The Chicago White Sox Need an Aggressive Attitude in Order to Contend

The Chicago White Sox must play aggressively in order to have a successful 2012 season.

Their 2011 season was mired with more disappointment than the hope that preceded it. The White Sox were expected to compete for the division title but instead wound up in third place behind Detroit and Minnesota.

Their pitching rotation was expected to be among baseball’s best, but finishing in the bottom half in team ERA and opponent’s batting average does not translate into wins. Neither does having their biggest offseason acquisition Adam Dunn experience one of the greatest statistical drop-offs in the baseball history.

The biggest disappointment: the release of Ozzie Guillen two games before last season was over.

The lack of aggression shown by the White Sox was the biggest reason for the disappointing season.

Batters would take pitches that led to strikeouts. There was a lack of hit-and-run attempts and that resulted in many force outs and double plays. There also were times when the White Sox had an opponent’s base-runner on first base and pitch outs were not called. This all resulted in missed chances at the plate for the White Sox and easy stolen base opportunities for the opposition.

These problems are solved by aggression.  

On Monday, at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona, the White Sox will have a brand new team and attitude.

Some of the names on the back of the White Sox jerseys will be familiar. Paul Konerko, A.J. Pierzynski, John Danks and Dunn are among the returning players.

There will also be a host of young players looking to make a good impression. These players include Nestor Molina, Addison Reed and Jared Mitchell. All of them are hoping to make the opening-day roster.

While making their impressions, player descriptions should include the following: athletic, gritty, hardworking and resilient.

Aggressive must become the most common description when discussing all of the White Sox players. This includes the veterans. Aggressiveness must be shown at the plate, when rounding the bases and on the pitching mound.

This season’s expectations for the White Sox are the opposite from last season. Last season’s problems must serve as a teaching tool. A lesson learned.  

In a division that is usually won by the most aggressive team, the White Sox must become the aggressor. This attitude has worked for both Detroit and Minnesota. To contend, the White Sox must follow suit.