What upgrades do the White Sox need to make in '15?

Aug 15, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Hector Noesi (48) throws against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

What positions will the Chicago White Sox upgrade in 2015? Pitching will be their number one target, just due to the amount of runs allowed this year, which before Thursday’s game is 690.

Being able to grab Hector Noesi off the scrap heap was a huge coup, however, they need a lot more than just him behind Chris Sale and Jose Quintana next season.

Sep 6, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana (62) reacts after giving up a home run in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Here is the current White Sox rotation:

1. Chris Sale (11-3, 2.09 ERA)
2. Jose Quintana (7-10, 3.38 ERA)
3. John Danks (9-11, 5.05 ERA)
4. Hector Noesi (8-8, 4.28 ERA)
5. Scott Carroll (5-10, 4.92 ERA)/Chris Bassitt (0-1, 4.73 ERA)

While ’14 first round pick Carlos Rodon is an option for 2015, the White Sox will still go after a right-handed starter. While righty/righty, and lefty/lefty is overrated, it is rare to see a starting staff with four left-handed starters.

Who will be available?

Well, Justin Masterson is a free agent and is coming off a down year he could be in play. If Masterson can be back to the pitcher he once was, he might be a nice addition.

As I have said in many articles, Rodon may be used in the bullpen. If that is the case, that means one less addition to the bullpen this offseason.

The White Sox will need to add a couple of arms, but Jake Petricka, Zach Putnam and Daniel Webb all should be back. Javy Guerra is another option as well, and if in a reduced role could be valuable to the White Sox.

Position players is where it will get tricky.

What will the Sox do at designated hitter? Do you go all out and sign Victor Martinez?

I would not, just because of his age, and the fact that he will demand a lot of money coming off of a career year. The best way to fix multiple positions is not to sign two stars to big deals, but to spread the money out over 5-7 players.

Another DH option could be Dayan Viciedo. If here were to become the new DH, it will keep him out of the field. Plus, if he ever turns into a 25-30 home run per year hitter, he would be valuable due to the fact that right-handed power is hard to find.

What about the middle infield?

What upgrades do the White Sox need to make in ’15?

By Brian Draus | Sep 11, 2014