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.
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.
Sep 15, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Conor Gillaspie (12) throws out Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar (2) on a bunt in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
7. Conor Gillaspie and third base — He was inconsistent in the field in ’14, but I thought he hit fairly well for average. I think he continues to improve at the plate (though he won’t hit for a lot of power), and hopefully he can make doubters forget about some of his field woes.
8. AL Central will be “beast mode” — The AL Central could be, no … I am saying it will be the toughest division in all of baseball, one through five. The overall records might not show it, but don’t be surprised to see two teams from the division in the postseason again this year.
9. Will the White Sox keep Alexei Ramirez all season? — If at some point this season the White Sox decide one of their shortstop prospects are ready, and they either feel they are out of the race (doubtful) or can improve elsewhere, will the White Sox trade their veteran All-Star shortstop in the process? Just a thought.
10. The progression of Jose Abreu — How much will the reigning AL Rookie of the Year improve from year one to year two in the majors? He has more help surrounding him in ’15 than he did his rookie season as well. Also, he has to avoid the dreaded sophomore slump with teams having an entire season worth of film on him.
11. Robin Ventura as manager — I believe if the White Sox don’t have vastly improved success this season, compared to their two previous seasons, Ventura could be the fall guy in this matter. Also in year four of being the White Sox skipper, it is time to see if Ventura is really the right guy for the job.
12. Improved bullpen — The bullpen of the White Sox must be better than they were last season, and with the likes of David Robertson as the closer and Zach Duke as a reliever, there is no reason to worry about the late innings like we’ve become accustomed to the past couple seasons.
Sep 6, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana (62) reacts after giving up a home run in the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
13. Adam Eaton‘s spark — Can the centerfielder bring the spark and excitement to the White Sox like he did last season? I believe he will and then some, but what to look for with Eaton is can he bat .300 again for this ball club?
14. Jeff Samardzija and a long-term deal — If the White Sox want to stay competitive for the next few seasons, they really need to sign an extension with Samardzija to give them a 1-2-3 punch of him, Sale and Jose Quintana for years to come. It is the smart thing to do.
15. Breakout player: Jose Quintana — Speaking of Quintana … I’m predicting he will become the breakout player for the White Sox in ’15. Each of the past two seasons, he just seems to continue to pitch better, and another year with pitching coach Don Cooper can’t hurt anything, either.
16. Matt Davidson in Triple-A — One player with the Charlotte Knights the White Sox really need to see improvement from is Davidson. The third baseman came over in a trade from last offseason with the Arizona Diamondbacks and didn’t produce in the minors whatsoever. He has a lot of tough work ahead of him, but he’s someone all White Sox fans need to be rooting for this spring and summer.
17. Another honor for Paulie — Paul Konerko‘s No. 14 jersey will be retired on May 23, so what else do I need to say about one of the greatest White Sox players of all-time except, “Thank You, Paulie.”
18. Consistency in left field — Maybe the biggest surprise of the offseason was the signing of free agent Melky Cabrera to replace Dayan Viciedo in left field. Not even looking at the plate presence of Cabrera, he will bring a sigh of relief whenever the ball is hit to left this upcoming season.
Sep 22, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox catcher Tyler Flowers (21) receives congratulations from teammates after he hits a two run home run in the second inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
19. AL Central without Max Scherzer — I’m not going to lie, I like the sound of that. I hope the NL East enjoys him as much as the Central did the past few seasons.
20. White Sox vs. Cubs — It is really exciting to have this rivalry mean something again. The games are on the weekend in summer months, and both teams are actually trying to field contending teams this season. It should be fun to watch the White Sox show “little brother” just how much improved they are this year.
21. Tyler Flowers and his sports goggles — If Flowers wears the goggles this season, for the entire season, expect him to have a more consistent season in ’15.
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22. A more motivated team — There is no way this ball club isn’t motivated more than they’ve been in past seasons. Rick Hahn and the rest of the front office has built a team that should win, and to be honest, I don’t think there is any other option now with all involved.
23. The secret weapon — The Chicago White Sox have a secret (or not so secret) weapon in Emilio Bonifacio, who they signed as a utility player. He can play basically any position on the field and will be a good emergency if neither of the prospects are up to par this spring.
24. Prospect watch — Keep an eye on Tim Anderson all season long in the minors, as his progression is pivotal for the future of the White Sox at second base or shortstop. It would be nice to see him have a full season of Triple-A play before September call-ups.
Sep 21, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder Avisail Garcia (26) hits a solo home during the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
25. New face at DH — Adam LaRoche gives the White Sox less power than the former DH (Adam Dunn), but his bat is more consistent, and he’ll be a very nice veteran presence in the dugout and club house this season. Plus, LaRoche knows what it takes to play in the postseason, and maybe that will rub off on the rest of his new teammates.
26. Avisail Garcia and a full season — Another potential breakout player for the White Sox is Garcia. Garcia staying healthy is a must for him and the White Sox in ’15. Plus, how much fun will it be to see Garcia get to play that full season and see the progression we know he’s capable of having?
27. Will Brian Anderson earn a spot in the minors — Anderson’s story really won’t affect the White Sox this season, but can the former first-round selection return to baseball as a centerfielder somewhere in the White Sox organization? I’m not sure, but it does draw my interest some.
28. John Danks‘ return to form — One player I am really rooting for is Danks, for the fact he really does need to be better this season than he’s been the past couple years. This might be the final try for the White Sox to fix whatever ails Danks when he takes the mound. If he does get back to where he was a few seasons ago, the White Sox could have the best 1-4 rotation in the majors. That is a big IF, though.
29. Who will be the fifth starter? — Right now my money is on the No. 5 starter battle being between Hector Noesi and Rodon, though like I said earlier, the White Sox don’t have to rush Rodon, and Noesi is good enough to be the fifth starter for Chicago.
30. Will Dayan Viciedo “tank” again this season? — Since it is all but settled Viciedo won’t be in the starting lineup, will he become a good bench player for the White Sox to use in ’15, or will he be traded? My hope is if he does stay on the roster, he is valuable in some way off the bench and doesn’t “tank” again this season.
