Chicago White Sox Morning BP: Optimism for 2015

Sep 26, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez hits a RBI single against the Kansas City Royals in the 8th inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

I know the season just ended just a few days ago, but for the Chicago White Sox, I’m already excited for the 2015 season, especially the offseason, as things will hopefully take shape for a run at the AL Central in ’15.

As I said yesterday, the White Sox had 21 blown saves in ’14, and if 16 of those blown saves would have been wins, the White Sox and Kansas City Royals would have had the same overall record in the regular season.

The Royals are now in the ALDS after defeating the Oakland Athletics in the AL Wild Card game Tuesday night, 9-8 in 12 innings.

So that does leave a big “What If” for the White Sox. As in, “What If” the White Sox bullpen and closer situation would have been better than what it was in ’14? Would they have been the team in the ALDS?

Just a thought. Nothing more. The Royals are very deserving, and I hope they continue to represent the AL Central in the postseason.

Didn’t Paul Konerko say they reminded him of the ’05 White Sox? They kind of did on Tuesday night, winning with small ball and being aggressive.

They were very fun to watch in that AL Wild Card game, and I hope the NL Wild Card game can be just as exciting this evening.

Back to the White Sox … I hope the front office makes the correct moves this offseason and really focuses on the bullpen first and foremost. Yes, nothing is a guarantee, but who knows how Nate Jones will be at the start of spring training after missing basically all of the ’14 season. Maybe there will be a better closer on the market this offseason.

This offseason will be one of the more important ones in recent memory, because the White Sox seem to have many pieces in place, but they need to complete the puzzle to have the success we all want them to have and know they are capable of.

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In other White Sox news:

• At SS, we wrote about Adam Dunn retiring.

• ESPN Chicago writes Carlos Rodon gives the White Sox options.

• CSN Chicago asks: Can the White Sox contend in ’15?

• The Chicago Sun-Times says Paul Konerko likely won’t make the Hall of Fame.

• The Chicago Tribune wrote the White Sox and Chicago Cubs lost in the ratings as well.