Biggest White Sox questions before spring training
Aug 17, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Conor Gillaspie (12) hits a grand slam home against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
As we are less than two weeks away from the start of spring training, there are plenty of questions surrounding this Chicago White Sox team. Here are some of those questions.
Who is going to be the primary catcher?
Sep 2, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics catcher Geovany Soto (17) catches a foul ball against the Seattle Mariners during the sixth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
The team has gone out and signed Geovany Soto to a minor league deal. He’s been a catcher for Jeff Samardzija on two different teams already, so I like his chances at least the backup role.
Chicago also has Rob Brantly, Adrian Nieto, Kevan Smith, and George Kottaras (who is a non-roster invitee) in the organization as well, so there should be a lot of competition at the position this spring.
The incumbent is Tyler Flowers, but I’d love for Soto to hit and remain healthy enough to supplant Flowers at some point this year.
Is the bullpen fixed?
Signing David Robertson and Zach Duke are moves in the right direction. Many of the guys who were part of the problematic bullpen last year are still around.
The good news is that their roles have changed and they have a year more experience, so the hope is that with a more defined role, they can succeed. If Duke and Robertson remain healthy as they have for the majority of their careers, the pen should be better.
The wildcards could be Jesse Crain and Carlos Rodon.
Crain hasn’t thrown a big league pitch since last pitching for the White Sox in ’13, but when he’s healthy, he’s been among the best relievers in baseball.
Rodon is looking to make the team in his first big league camp. He projects as a starter but may be better suited to break in as a reliever and get a taste of the majors in small doses.
Next: Which Alexei Ramirez will we see in 2015?
Who are the options as the 5th starter?
Sep 20, 2014; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Hector Noesi (48) walks to the dugout at the end of the third inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Right now Hector Noesi is the man pegged to fill this role but he will and should have competition.
We already talked about Rodon and how he could and eventually will become a starter in this rotation whether it’s this year or next.
Brad Penny was a non-roster invitee and with a strong spring could make the team but I hope not.
Erik Johnson has had opportunities, but has not shown enough yet to stay up. More than likely it is going to be Noesi, but I would not be surprised if they sign someone else and make this an actual competition.
Brandon Beachy is available and could add value later in the season when he has fully recovered from Tommy John surgery.
Mar 10, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox second baseman Micah Johnson (83) makes a catch on a line drive against the Milwaukee Brewers in the third inning at Maryvale Baseball Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Who will be playing second base this year?
It’s not super important as to who starts the year at second, but rather, who makes it their job full-time. I would love for Micah Johnson to get a shot and take the job from the get-go.
He is one of the best prospects in the farm system and has great potential to steal bases. He’ll need to have a great spring training in order to make the team I believe though.
Emilio Bonifacio was signed this offseason, but he’s more of a utility role player than an everyday player.
Carlos Sanchez got a taste of the big leagues last year and held his own, he just doesn’t have the upside that someone like Johnson has. Sanchez the most likely starter at second to begin the year though, as his glove is big league ready.
Leury Garcia has limited offensive potential. He’d be better suited as a defensive replacement later in the game.
Gordon Beckham … The prodigal son has returned after spending 26 games with the Angels after being traded from the Sox last year.
Beckham has always played defense at a high level, but the offensive game never really materialized. Hopefully he can come in and contribute, but he will more than likely be a utility player at second and third.
Can Conor Gillaspie improve upon his 2014 season?
Sep 16, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA;Chicago White Sox third baseman Conor Gillaspie (12) celebrates as he slides into third base after hitting a three run triple in the seventh inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Gillaspie was a pleasant surprise last year. He was an all-around better player in ’14 than in ’13.
However, his home run totals dropped from 13 to seven. This team should have more power in its lineup with their offseason additions, but Gillaspie will still need to put up some power numbers.
If he doesn’t, then Beckham or even Matt Davidson could replace him.
The ideal stat line for him would 15-20 home runs, 75 RBIs, and a .270 batting average. If he can get up to those numbers, White Sox fans would be ecstatic.
These are the most pressing concerns that I have about the team heading into spring training.
Some of these questions could be answered during spring training, but others will be answered throughout the season.