The Chicago White Sox

The White Sox have shown the greatest amount of success by winning the World Series just 8 seasons ago in 2005. They made a few moves in the off season, but it appears they may have a few problems when it comes to the defensive positioning, and a weekend starting rotation. The White Sox have shown definite signs to be in a rebuilding phase.

The White Sox added Cuban slugger Jose Abreu, who many scouts say is the real deal. Some say he draws comparisons to Ryan Howard. Adam Dunn is still on the team and so is Paul Konerko. The problem here is that Abreu, Konerko, and Dunn are all first basemen. Dunn has played right field in the past, and the best way to have all three of these guys in the lineup is to have Dunn play the outfield. Dunn is also a likely trade candidate this trade deadlin
e. This is probably also the last season for Paul Konerko after a great career. Here is how the White Sox lineup will look in 2014 and let me say, it is pathetic.

1. L. Alejandro De Aza CF 95 OPS+
2. R. Alexei Ramirez      SS 86 OPS+
3. R. Jose Abreu           1B No data available
4. L. Adam Dunn           RF 103 OPS+
5. R. Paul Konerko        DH 80 OPS+
6. R. Dayan Viciedo       LF 94 OPS+
7. R. Jeff Keppinger       3B 62 OPS+
8. R. Gordon Beckham   2B  87 OPS+
9. R. Tyler Flowers          C 60 OPS+

Just from this picture look at the stress on his elbow

The pitching rotation is just as horrible for the White Sox, with the only bright spot being Chris Sale. The thing about Chris Sale is his delivery. I am just waiting for the day that his workload is too much for him and he blows out his elbow. Its going to happen, just a matter of time. Here is how the rotation looks for the White Sox in 2014.

1. L. Chris Sale           140 ERA+
2. R. Jose Quintana     122 ERA+
3. L. John Danks         90 ERA+
4. R. Felipe Paulino     84 ERA+ career
5. L. Charlie Leesman 62 ERA+

The White Sox traded Addison Reed for who knows why, traded Jessie Crain midseason, and did not resign Matt Thornton. That leaves the recognizable names of Mitchell Boggs, Ronald Belisario, Scott Downs, and Matt Lindstrom in the bullpen and options to close.

With the additions that the Twins made, its almost a given that the White Sox will finish in last place.

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.