White Sox will have a much different team entering this season than in 2016. What can fans expect to see from the South Siders in 2017?
Considering the Chicago White Sox are undergoing a massive rebuilding effort, what do we the fans have to look forward to in 2017? Even though winning a championship is out of the question, there should still be several enjoyable moments over the next six months. Here they are:
South Side Debuts
While Chris Sale and Adam Eaton, among others are no longer with the ballclub, some talented young players will be filling their spots in the future. For the first time in years, the Sox have a handful of young prospects with star upside, many of which could see their first action at Guaranteed Rate Field this summer. Yoan Moncada and Lucas Giolito will lead the next group of stars Sox fans can cheer for many seasons to come, therefore you have every reason to watch games this season.
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Potential Surprises
Due to the fact the Sox have very few proven veterans, expect to see some unheralded youngsters come through when it counts. Matt Davidson is a name to keep an eye on, who is a power hitting third baseman that has failed to live up to potential since being traded for after the 2013 season. If he can live up to his lofty potential, the ballclub could have something in a player who exceeded the 20 home run plateau four times in the minors.
Blockbuster Trades
This is the one Sox fans have a keen eye on. Due to the clubs high-end talent (Jose Quintana, David Robertson, etc.), it can be used as a vital resource to supplement the roster with additional young players, which is crucial when rebuilding an organization. How this strategy is executed will be a hot topic in the months of June and July among the fan base, and will likely dominate any on field play. Who the front office deals could be discussed for years, if they move anyone at all.
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All in all, while the 2017 season is unlikely to produce 90 wins, however it will give us plenty of drama nonetheless. While the storylines could be off the field in many cases, don’t expect every day to be tedious. Keep in mind with new manager Rick Renteria at the helm, players with untapped potential such as Avisail Garcia will get final shot at revitalizing their careers.
Be ready for everything this year, Sox fans. And prepare for the worst as well.