Chicago White Sox: Five Questions, Four Answers

The Chicago White Sox had a few questions that needed to be addressed going into spring training this season.  Much of the Chicago roster seemed set when camp started, and it seems like Ozzie Guillen has come up with answers for many of the spots that seemed up for grabs a few weeks ago.

However, there may still be some answers that need to be determined before the regular season starts.

Who Is the Closer?

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ANAHEIM, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Pitcher Matt Thornton #37 of the Chicago White Sox is greeted by catcher A.J. Pierzynski #12 after picking up the save against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on September 26, 2010 at Angel Stadium in Anaheim, California. Th

Answer:  Matt Thornton

Guillen has settled on the veteran left-hander for the closer's role.

Thornton has performed well in the set-up slot for much of the last three seasons and will look to bring his eighth inning dominance to the ninth in 2011.

Thornton will be helped in the bullpen by Jesse Crain, Will Ohman, Tony Pena, Chris Sale and Sergio Santos. 

Who's on Third?

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TUCSON, AZ - MARCH 07: Infielder Brent Morel #22 of the Chicago White Sox fields a ground ball out against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the spring training game at Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium on March 7, 2011 in Tucson, Arizona. The charity game is

Answer: Brent Morel

Mark Teahen has had a hot bat this spring, but it appears that he will be getting his at-bats in a utility role while the hot corner is manned by the sure hands of Morel.

Morel's .267 spring average has been encouraging enough for the club to break camp with him at third.

Will Jake Peavy Be Ready in April?

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GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 11: Jake Peavy #44 of the Chicago White Sox and his son Wyatt sign baseballs prior to the start of the spring training baseball game against Chicago Cubs at Camelback Ranch on March 11, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Kevork D

Answer: No

Peavy surprised many by having several promising outings, giving hope that the hurler was ahead of schedule after suffering a detached shoulder muscles last season.

However, rotator cuff tendinitis has halted Peavy's progress for the time being.

Good news: It doesn't appear to be related to the surgically repaired shoulder.

Bad news: This is just the next malady in a stream of health problems for the former Cy Young winner.

When all is said and done, the White Sox are being cautiously optimistic that Peavy could join the team sometime in May.

How Many Pitchers Will Guillen Carry?

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GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 26: Phil Humber #41 of the Chicago White Sox poses for a photo on photo day at Camelback Ranch on February 26, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Answer: 12

With Peavy likely to start the season on the DL, Guillen has stated that he would prefer to go with 12 arms to start the season.  The first four starters (Mark Buehrle, Gavin Floyd, John Danks and Edwin Jackson) will be joined by a spot starter in the early going, possibly Phil Humber.

Jeff Marquez also looks to complete the White Sox bullpen when the season starts until Peavy is ready to join the team.

Who Is the Fourth Outfielder?

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PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 28: Brent Lillibridge #18 of the Chicago White Sox turns a double play in front of a sliding JD Closser #77 of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth inning during spring training at Camelback Ranch on February 28, 2011 in Phoenix, A

Answer: To Be Determined

Alejandro De Aza was recently eliminated from the competition, while a broken thumb has kept Dayan Vidciedo off the field after impressing early with his bat.

It appears to be down to Lastings Milledge and Brent Lillibridge heading into the last days of camp.

Lillibridge, who is out of options, has more flexibility and may be more of a team player, but Milledge has produced with the bat and could prove valuable as a long-term solution in case of injury.  The fact that the White Sox may start the season with 12 pitchers suggests that one of these players will be in Charlotte—or elsewhere—by April.