2010 Predictions: Chicago White Sox

2009 Record: 79-83
2010 Prediction: 89-73
Predicted Finish: 1st

Offensive Projections:
http://www.fan-exchange.com/mlb/teamhittingpredictions.asp?userid=53&franchid=CHW&yearid=2010

Pitching Projections:
http://www.fan-exchange.com/mlb/teampitchingpredictions.asp?userid=53&franchid=CHW&yearid=2010

Incoming:
Mark Teahen, Andruw Jones, Juan Pierre, J.J. Putz, Omar Vizquel

Outgoing:
Jim Thome, Jermaine Dye, Carlos Carrasco, Octavio

Strengths:
Starting pitching, relief pitching

Weaknesses:
DH, left handed power

Questions:
Can Quentin stay healthy?
Can Rios, Linebrink and/or Jenks rebound?
How will Teahen and Peavy respond to having a chance of winning?
How will the rotating DH work out?
How will Beckham respond in his sophomore season?

Overview:
The White Sox big off-season moves were made at the end of the 2009 season, acquiring Jake Peavy from the Padres and claiming Alex Rios on waivers from the Blue Jays. Peavy was limited to 3 starts due to injuries, but the 3 starts he did make were very impressive and left White Sox fans drooling for 2010. Alex Rios batted .199 in 41 games for the White Sox, which left White Sox fans nervous about 2010. Both should reach some sort of middle ground and return to their average form in 2010.

Ozzie Guillen preached flexibility at the DH position and turned down an inexpensive Jim Thome because he only wants players that can play the field. Kenny Williams is giving Ozzie what he wants (though current rumors have the White Sox included as suitors for Johnny Damon). Ozzie plans on rotation Andruw Jones, Omar Vizquel, Mark Kotsay and Jayson Nix in the DH spot. This will certainly be the focal point of spring training and the beginning of the season.

One of the first off-season moves for Kenny Williams was acquiring Mark Teahen from the Royals for Chris Getz and Josh Fields. Mark Teahen's bat replaces the Nix/Getz combination from 2009. His glove takes over for Gordon Beckham who moves over to 2B. Teahen is a former first round draft pick that never really live up to his hype in Kansas City. Kenny Williams is betting Teahen will turn it around with a new start on a competitive team with a consistent position.

Kenny Williams strengthened the bench by signing free agents Omar Vizquel and Andruw Jones. Vizquel is going to be looked to for mentoring the younger Alexei Ramirez and Gordon Beckham. Andruw Jones had a decent first half in 2009 for the Texas Rangers but didn't fair so well in the second half of the season. Jones seems to be the favorite to land the most ABs at DH in 2010. Jones still has power but has struggled to have a respectable batting average since 2006.

The White Sox picked up Juan Pierre in a trade with the Dodgers. Pierre comes to the White Sox a year older but well rested over the past couple years due to losing playing time to Manny Ramirez (rightfully so). Pierre anchors the top of the White Sox order and brings a solid glove but weak arm to left field. Pierre is probably a lateral move from Scott Podsednik offensively but he is healthier and a better fielder.

The White Sox have arguably one of the best starting rotations in all of major league baseball and they have a solid 6th starter in Daniel Hudson. The key will be getting the run support and defensive help for their starters, and having their bullpen hold the lead. Both things they struggled with last year. It's nice to have a solid rotation but if your offense makes Adam Eaton look like Cy Young (.214 avg vs. Eaton in 2009) then your rotation will go to waste.

Summary:
I think the rotation will be the foundation of this team. The bullpen is improved and I even believe the hitting is improved, despite the loss of power. Look for the White Sox pitching to keep them in more games in 2010 and to make the playoffs by placing 1st in the AL Central.

Projections/Predictions Competition:
I have a group competition for stat projections and standings projections setup on www.fan-exchange.com for anyone that is interested. They will score and ranks us for accuracy at the end of the season. Sign-up then add the following groups if you are interested.

Stat Competition
ID: 12
Password: statsbr

Standings Competition
ID: 11
Password: bleacher544

NEXT UP: Minnesota Twins