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Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The Chicago White Sox finished the 2009 season with a disappointing record of 79-83, ending 7.5 games behind division winners Minnesota. The division took 163 games to decide last year, and the year before, proving that the AL Central is arguably the most competitive division in baseball. This fact sees the White Sox needing to trump two teams if they want to make the playoffs. Despite the tough competition, this squad feels they have more than the required assets to win the division. With that in mind, let's take a look at the 2010 projected lineup.
2010 Chicago White Sox Projected Starting Lineup
No. Pos. Player
1. LF Juan Pierre
2. 2B Gordon Beckham
3. RF Carlos Quentin
4. 1B Paul Konerko
5. DH Mark Kotsay
6. CF Alex Rios
7. C A.J. Pierzynski
8. 3B Mark Teahen
9. SS Alexei Ramiriez
Projected Bench
B IF Omar Vizquel
B OF Andruw Jones
B C Donny Lucy
B IF Jayson Nix

This new lineup seems to be a formidable one, let's take an in-depth look at it. The first thing one will notice about this team is the addition of Outfielder and Lead-off man Juan Pierre. Pierre's arrival at the club brings a very solid lead off hitter, one the White Sox so desperately need. Pierre has a career Batting Average of .301, while the Sox' former lead off hitter, Scott Podsednik, only has an average of .277. Juan Pierre did not play every day last year, so it should be interesting to see how he will adapt to his new, rigerous role.

In addition to speed, the White Sox also receive a large defensive boost from Third Baseman Mark Teahen. Last year Chicago played newcomer Gordon Beckham at third, but Beckham was not at home playing on the hot corner, being a natural Short Stop.

Another defensive minded move from the White Sox is the acquisition of Short Stop Omar Vizquel. While Vizquel is not likely to see much playing time, he also has another role to fill at the club. Starting Short Stop Alexei Ramirez has been atrocious defensively over the past couple of years, and has not learned from his mistakes. It is clear the White Sox brought in Vizquel, one of the best defensive Short Stops to play the game, to help teach Ramirez the ins and outs of the position.

Andruw Jones was also picked up by Chicago, and he will likely play backup to the DH, and the outfield. Another defensive acquisition, Jones also is very good at the plate, making him one of the most solid back up players in the league.

Now let's take a look at the Chicago White Sox projected rotation and bullpen.

2010 Chicago White Sox Projected Pitching Rotation
Position Hand Player
1 Left Mark Buehrle
2 Right Jake Peavy
3 Left John Danks
4 Right Gavin Floyd
5 Right Freddy Farcia
Bullpen
MRP Right Tony Pena
MRP Right Scott Linebrink
MRP Right Sergio Santos
MRP Left Randy Williams
SU Left Matt Thornton
SU Right J.J. Putz
CP Right Bobby Jenks




The first thing to note about this rotation is the addition of former NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy. Peavy was traded to the White Sox last year, and only pitched three starts. In those three starts, he went 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA.
Mark Buehrle will be taking the mound on Opening Day, though, and is one of the best White Sox pitchers of all time. Fans will have no doubts in his abilities to silence Cleveland come april. Also worth noting, Buehrle pitched a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays last year.

In the third spot, there is John Danks. Danks pitches very similar to Buehrle, relying on varying speeds and a quick pace to retire the opposition. Often Considered another Buehrle, John Danks is a very solid pitcher, especially considering he is third in the rotation.

Fourth comes Gavin Floyd. Floyd is most known for his wicked curveball, which is claimed to by the best right handed curveball in the AL by many. Along with this, he also has a decent fastball, and is an extremely formidible opponent for a fourth spot starter.

Rounding out the rotation is Freddy Garcia. He has previously played for the White Sox, before being traded. He was with the Sox in '05, and started the final world series game. Garcia is somewhat of an unknow commodity, however, since he has suffered injuries since his last stint with the Sox. Will he be another rock in the sublime White Sox rotation, or will he quickly be relegated to the minors, leaving the Sox to continue their search for a number 5 starter?

This rotation is easily one of the best in the American League, and maybe even the best. For it to reach it's full potential, though, Garcia must rise to the occasion.

Turning to the Bullpen, one will notice it looks similar to last year's. The one marquee adiditon, however, is a big one. J.J. Putz could be a savior to the White Sox, who suffered some difficulties in the bullpen area last year.

Another point of interest is Bobby Jenks, who has not preformed well over the last year. Will he be able to get back on track? This is one of the most important unknowns for the White Sox.

Now let's look at the April Schedule for Chicago.

Schedule for April 2010
Home/Away Date Opponent
Home 4/5 Indians
Home 4/7 Indians
Home 4/8 Indians
Home 4/9 Twins
Home 4/10 Twins
Home 4/11 Twins
Away 4/12 Jays
Away 4/13 Jays
Away 4/14 Jays
Away 4/15 Jays
Away 4/16 Indians
Away 4/17 Indians
Away 4/18 Indians
Home 4/20 Rays
Home 4/21 Rays
Home 4/22 Rays
Home 4/23 Mariners
Home 4/24 Mariners
Home 4/25 Mariners
Away 4/27 Rangers
Away 4/28 Rangers
Away 4/29 Rangers
Away 4/30 Yankees

Chicago seems to have a pretty laid back schedule to start the year, the exceptions being Tampa Bay and Minnesota. At the end of the month Chicago also starts a stint in New York, which promises to be an entertaining series.

The offseason moves for the White Sox focused on Defense, Speed, and Pitching, which should remind Sox fans of their 2005 World Series win. Will this team be able to achive similar results? We will have to wait and see.

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Chicago White Sox- 2010 *Real Transactions/Injuries*
Rosters: jim416's Opening Day Rosters
Hitting Difficulty: Hall of Fame
Pitching Difficulty: Hall of Fame


I am going to be running a dynasty playing a the Chicago White Sox, but this isn't any ordinary dynasty. I am also going to be following real life transactions and Injuries. For example, if Freddy Garcia get's sent down to AAA, he will also be sent down in this dynasty, If Joe Mauer gets hurt, he will be injured in this dynasty, etc.

This stipulation will provide the challenge of having to adapt to new players, or the loss of former players, whether I agree with the move or not. I will have every team's pitching staff correct, and try to get everyone's lineup correct, although that changes daily. My last foray into Hall of Fame difficulty didn't go so well, so let's hope this one goes a little better!

Season Preview to come.

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