[Editor's Note: With the regular season just a week away, we asked some friends and frenemies of the 35th Street Review to weigh in with what they see from their corner of the baseball world. If you would like to contribute a blurb or two, drop a line to editor@sox35th.com.
Today, we bring it back to the exit 55B offramp with a look at the South Siders by Steve from White Sox Cards and WIK from i94 Sports. Enjoy.]
I think that the White Sox will repeat as Central Division champs and I'll tell you why. Let's start off with the manager. Clubhouse chemistry is essential for a consistent performance out of your players today. There have been teams in the past that had the talent to overcome that, but today's game is different. Ozzie Guillen recognizes this factor and responds by keeping the players loose, playing to strengths and cutting the dead weight.
This year's pitching staff is much improved. Buehrle, Floyd and Danks head a spectacular staff. Contreras and Colon are ahead of schedule. If they are not needed, there are a few spots to fill in the bullpen. Speaking of which, the bullpen should be improved from last year. Jenks was the only lock two years ago. Linebrink should be past his injury troubles and Thornton has finally blossomed into a top notch middle inning guy. The only question mark is Dotel, who can run hot or cold depending on the day.
With the loss of Crede at third, the defense will suffer, but only slightly. Josh Fields' bat has never really been a question, but the work he has put in during the offseason should pay off this season. The Rookie of the Year runner up moves from second to shortstop, which is his natural position. That should solidify shortstop and help close the gap towards third. Getz should be fine at second base. Konerko has vowed to take his medicine when he first needs it, instead of waiting until the end of the season. There should not be a repeat of last year's lackluster offense from him.
In the outfield, Carlos Quentin looks to improve on an improbable 2008. Look for more of the same from Quentin and less stupid injuries. Dye may be aging, but he can still run circles around the competition. There could be a slight dip in production, but I doubt there will be much at all, when all is said and done. DeWayne Wise was one of the most consistent outfielders late last season and Anderson should make the fourth outfielder slot based on his great defense.
With Pierzynski behind the plate most days and Thome in the DH role, expect more of the same from them. A.J. is one of the better catchers in the American League, despite not being the most popular guy. He knows his way around a rule book and uses that to his advantage. As for Thome, you can't argue with a player who is a fan favorite, a 500 home run club member and still a powerhouse at the plate.
2009 should be a great year for the White Sox. Almost no one will pick them to repeat as division champions, but that's alright. That's the way they like it. They will take it one game at a time until they make the playoffs. Once they get there, it's anyone's game.
– Steve
The White Sox find themselves in the middle of arguably the most competitive division in baseball (the AL East is in the running). The Twins, White Sox, Indians and Tigers seem to play merry-go-round with the top spot each year, and all are capable of taking the crown again this year. Last year the Indians and Tigers were touted as the cream of the crop, but the division turned upside down and saw the Twins and White Sox battling it out to the end. Predictions seem to be trending the same this year, and I’ve seen the White Sox as low as last place. I think that’s a little ridiculous, given they’re bringing back all of their core players and infusing some youth and speed to address that deficiency. I personally believe the White Sox will be in contention for the AL Central Title, but will fall to 2nd or 3rd in a close division race that will involve 3 teams. Figure 85-88 Wins.
– WIK
