Don’t Count the Chicago White Sox out of the American League Central Just Yet
By Josh Sippie
The Chicago White Sox always managed to hang around near the top of the American League Central division until about 2012, when they absolutely fell off the table and became bottom feeders. The loss of veterans like Paul Konerko could be one contributing factor, but the White Sox still have some key pieces for a successful season despite a sub par start.
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Offense is the main downfall of the White Sox, as they rank dead last in the Major Leagues with 83 runs. In just about every statistical category, they’re near the bottom as well, so while it doesn’t look promising for the Sox, they have several factors that can easily turn around to make them contenders again.
The Sox have some decent power/run producing potential. Jose Abreu had a breakout season last year. His power is undoubted and the runs off of his bat will come. Melky Cabrera and Adam Laroche have good power potential as well. If Avisail Garcia can keep his great start going, that’s half of the White Sox lineup that can and will produce runs. Alexei Ramirez and Conor Gillaspie aren’t the worst guys to have backing up a solid middle of the order either.
Around the veterans of the lineup are some young talents that could put some spark into their lineup. No. 5 prospect Micah Johnson is off to a pretty good start to his MLB career, with an OBP of .329. His speed will start to translate to steals as well.
As far as pitching goes, the Sox have one of the best starters in the MLB in Chris Sale. Jeff Samardzija is a proven hurler and Jose Quintana is one of the most under-the radar pitchers around. Since being called up, his ERA has never gone above 3.76 and it’s gotten better in each of his three years of MLB experience. In the past two years he’s reached the 200 IP milestone to solidify himself as a seriously potent middle of the rotation guy.
Based on the above stats alone, the White Sox have a good core of power hitters with some decent talent to fill in the bottom of the order. In the starting rotation they have an excellent front three with holes in the fourth and fifth spot but if Carlos Rodon can impress enough to widdle his way into the rotation, they have the potential to rock a solid starting four.
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The bullpen is already set, as they have the 7th lowest bullpen ERA in the league. David Robertson has yet to surrender a run and he’s proving to be quite the astute signing.
The Chicago White Sox may be one move away from being a threat in the American League Central yet again. Maybe a trade for a proven power hitter or a slick starting pitcher pick up like veteran Kyle Lohse could push them over the edge.
The proven potential is there for the White Sox. While the dominance of the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers may continue to fend off the Sox, they aren’t far from being serious threats.