There is a lot of doubt being shed on the Chicago White Sox this season. A lot of people aren’t convinced that the team–which is undergoing a bit of a youth movement–will be able to overcome the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians. But there are five good reasons why the White Sox could be a surprise.
1. The middle of the lineup: Veterans Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye, and Jim Thome anchor what should once again be a powerful lineup. Those three, along with Carlos Quentin, should provide plenty of pop, especially at hitter-friendly U.S. Cellular Field. If third baseman Josh Fields has the kind of year he had in 2007, the lineup may be even more dangerous.
2. The emergence of Gavin Floyd and John Danks: No one knows if these two young pitchers are one-year wonders or not, and leaping from the fourth and fifth spots in the rotation to the second and third spots is a leap of faith, but both have had a solid spring training, and both appear to be the real deal. If they can repeat last year’s success, there is no reason to believe the Sox won’t be part of October baseball.
3. The return of Bartolo Colon and Jose Contreras: If healthy, these two veterans could be the key to back end of the rotation. Colon is a former Cy Young winner, and Contreras was a key part of the Sox’ 2005 World Series championship team. Sure, both are returning from injuries and are getting older, but if there is any gas left in the tank, they could be a huge boost.
4. Alexei Ramirez and Carlos Quentin: The two biggest surprises for the Sox’ offense last season return. Quentin is in his prime, and should be fully recovered from the wrist injury that ended his season last year. As for Ramirez, he will have to avoid a sophomore slump, but if he does, he could be a key component for the Sox’ lineup. American League pitchers may have adjusted to both hitters by now, however, but if these two can compensate, the Sox’ lineup is that much deeper.
5. The bullpen: Admittedly, the bullpen hasn’t made much news this spring. And some of the veterans in the pen have had up and down careers. But then again, when these guys are on, they’re on. Scott Linebrink, Octavio Dotel, Mike MacDougal, Matt Thornton, and closer Bobby Jenks all have had success in the past, and if they repeat it this year, the Sox will be able to close out games without much drama.
So there you go, skeptics. Five reasons why the ChiSox may make a return trip to the playoffs.
Topics: Alexei Ramirez, bartolo colon, Bobby Jenks, carlos quentin, Gavin Floyd, Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, John Danks, jose contreras, josh fields, Matt Thornton, Mike MacDougal, Octavio Dotel, Paul Konerko, Scott Linebrink
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