The Final Two

I've been watching the World Baseball Classic and Pre-Season Baseball, so these team evaluations took longer than I expected, but finally we made it, the final two teams, the White Sox and the Pirates. The White Sox and Pirates are in the same position, remaining the same team in a division getting stronger. The Tigers, Royals, and Indians are getting stronger and the Reds and the Cardinals are getting stronger, but these two teams are going to try to win in 2013.

No Paul, that is not food!

The White Sox lost a big piece of their offense in 2012, AJ Pierzynski had a career year and signed with the Texas Rangers. Adam Dunn was a big part of the White Sox offense in 2012 after a terrible year in 2011. Finally the White Sox's seasons with Paul Konerko are dwindling down, he may retire in a few years.

1. L De Aza CF       104 OPS+
2. R. Keppinger 2B  127 OPS+
3. L. Dunn DH         112 OPS+
4. R. Konerko 1B    128 OPS+
5. R. Rios RF           124 OPS+
6. R. Viciedo LF      96 OPS+
7. R. Ramirez SS       74 OPS+
8. R. Beckham 2B     79 OPS+
9. R. Flowers C         88 OPS+

The pitching rotation for the White Sox is much better than people think it is. Led by lanky lefty Chris Sale, the White Sox's pitching rotation is underrated. Former Padres ace Jake Peavy is part of the rotation as well and can match up with almost any other pitcher. The fifth spot is a fight between Dylan Axelrod and John Danks. I like Axelrod more, but Danks has more experience. 

1. L. Chris Sale 3.05 ERA
2. R. Jake Peavy 3.37 ERA
3. R. Gavin Floyd 4.29 ERA
4. R. Jose Quintana 3.76 ERA
5. R. Dylan Axelrod 5.47 ERA

Young closer with another one of my favorite baseball names, Addison Reed will pitch the 9th inning once again for the White Sox after a rough 4.75 ERA but 29 converted saves in 2012. Then the White Sox have the lefty-righty combination Matt and Matt: Matt Thornton and Matt Lindstrom. Thornton pitched to a 3.46 ERA and Lindstrom pitched to a 2.68 ERA in 2013. The 7th, 8th, and 9th innings seem to be secure for the White Sox. Jesse Crain and his 2.44 ERA will get some work in both the 7th and 8th innings to help secure wins for the South Siders in 2013.

I project 82 wins for the White Sox in 2013.

The Pirates were so close to a winning season in 2012, and I personally think they will get a winning record in 2013, but that comes at the end. The Pirates added Russel Martin to their team which is more of a defensive upgrade than an offensive upgrade, but he will improve both the lineup, defense, and pitching rotation.

1. R. Marte LF 104 OPS+
2. S. Walker 2B 114 OPS+
3. R. McCutchen CF 168 OPS+
4. L. Alvarez 3B 117 OPS+
5. L. Jones 1B 129 OPS+
6. R. Tabata RF 86 OPS+
7. R. Martin C 92 OPS+
8. R. Barmes SS 66 OPS+

The Pirates added AJ Burnett in the beginning of 2012 and he pitched great for the Pirates, exactly the ace they needed. Mid-season they added Wandy Rodriguez who was also great for them for half of the season. They also signed Francisco Liriano but he sustained an injury and may not be with the team for the first half of the season.

1. R. AJ Burnett 3.51 ERA
2. L. Wandy Rodriguez 3.76 ERA
3. R. James McDonald 4.21 ERA
4. R. Jeff Karstens 3.97 ERA
5. L. Francisco Liriano  5.40 ERA

The bullpen for the Pirates is without Joel Hanrahan because he is with the Red Sox due to a trade. Jason Grilli will take over as closer. He pitched to a 2.91 ERA in 2012 and will look to improve on that in 2013. In the trade that sent Hanrahan to Boston the Pirates acquired Mark Melancon. He was terrible in 2012, but pretty good in 2011. I think he can return to 2011 form while in Pittsburgh.

I project a winning season for the Pirates in 2013, 82 wins.