The 2008 Chicago White Sox

Discussion in 'MLB General' started by Charles, Apr 2, 2008.

  1. Charles

    Charles Buster Posey Fan

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    The 2008 Chicago White Sox open up the season hoping to have forget about 2007, where injuries and significant drops in production led to a lackluster year competing w/ the Kansas City Royals for last place in the American League Central. Sluggers Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, and Jermaine Dye, the heart of the White Sox lineup, all had down years. General Manager Ken Williams made many attempts over the offseason to add a big bat to the lineup (trying to add players like Miguel Cabrera, Torii Hunter, Aaron Rowand, and Kosuke Fukudome), but fell short in most attempts until giving up starter Jon Garland for shortstop Orlando Cabrera. Williams signed a pair of relievers in Octavio Dotel and Scott Linebrink, who will now be the primary set up men for young closer Bobby Jenks. Williams also sent three minor leaguers to the Oakland A’s for outfielder Nick Swisher.

    Lefthander Mark Buehrle returns as the ace of the White Sox starting staff. Known for pitching at a fast and effective pace, Buehrle had a solid ERA of 3.63, but was only able to manage 10 wins. Javier Vazquez performed well last season, going 15-8 w/ just a 3.74 ERA. Beyond the front two, however, the White Sox staff is filled with question marks. Veteran Jose Contreras fell off last season, with an ERA of almost 6 (5.57) and a record of 10-17 (after a 13-9 2006 campaign). The two final spots in the rotation will be filled by youngsters John Danks and Gavin Floyd. Danks (22 years old) started 26 games last year for the Chi-Sox, and ended up with a record of 6-13. Floyd (25 years old) started just ten games last year and went 1-5.

    Swisher will be the lead off hitter for manager Ozzie Guillen and will spend most of his time in left field. Although he isn’t the fastest player, Swisher is known for having a great on-base-percentage. Alexei Rameriz and Jerry Owens will see most of the time in center field, with Dye playing right. Ramirez went from an unknown free agent signing to opening day centerfielder after performing well in the spring. Owens was injured in the spring and will start the season on the Disabled List.

    Konerko (first base) and Cabrera (shortstop) will be the features of the White Sox infield. The other parts will be what they try to hide. Second baseman Juan Uribe hit just .230 last year and will get competition for his starting spot from Pablo Ozuna. Third baseman Joe Crede returns from back surgery trying to prove he can stay healthy and be a consistent contributor. Crede has been the subject of many trade rumors and will most likely be moved at some point this season so the team can open up third base to their top prospect, Josh Fields. AJ Pierzynski returns behind the plate and hopes to improve from a down year in the batters box as well.

    The White Sox believe they will be a much better team this year as opposed to last, but will have trouble trying to compete in the division with Cleveland and Detroit. The team may be better, but White Sox fans shouldn’t get their hopes up for anything more than a .500 record.
     

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