Chicago White Sox: Expectations, roster going forward

Aug 1, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman

(79) reacts after hitting a single in the eighth inning against the Minnesota Twins at U.S Cellular Field. The Chicago White Sox won 10-8. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports

Lineup

1. Adam Eaton (CF)
2. Alexei Ramirez (SS)
3. Jose Abreu (1B)
4. Adam LaRoche (DH)
5. Avisail Garcia (RF)
6. Conor Gillaspie (3B)
7. Dayan Viciedo (LF)*
8. Tyler Flowers (C )*
9. Micah Johnson (2B)*

*not set in stone

As for the above lineup, I could see some changes made.

The bottom third of the lineup needs some work, and second base may be a tryout between multiple players, including Johnson and Carlos Sanchez. Sanchez took over at second base when the White Sox traded Gordon Beckham at the trade deadline. He batted .250 with five RBIs in his time on the MLB roster. Johnson played in the minors all of last season.

Viciedo will likely be traded (possibly to the Seattle Mariners), and there is talk that General Manager Rick Hahn is interested in Astros catcher Jason Castro, which would be an upgrade over Flowers.

Next: Rule 5 Draft: White Sox select Peter Tago

With a couple of smart moves this team is in good shape. Next year has a chance to be a fun one for Sox fans, something we’ve needed for quite some time.

With the AL Central being winnable (but still very competitive), it should be an interesting season on the South Side in 2015 to say the least.