There are some major points regarding the Chicago White Sox season.
The week every baseball fan has been waiting for has finally arrived. It is the opening week of the Major League Baseball season and the Chicago White Sox take on a divisional rival. First, is the power-hitting Minnesota Twins who want to start the season off strong with a statement win. On the other side is the new and improved Chicago White Sox who wants nothing more than putting the league on notice.
The chances that the White Sox can make the postseason are incredibly high because this team is unlimited with talent. Aside from the usual suspects, some key players in the clubhouse can have a huge effect on the team’s fate and some prospects who can beef up the lineup.
In the wake of a coronavirus diagnosis, star third baseman Yoan Moncada returned to the White Sox last Thursday and he was moving better than expected. White Sox manager Rick Renteria told NBCSports Chicago that Moncada is probable for the regular season. “I’m certainly hopeful he’ll be a part of us as we open up,” Renteria said. He added that there is no certainty in his place of the lineup because the team is being cautious but there is optimism in the clubhouse.
The risk of putting Moncada out on the diamond prematurely is well understood because he has been an important factor in turning the franchise around. After setting career highs last season, the switch-hitter has been great for the White Sox, and not having him at the plate would take away from the team’s potential. It is safe to say that Moncada is essential to this team. He has a strong presence at the plate that puts runs on the board so he is crucial to a successful season.
The hype around power bat rookie Luis Robert is very high and it keeps rising. In the intrasquad games, he has been launching balls into the stands for days and that is an exact why the White Sox seal a win in the opener. An advantage of the Minnesota Twins is the batting lineup. The Chicago White Sox has added some power to their roster like, Edwin Encarnacion.
Eloy Jimenez can hit the ball out of the park as well as a bunch of other players. Luis Robert, the White Sox’ Rookie of the Year candidate, who has been associated with the likes of superstar Mike Trout, will be very important to the White Sox regular and postseason success.
The Chicago White Sox will be without right-handed pitcher Michael Kopech this season. The time for Dylan Cease to show his show-stopping pitching arsenal is now and he has been doing just that in the intrasquad games. Last Thursday, he racked up eight strikeouts and looked to be the strongest he has ever been on the mound. Even though it was a practice game, Cease showed off some nasty pitches and is looking to come back strong after last season’s poor outing.
The Chicago White Sox could also look to their very talented prospects to add some extra talent to the regular season. Andrew Vaughn has been not letting up since showing off his talent in Spring Training. He spent time at third base and driving the baseball up and out of the field. The highly regarded prospect Nick Madrigal is on every fan’s mind when it comes to the call-up situation. He has the potential to be a true staple at second base and add some tremendous consistency to the batting lineup.
This week is very exciting for Chicago White Sox fans because this team is full of talented guys that can rise to the occasion in the 60 game season. This team has filled out in every area and has the tools to win the division and make the postseason. In the season opener, the White Sox can use the weaknesses in the Minnesota Twins’ bullpen for an opening day win.