MLB Preview: Chicago White Sox

Remember the 2005 World Series? Not many people do outside of Chicago. Not much drama. But it was the South Siders' first World Series title since 1917, and first appearance since 1959. After a controversial dropped third strike catapulted AJ Pierzynski in White Sox lore and the White Sox in to the series, they swept NL Wild Card winner Houston to bring the World Series trophy to the South Side. It was a big deal, it broke the Black Sox curse.

In 1919, players of the Chicago White Sox lost the World Series on purpose in a betting scheme. They were found out, and eight players, including slugger "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, were banned from baseball forever. Charlie Sheen starred in "Eight Men Out", an awesome movie on this subject. I wonder if he had Tiger Blood back then.

Since 2005, they've finished 90-72, 72-90, 88-74 (Central Champs), 70-83, and 88-74. One postseason appearance, two losing seasons, but the curse can't be back right?

Last year was a promising season, but the White Sox fell 6 games behind the Twins by seasons end. The finished 7th in the majors in home runs and batting average. Three players (Paul Konerko, Alex Rios, and Carlos Quentin) all had over 20 taters. They were also speedy, four players had over 10 steals, and Juan Pierre led the way with 68.

Hmmmm, I am beginning to see similarities to the Reds here. Maybe this high powered offense is a Midwest thing, because one pauses when the pitching is examined. Though 4 starters had double digits in wins, only one, John Danks, had an ERA under 4. Edwin Jackson pitched for the ChiSox for two months and also had the low ERA on the squad at 3.24, but he only had 75 IP.

However, the White Sox took a page out of the Reds book, and on offense and defense, stayed pretty intact over the offseason. Wait, the Reds.... Ohio..... we've found the issue! The White Sox mimic Ohio too much to be a winning team!

But seriously, the White Sox return 7 out of their 9 starters. AJ Pierzynski (.270/9/56) continues work behind the dish. He has an over under of 5 fights or dirty plays this season, I'm taking the over. Paul Konerko (.312/39/111) was handed a large chunk of money to remain at first base. Newly acquired Adam Dunn (.260/38/103) will DH, hit home runs, and strike out a ton. But he was handed the contract to be the slugger to push the White Sox back to the World Series. Up the middle will be youngster Gordon Beckham, who will look to excel in his third year after a lackluster sophomore season, as well as Alexei Ramirez (.282/18/70), who will attempt to be seen as one of the premier shortstops in the AL. Third base will be a duel between veteran utilityman Mark Teahen and rookie Brent Morel. Morel may be the best prospect left in the White Sox system. In the outfield, the speedy Juan Pierre (.275/1/47), Alex Rios (.284/88/21), and Carlos Quentin (.243/26/87) could be considered the most potent trio in the majors.

On the hill, only Freddy Garcia departs. The ace will remain Mark Buehrle (13-13, 4.28), who will continue to attempt to keep games under 2 hours. Behind him will be John Danks (15-11, 3.72), Gavin Floyd (10-13, 4.08), and Jake Peavy (7-6, 4.63). Peavy may be the key of the staff, if he can pitch like he did a few seasons ago, the White Sox will absolutely be monsters in the central. Rounding out the rotation is Edwin Jackson (4-2, 3.24). Even though he's young, he seems like he's been around forever. Still, Jackson's full ability may not yet be realized, and at the very least, he's a fifth starter that can eat up a lot of innings.

Your 2011 Chicago White Sox:

C A.J. Pierzynski
1B Paul Konerko
2B Gordon Beckham
SS Alexi Ramirez
3B Brent Morel/Mark Teahen
LF Juan Pierre
CF Alex Rios
RF Carlos Quentin
DH Jim Thome
SP Mark Buerhle
SP Gavin Floyd
SP John Danks
SP Jake Peavy
SP Edwin Jackson
CL Matt Thornton

Best Case Scenario:
Winning the starting job out of spring training, Brent Morel looks like the next David Wright. His energy and abilities rub off on the team and makes everybody better. And when I say better, I mean 30 HR + better. Dunn, Quentin, Rios, Ramirez, and Konerko all mash 30+ bombs on the year. Konerko leads the way with 41. The White Sox play the whole season behind the mantra "stand pat". Their calm demeanor keeps manager Ozzie Guillen's blood pressure to record lows. Matt Thornton takes the closer's job without a problem, and his perfect record on save opportunities keeps the White Sox at ease throughout the season. By August they've essentially won the central, easily distancing themselves from the more volatile Twins and Tigers. The easy division earns them the top seed in the playoffs.

Squaring off against the Wild Card winner Yankees in the first round, the Yanks unreliability on the mound is exploited as the Sox edge it out in five games. Coming up against the Rangers in the ALCS, Buehrle, Danks, and Peavy look unhittable, sending Chicago to the series in six games to meet the Phillies.

The two teams look fairly matched, but it is Peavy who beats Oswalt in game 7 for the win. Pierzynski wins the MVP after batting .429 and driving in 9 runs, Giants fans lament for all of .5 seconds.

Worst Case Scenario:
Ozzie is up to his old tricks. After the team can't find a groove earl, his outbursts in the clubhouse reach a breaking point with the players. The attitude is grim, no one wants to play for a manager who wants to have a knife fight. Ozzie takes his frustrations out on Jim Joyce, and receives a 25 game suspension after his post game comments insult almost everyone he knows. He is fired, and the team cannot recover under interim coach Frank Thomas.

Buerhle starts showing signs of wear. Peavy can't regain his old form. Thornton can't close games. Things are a mess for the White Sox, as they quickly fall to fourth in the division. Rahm Emmanuel declares a state of emergency for Chicago, and though he can't name anyone on the team, having spent 0 time in Chicago after campaigning for Obama all summer, professes his spirit onto the White Sox.

The Ohioan policy of standing pat places a curse on the White Sox, who are unable to win a championship for another 50 years.