Chicago White Sox 2017 Team Preview
By Joe Favia
Holland to Sox
When Chris Sale was traded during the Winter Meetings, not only was one of the game’s elite gone from the White Sox, but a consistent innings-eater. Derek Holland will not be as dominant or effective as Chris Sale, but the White Sox do hope the veteran can eat up some innings in Sale’s wake. The lefty once went 16-5 in 2011, and led the AL in shutouts. The last two seasons haven’t been good for Holland, but with the union with respected pitching coach Don Cooper, it could be a success story this season.
Yo Knows
Adding Yoan Moncada was the must-have piece that allowed the Sale trade to happen. The #2 prospect in baseball has unfathomable ceiling potential which some have surmised as ‘Robinson Cano with speed.’ That is lofty with limited big league work. But the White Sox will not have to wait long as most expect Moncada to crack the big club in May, and as late as June. Moncada’s first full season will probably be among the preeminent highlights to watch for White Sox nation with the team starved for wins in 2017.
The Youth Movement
The other major additions to the White Sox like Moncada will most likely not be around for the pageantry of opening day next week. The likes of Michael Kopech, Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez all came to the Sox in the Sale and Adam Eaton trades. While patience will be tested with all these players, the payoff may be extremely high with the future of the White Sox superstars on the horizon.
New Boss
Rick Renteria is going to bring new energy to the White Sox this season. Renteria is a well-respected baseball man who might be just what the young Sox need going forward. After his abrupt exit from the Cubs when Joe Madden came in, this will no doubt be Renteria’s team to grow.