.
Keep an eye on young Ramirez, who has the speed to generate a lot of excitement and hopefully, more runs, for the White Sox this year. Another dismal season could put some added pressure on the explosive Ozzie Guillen.
By Reed Nessel
ProBaseball-fans.com Guest Writer
> View all of the 2008 MLB team previews from Pro Baseball Fans