Chicago White Sox: 6 Players Who Can Have a Breakout Season

MLB spring training is in the air, and optimism is always high for teams this time of year. For the Chicago White Sox, there is a quiet confidence, but there are more unanswered questions this spring training than at any time during GM Kenny Williams’ 11-year tenure.

In the offseason, Williams and the White Sox have lost a manager (Ozzie Guillen) and star pitcher (Mark Buehrle), and traded away emerging closer Sergio Santos and All-Star Carlos Quentin.

The trades brought back prospects to the White Sox, but none of them have pedigrees to satisfy an angry fanbase looking for star power and victories.

Star power is a major factor in any team's box-office success. The common thinking is that fans have not necessarily packed U.S. Cellular Field, and that is the blame for not being able to hold on to key contributors.

The fact remains that there is not much on the surface that compels a family of four to spend money by coming out to the ballpark and supporting the team.

Who can fans resonate and identify with? Also, who is undeniably that “must-see” player that requires a trip to U.S. Cellular Field?

To answer this question, the White Sox must have a breakout performance from someone not named Paul Konerko—someone young and fan-friendly that can place, as I call it, “butts in seats."

Here are my top candidates for a breakout performance in a White Sox uniform.

6. 2B Gordon Beckham

Gordon Beckham has had a somewhat star-crossed career thus far.

Some of his struggles I blame on how he was handled since being called up in 2009. I do not recall a prospect of Beckham’s stature never being given a chance to play at his natural position.

This can create doubt in the mind of any player, not to mention one who was considered one of the greatest college baseball players ever. It suggests that Beckham is not good enough and develops inconsistent behavior on the field and at the plate.

Is this the season that we can fully embrace the pompadour haircut?

Another full season at second base and a new voice in the clubhouse may decide Beckham’s fate.

5. OF Kosuke Fukudome

The Kosuke Fukudome signing came out of nowhere, but it is one that gives stability to the White Sox outfield.

Sports fans here in Chicago love star players, but what we love more are players who give their all to their respective teams. Fukudome is already the best defensive player in the outfield for a team that has seen its share of mistakes over the last few seasons.

If he works hard and becomes the great situational hitter that many of us think he can be, the White Sox will have a player.

4. SP Zach Stewart

Zach Stewart came to the White Sox in a midseason three-team trade that shipped solid starting pitcher Edwin Jackson to St. Louis. In his first outing as a starter, Stewart flashed a Tim Lincecum-type of delivery.

The problems started with his meaningless inclusion in the bullpen during back-to-back losses against the Cleveland Indians. That not only threw off his mechanics but exposed him to teams who had yet to figure him out.

Stewart would have been better served by being sent down to Birmingham so he could continue to start while the White Sox called up a natural relief pitcher. Sadly, things did not happen that way.

I believe that he has the stuff to compete for a fifth spot in the rotation, and if he makes the opening-day roster by winning the job, Stewart’s ceiling is extremely high.

3. C Tyler Flowers

On most other teams Tyler Flowers would at least get consistent playing time given his abilities, but on the White Sox last season, he sat on the bench after everyday catcher A.J. Pierzynski returned from injury.

What bothered me most when it came to the handling of the roster in recent seasons was a lack of player development. Players with apparent major league talent such as Flowers either sat on the bench or languished in the minors.

For an aging Pierzynski to have caught in more games (395) than any other catcher since 2009 is laughable. Pierzynski is an underrated player, but his defense has tapered off a bit. He needs some rest just to be able to maintain longevity in his career.

Flowers should have been able to learn under Pierzynski’s tutelage while spending some time at first base and designated hitter. For Ramon Castro to instead get the backup catcher role was borderline criminal.

2. SP Chris Sale

Chris Sale as a starting pitcher brings an influx of life to the White Sox rotation.

Unlike Zach Stewart, whose pitches were only suited for a starting role, Sale possesses a clear-cut out pitch that allowed him to be considered for the closer role last year. Sale’s pitches are electric and his confidence has always been high.

Simply put, Chris Sale has "it." And this is the season where he can perhaps supplant Gavin Floyd as the third starter. He is the only true strikeout pitcher in a rotation that has lacked one in recent years.

Fans love the K's.

1. OF Dayan Viciedo

Dayan Viciedo was known as the “Tank” when he first burst onto the scene a couple seasons ago. But the “Tank” could not handle major league pitching, and he started his career in Birmingham as a result.

Viciedo’s game is based on athleticism, agility and raw power. He should easily be able to hit 25-30 home runs for the White Sox now that he will be given the chance to play in left field full time.

The role puts pressure on Viciedo to perform at a high level, and there is no evidence whether or not he can handle that pressure. If he does, the White Sox become quiet contenders in the American League Central.

Other Potential Breakout Performers

There are other players to watch out for as potential breakout stars.

One player in particular to keep an eye on is rookie closer Addison Reed. Reed is expected to take over the reins for a departed Sergio Santos.

The others to watch are:

• OF Alejandro De Aza
• 3B Brent Morel
• P Nestor Molina
• IF Eduardo Escobar