2015 AL Central Preview: Chicago White Sox

Mar 10, 2015; Surprise, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox infielder Jose Abreu (79) at bat in the fourth during a spring training baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-USA TODAY Sports

Southside Showdown will be previewing each team of the AL Central this week, before the start of the 2015 MLB season. The second preview of this series will be the Chicago White Sox.

Last season: 73-89, 4th in the AL Central

Notable players lost: 1B Paul Konerko, OF Dayan Viciedo, RP Ronald Belisario, RP Matt Lindstrom

Notable players added:  1B Adam LaRoche, OF Melky Cabrera, SP Jeff Samardzija, RP David Robertson, RP Zach Duke, UTL Emilio Bonifacio

The Chicago White Sox were the only team in baseball last season who had a candidate for both the MVP and Cy Young awards and were not in any playoff contention. That’s because outside of Jose Abreu and Chris Sale, the White Sox didn’t have much to offer.

This offseason, White Sox General Eanager Rick Hahn identified the team’s weaknesses and pretty much addressed each one. The White Sox committed about $135 million to free agents and swung the most impressive trade of the offseason in an attempt to transform this team into playoff contenders.

Next: White Sox: 2015 Projected Lineup