Being thankful for the Chicago White Sox

Sep 28, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko (14) waves to fans in the stands after the game against the Kansas City Royals at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

With today being Thanksgiving, there is a lot to be thankful for personally, but this article is about being thankful as a fan of the Chicago White Sox.

Though they haven’t had a winning season that amounted to a postseason berth since 2008, and then there was the season of 2013, I’m still thankful I’m one of the many faithful to consider myself a fan of the White Sox.

The White Sox are an interesting team for me to cheer for since I’m from Ohio, but that doesn’t matter, because in my childhood there was a player named the Big Hurt, Frank Thomas, and I’m thankful that WGN aired many White Sox games that allowed me to call the White Sox “my team.”

Jul 29, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura (23) and first baseman Jose Abreu (79) celebrate after the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Chicago won 11-4. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Since then, I’m thankful for MLB.TV, which allows me to watch the White Sox on a daily basis whenever they have a game.

I’m thankful to have been able to watch the 2014 season as the White Sox made a 10-game improvement from the previous season, which gives many of us White Sox fans a little hope for the 2015 season.

During the ’14 season, I’m thankful for AL Rookie of the Year Jose Abreu and his .317 batting average, along with his 36 home runs, 35 doubles and 107 RBIs.

I’m thankful the White Sox made the move and “gamble” to sign Abreu last winter to a six-year deal, and he’ll hopefully become one of the great White Sox players.

Also, there is Chris Sale to be thankful for, and his 2.17 ERA and 208 strikeouts. I’m also thankful his left flexor injury in May wasn’t really as serious as it could have been.

There is also Jose Quintana to be thankful for as a White Sox fan, as he improved tremendously this past season (he needed more run support, though).

Next: Could Miguel Montero be on the White Sox radar?

I didn’t forget to be thankful to the Houston Astros and the Miami Marlins for passing on Carlos Rodon in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft in June, as they pretty much gave the White Sox a close to ready MLB pitcher who will hopefully be in the rotation for many years to come.

Does that mean I have to be thankful for what was a very terrible 2013 season that put the White Sox in the position to receive Christmas in June?

I’ll always be thankful for the 2005 World Series championship.

Jun 11, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton (1) and shortstop Alexei Ramirez (10) celebrate their win at U.S Cellular Field. The Chicago White Sox defeated the Detroit Tigers 8-2. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

There is also the trade for Adam Eaton to play centerfield for the White Sox last offseason, giving the White Sox a spark in the outfield and a player that batted .300 in his first year on the South Side.

I’m not thankful for most of the bullpen from the ’14 season, but I’m thankful for the front office for trying to improve on that part of the roster this offseason by signing Zach Duke for the next three seasons.

I’m even thankful for the White Sox trying something different in signing Adam LaRoche to protect Abreu in the batting order for the next two seasons.

I’m thankful for the readers of Southside Showdown, who allow me to continue to write about my favorite baseball team. Thank you for visiting and continuing to spread the word about our site.