Chicago White Sox: 5 Things We Learned from Opening Weekend

The Chicago White Sox got the first series of the 2012 season under their belts following Sunday's 5-0 loss to the Texas Rangers.

Opening against the American League champions resulted in Chicago dropping two of three games. For a squad not given the highest ceiling by most observers, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Texas lineup was too much for the While Sox to handle.

However, there's no reason to give up on the season. There were some bright spots to take to heart. 

As Chicago heads for Cleveland to open AL Central action, here are five things we learned by watching the White Sox open the season.

1. Dunn and Rios Showed Signs of Life

Neither Rios nor Dunn dominated with the bat this weekend, but both players did homer in Texas.

Dunn's Opening Day blast was impressive, and despite the .222 average so far, he seems to be looking for good pitches, as he drew three walks and scored a run the next day in Chicago's 4-3 win.

A ninth-inning homer by Rios proved to be the game-winner for the White Sox. Rios looks comfortable back in right field, even making a nice diving catch Sunday night.

I'll hold onto starting the Comeback Player of the Year campaign for now, but both players have contributed to a win.

2. Hector Santiago Is the Closer, and the Bullpen Looked Good

Following Rios' homer, skipper Robin Ventura revealed his choice for closer, sending Hector Santiago out to work the bottom of the ninth. The rookie picked up his first save, but the rest of the bullpen has cause to celebrate.

In over seven innings of work against one of the league's best offensive clubs, White Sox relievers did not give up a run. Santiago, Addison Reed, Nate Jones, Will Ohman, Jessie Crain and Matt Thornton were all used in the opening series.

3. The Starting Pitching Wasn't Terrible

White Sox starters went 0-2 for the weekend, but John Danks pitched well in the opener, striking out six. Jake Peavy didn't have his best stuff in his start Saturday, but he battled hard to keep his team in the game through the sixth inning.

We await out first looks at Chris Sale and Phil Humber, but it appears that the rotation could be as solid as it was a year ago.

4. Robin Ventura Is Going to Use His Bench

Ventura doesn't look timid about using his bench. Every non-pitcher saw some action over the weekend.

Tyler Flowers caught Peavy on Saturday, but didn't reach base. Eduardo Escobar played third for Brent Morel in the series finale and had a hit. Kosuke Fukudome singled in the ninth when Ventura had him pinch hit.

Fukudome is the only White Sox position player not to have started a game so far. Let's see if the rookie manager starts him in Cleveland.

5. Paul Konerko Still Drives the Offense

The captain had a solid opening to his season, driving in three of Chicago's four runs in Saturday's win.

Konerko has hits in all three games so far and has a .417 average heading into the Cleveland series, which gets started tonight at Progressive Field.