Chicago White Sox: Mike Trout, Angels present a big challenge

The Chicago White Sox are finally playing baseball. We know about their team well at this point but their opponents need to be focused on too. The Los Angeles Angels are the first team that the White Sox are going to play this year and it is an awesome challenge. They aren’t necessarilly World Series favorites or anything like that but they will certainly be a good team. They will compete hard for the American League West division title with teams like the Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics.

The Chicago White Sox needs to have a good start against the Los Angeles Angels.

The Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Angels are going to play a four-game series which is unique for Opening Weekend. It is normally a Thursday game with the immediate off day on the Friday after with two weekend-games. That isn’t the case here as they will just play four. It is a really nice way to get the 162 game grind going. There are no easy games in baseball but this series is an exceptionally hard one to begin the year.

Pitching Matchups: 

Game One: Lucas Giolito vs Dylan Bundy

Game Two: Dallas Keuchel vs Andrew Heaney

Game Three: Lance Lynn vs Alex Cobb

Game Four: Dylan Cease vs Shohei Ohtani

That is certainly a very fun set of pitching matchups. It is, however, one that heavily favors the White Sox. One of the biggest knocks on Los Angeles is its staff. There are good pitchers there but none of them are what you would consider an ace.

The closest would be Shohei Ohtani who is there to pitch and hit for them. The White Sox will likely yield a hit or two to him and have to face him on the mound in the same series. It is, however, going to be fun seeing the White Sox play against someone that talented. Hopefully, the White Sox are able to contain him in every aspect of his game.

You can’t talk about the Los Angeles Angels without mentioning Mike Trout. He is the best player in the league and it isn’t close. Every year, he is right there for the MVP because of his ability to do it all. He is the definition of a true five-tool player that does everything in the field and at the plate.

Anthony Rendon is also there who is one of the best players in the league as well. Seeing a legend like Albert Pujols back for another year is really cool too. All of these guys at the top of their roster are hoping that there is just enough depth to make a push this year. The White Sox are going to try and get them off to a cool start but it won’t be easy. Playing at home might be an advantage for the Angels so the White Sox need to come ready to play.