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Chicago White Sox Thinking Title After Additions
In 2005, the Chicago White Sox won the World Series. Last year, the Sox finished in second place with 88 wins behind the Minnesota Twins who won the American League Central Division with 94 wins. While the Twins lost the majority of their bullpen to free agency over the winter, the south siders have made several key additions which they feel position them for another run at a World Series title.
Gone from the Twins bullpen is Matt Guerrier who signed with the Dodgers, Jon Rauch who signed with the Blue Jays, Brian Fuentes who signed with the Athletics, and Jesse Crain who signed with the White Sox. In signing Crain (3.04 era, 1.18 whip) the Sox not only improved their own bullpen but stole him from their division rivals.
When Thome left to go to the rival Twins prior to the 2010 season, General Manager Kenny Williams and Manager Ozzie Guillen decided to use the designated hitter slot as a way to get bench players at bats. Many different players hit in the designated hitter slot for Guillen last season but without the power production they were used to.
While the Sox bullpen looks to be solid, their starting rotation is being counted on to carry the team to the post season. Former Padres ace Jake Peavy is recovering from a severe arm injury suffered last season. Peavy has been impressive early in spring training 2011 and could make the White Sox rotation spectacular.
Left hander Mark Buehrle consistently wins in a homer friendly home ballpark. John Danks joins Buehrle has a premier 200 innings eater, Gavin Floyd pitched a solid 194 innings as well. Last season, Edwin Jackson came over in a trade with the DiamondBacks and solidified the rotation, finishing with 209 innings pitched. If needed, Sale could step into the rotation as well, but for now he will serve in the important eighth inning set up role to Thornton.
While the Twins suffered the losses of most of their bullpen in the off season, the Sox feel they improved their bullpen. Key to that improvement is the acquisition of Jesse Crain from the rival Twins. Chris Sale, in his second season after impressing in his rookie campaign last year, will serve as a set up man to closer Matt Thorton. The Sox let former closer Bobby Jenks leave to go to the Boston Red Sox. They also lost Scott Linebrink to the Atlanta Braves. But with Sergio Santos, Tony Pena, and Jeff Marquez, the Sox feel that their bullpen will be a strength as the season goes on.
The Sox lineup is good top to bottom, but it is the two sluggers in the middle of the south siders order that provide the true consistent thunder. First baseman Paul Konerko pounded out 39 home runs and drove in 111 runs last season. The White Sox signed free agent Adam Dunn away from the Nationals in the off season. Dunn is one of the more consistent power hitters in the game and the lefty swinging Dunn adds protection to Konerko and will DH.
Williams and Guillen both have signed contract extensions which provides the Chicago White Sox with leadership stability. Thornton signed an extension in spring training as well, giving the Sox a young core of solid players. With the additions, the Sox plan to build on what they already had and should contend for years to come.
Bobbie Barton is a fitness trainer She likes SportsFanTreasures.com and recommends you check out their info on Washington Nationals Watch, San Francisco Giants Watch and Minnesota Twins Bedding
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