Chicago White Sox: Best and Worst Case Scenarios for 2015
By Brett Pnazek
Best Case
Aug 13, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jose Quintana (62) pitches the ball against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Pitching
The ace of the staff in Chris Sale only misses his first start and throws over 200 innings and wins the Cy Young. Both Samardzija and Quintana win 15 games as the second and third starters.
Carlos Rodon replaces either John Danks or the fifth starter at the time and makes the rotation the best in the AL.
The bullpen becomes one of the best in the AL with contributions from Jesse Crain, Zach Duke, and David Robertson.
Offense
Jose Abreu dominates again and posts a 40-home run season with a .300 batting average, and finishes in the Top 3 of the AL MVP voting.
The free agent acquisitions of LaRoche and Cabrera earn their money as LaRoche provides the power and Cabrera provides the ability to get on base.
Micah Johnson earns the second base job and keeps it by stealing bases and playing solid defense.
Avisail Garcia realizes his potential and gives the White Sox another powerful bat.
Overall
The White Sox shock the pundits and win a close race for the AL Central. From there it’s a crap-shoot but they make it to the World Series and bring the title back to the Southside of Chicago.
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