White Sox Outlook

The A.L. Central is going to be one of the toughest division this year. Indians and Royals are revamped for this season, the Tigers are starting to dismantle some of their team, and the Twins might make a race for the pennant this season.

White Sox outlook

The Sox got rid of some of their talent, and they got a few prospects in return. They are going to have a whole in center field, because of the Swisher trade way back. It looks like DeWayne Wise is going to be starting unless Brian Anderson has a very good spring or the Sox have a late offseason signing. In right field, we have Jermaine Dye starting. In left field, we have Carlos Quentin starting. At shortstop, Alexei Rameriz is starting. At First base, Paul Konerko is going to be starting. At third base, it will be either Dayan Viciedo or Josh Fields. I think I read that Dayan can play second base also. If he can, it will be Dayan Viciedo at second and Josh Fields at third. And at catcher, it will be A.J. Pierzynski. The major league starters are pretty good, but third base, second base, and Center field are going to be a little shaky. And Jim Thome will be the starting DH.

If Chris Getz is ready to be starter by opening day, it will be Josh Fields and Dayan Viciedo platooning at third and Getz starting at second. If the sox could get a center fielder by the seasons beginning, Wise could be the backup outfielder. but the only centerfielder thats good on the free agent market is Jim Edmonds, an ex-cubbie. 

Now to pitching, the rotation is weaker now because of the trade that sent Vasquez to the Braves. The starting rotation consists of Mark Buehrle, John Danks, Gavin Floyd, maybe Johhny Nunez or Jose Contreras if he's healthy, and Clayton Richard. This isn't the best rotation, but it will be able to pitch all year. 

Now onto the bullpen. Boone Logan wasn't much of a loss considering he had a 5+ E.R.A. here is how I think the bullpen will look like.

Closer: Bobby Jenks

Set-up: Matt Thornton or Octavio Dotel

Long Releif: Lance Broadway, Ryan Braun, and Jeff Marquez

Short Releif: Mike McDougal, Ehrin Wassermann, John Link, Scott Linebrink, and Adam Russell

This isn't the best bullpen, but it will be able to close ball games. The Sox will need to get maybe one or two bullpen pieces by the trade deadline. This will help the team's bullpen be more than average.

There is no doubt that the Sox are trying to prematurly rebuild. Under Kenny Williams, the Sox will rebuild and buy at the same time, which is not a good strategy. Either rebuild or try to make that last run for the pennant. The Sox need to make their desicion at least by the All-Star break to succeed in later seasons to come. I personally think the Sox should rebuild now, and succeed in 2 years. They don't have enough talent that they can trade a few of their veterans to rebuild. it is rebuild or go bust for the playoffs.

I think that the Sox should trade away maybe 2-3 of their veterans, like Mark Buehrle, and get a couple 4-5 prospects in return. unfortunetly, this would considerably weaken their offense and pitching. If they choose to buy, they need a third basemen and centerfielder. This was my outlook for the Sox this season. Tell me what you think of this outlook and tell me how it could be better or what i forgot to put in the lineup.