Chicago White Sox Projected Opening Day Roster

The White Sox made their second wave of cuts Monday:

Optioned RHP Anthony Carter, RHP Freddy Dolsi, INF Eduardo Escobar and OF Stefan Gartrell (future is VERY bright for this kid so remember the name) to Class AAA Charlotte.

Optioned RHP Kyle Cofield and RHP Nate Jones to Class AA Birmingham.

Reassigned RHP Brandon Hynick and RHP Miguel Socolovich to minor-league camp.

That leaves 38 players in the clubhouse at Camelback Ranch – 18 pitchers, 4 catchers, 10 infielders and 6 outfielders, vying for 25 spots.

There’s still a lot of time left this month for things to change, but some players are beginning to separate themselves from the pack. The biggest questions remaining are Jake Peavy’s health and whether the Sox decide to go with 11 pitchers or 12.

This projection features 12 men on the pitching staff.

Catcher – A.J. Pierzynski

Backup – Ramon Castro

First Base – Paul Konerko

Backup/DH – Adam Dunn

Second Base – Gordon Beckham

Shortstop – Alexei Ramirez

Backup middle infielder – Omar Vizquel

Third base – Brent Morel

Backup – Mark Teahen

– It’s clear at this point that defense will be more important on the hot corner than offense, and with five errors this spring, it’s only a matter of time before Ozzie makes his decision, and the only thing that really knock Morel from the top spot is injury.

Outfielders – Juan Pierre, Alex Rios, Carlos Quentin

Backup – Lastings Milledge

– The injury to Dayan Viciedo really hurt his chances, but his inability to cover any of the outfield spots was going to outweigh his bat anyway. Alejandro De Aza is still a budding star, so I believe he’ll start the year in the minors. Milledge can play all three outfield positions and offer a dynamic punch coming off the bench to run or hit late in games.

Left off the roster – De Aza, Viciedo, Lillibridge, Dallas McPherson,

Starting pitchers – Mark Buehrle, Edwin Jackson, John Danks, Gavin Floyd, Jake Peavy

Relief Pitchers – Tony Pena, Will Ohman, Sergio Santos, Jesse Crain, Chris Sale, Matt Thornton and Phil Humber.

–  The final bullpen spot is the toughest to predict with Brian Bruney, Jeffrey Marquez and Shane Lindsay all nipping at Humber’s heels, but he can start games should Jake Peavy not be ready to go on April 10, and is a much better long relief option than Tony Pena.