Chicago White Sox 2009 Spring Training Preview: Part One

So here we are. It's Feb. 2, the Super Bowl just passed, and we are talking Baseball

I've decided to stop writing about boxing this year and instead, write about my favorite sports team, the Chicago White Sox. And I am so excited about this season. However, what will be interesting is the fact that I have moved from my South Side home to enemy territory (St. Paul, MN - Twinkie country) and so thanks to MLB Extra Innings, I will still be able to religiously follow my Pale Hose until I go home for the summer.

So, the reigning AL Central Champs have had a quiet off-season, but they made some key moves. GM Kenny Williams did a good thing by dumping jokester outfielder Nick Swisher to the Yankees in exchange for a backup 3B in Wilson Betemit, and KW also dealt the choke-jobbing RHP Javier Vazquez to the Atlanta Braves for some minor leaguers, the top acquisition being Catcher Tyler Flowers.

A rightly power hitter, Flowers is one of several back-stoppers in line for the Back-up job vacated by FA Toby Hall. Despite some trouble with suspensions due to steroid use, He has hit .291 with 34 HR's and 174 RBI's in three seasons of A-ball.

One of the top moves made by Williams, was the acquisition of young Cuban defector Dayan Viciedo. The 19-year old Third Baseman was signed to a four-year, $11 million dollar contract ($4.75 Mill/year).

Viciedo, who was swayed to the Sox because of fellow Cuban defectors SS Alexi Ramirez and SP Jose Contreras, has been playing in the Cuban National Series since the age of 15. At 16, Dayan hit .337 with 14 HRs.

And he even made the 60-man roster for the Cuban National team. A Power bat, and a strong infield arm makes this kid a solid replacement for the departing Joe Crede. And with the fact that we only paid $11 mill for him, makes him an absolute steal.

He'll probably start the season in AAA, but if he can start strong in Glendale, look for Viciedo to be at the hotcorner on April 6th (Opening Day).

Now along with the good pickups KW has made, there were some goof-ups during the winter as well. Just a few weeks ago, the Sox re-acquired hurler Bartolo Colon. Colon, who was picked up in 2003 and turned into a giant bust, has virtually fallen of the map since then.

With the Angels, he posted a 21-5 record in 2005, then preceded to go a combined 11-15 record in the last three years with ERAs of 6.11, 6.34, and 3.92. He has dealt with a lot of arm trouble and his ballooning weight has everyone wondering why Kenny is trying to change this over the hill bum back into the old starter from seven or so years ago.

That's all for Part One, check in later for Part Two of my preview.