Mar 16, 2014; Surprise, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox center fielder Adam Eaton (1) during the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Since the Chicago White Sox have 30 days until pitchers and catchers report to spring training, here are 30 things to look forward to and to think about for the next 30 days and into the 2015 season.
1. The second baseman battle — This will most likely go to either Micah Johnson or Carlos Sanchez once all is said and done. This is the one position on the roster where the White Sox are going towards using a prospect rather than a veteran in the starting lineup. My prediction is Johnson wins the job.
2. Carlos Rodon‘s landing spot — I would love to see Rodon on the Opening Day roster, but the White Sox have the luxury not to rush the rookie first-round pick in ’15. Unless he really impresses the White Sox coaches and front office, I just don’t see him in the five-man starting rotation to start the season. Look for Rodon to be a Triple-A starter or in the White Sox bullpen.
3. Offseason transitions — Sure, the White Sox signed some very highly regarded talent this offseason in Jeff Samardzija, David Robertson, Melky Cabrera and Adam LaRoche, to name a few. Now the interesting part begins in seeing if all these new players can mesh with the players who were already on the roster.
Next: Anticipating Chicago White Sox baseball in 2015
4. Chris Sale‘s health — I worry about this all season long. With the sidearm style in which Sale pitches the question is if he can he stay off the disabled list in ’15, as he missed a month of the season in ’14 with a left flexor strain.
5. The 2005 World Series celebrations — This is the 10-year anniversary of the World Series champion team, and we are sure to be taking a trip back in a time machine all season long, reminiscing about the best White Sox team of our lifetimes thus far.
6. The backup catcher position — Who will win this spring training battle: Adrian Nieto or Rob Brantly? Or could a wild card from the minor league system surprise everyone and take over the role? Keep an eye on this all spring.