2015 AL Central Preview: Chicago White Sox

Prediction: 2nd in the AL Central

Aug 31, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura (23) during the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

This will easily be the most talented team Robin Ventura has ever had as manager of the White Sox. On offense, the team has a well-balanced lineup that should produce if Eaton, Abreu and Garcia can stay off the disabled list. The team also has multiple backup plans if Johnson falters in his rookie season at second base.

The question for this team is can they pitch well enough to compete with Detroit for the division crown? Danks and Noesi were pretty bad last season, and there is no indication they will be any better this season. It’s nice to have the option of Rodon just in case, but it’s hard to bank on any rookie pitcher with no big league experience to be a difference maker.

The bullpen has a bunch of new pieces but the only ones that are proven are Robertson and Duke. The White Sox should be able to get the right group of relievers together by seasons but could go through some growing pains in the process.

No team in the AL Central has done as much as the White Sox to improve their ball club. Now they can compete with anyone in the division and should be one of the teams in contention for the two AL Wild Card spots.