It has already been six years since the Chicago White Sox won the 2005 World Series. In 2010, the Sox again contended for the American League Central Division but finished second to the Minnesota Twins. While the Twins won 94 games last year and the Sox won 88, off season additions and subtractions for both teams have made the Sox favorites to win the central this year.
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.
While the Twins feel they have bullpen replacements within their system, the White Sox think they improved their bullpen with the addition of Crain to go along with new closer Matt Thornton and impressive rookie for 2010 Chris Sale. Gone is former closer Bobby Jenks who signed with the Red Sox. Also gone is J. J. Putz who went to the DiamondBacks to be their new closer, and Scott Linebrink who went to the Braves.
Though again battling injuries last season, left fielder Carlos Quentin provided good power production with 26 home runs and 87 RBIs, though many feel he is capable of even more. Rounding out the bottom of the Sox order will be third basemen Mark Teahen, Dayan Viciedo, or Brent Morel. Viciedo provides more power, but Guillen likes Morels defense better at the hot corner. Teahen provides balance to the line up with his left handed bat.
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.
Left fielder Carlos Quentin, center fielder Juan Pierre and right fielder Alex Rios provide plenty of run production. With Paul Konerko at first, Gordon Beckham at second, either Mark Teahen, Dayan Viciedo or Brent Morel at third and shortstop Alexei Ramirez the Sox will have good
While the Twins lost Jesse Crain to the White Sox, Matt Guerrier to the Dodgers, Jon Rauch to the Blue Jays and Brian Fuentes to the Athletics, Williams and Guillen feel that the addition of Crain makes them stronger, despite their bullpen losses. Bobby Jenks left for Boston and Scott Linebrink signed with the Atlanta Braves, but the Sox think spectacular rookie Chris Sale will be a solid set up man to new closer Matt Thorton.
The additions of Dunn and Crain have Chicago White Sox fans excited about the 2011 season. With the solid leadership of manager Ozzie Guillen and General Manager Kenny Williams signed to extensions, the pair lead a solid mixture of exciting youngsters along with proven veterans. Though they will likely battle Minnesota and the Detroit Tigers for the division, the Sox seem poised to make it an exciting summer in the Windy City.
Author Resource:
Bobbie Barton is a fitness trainer She likes SportsFanTreasures.com and recommends you check out their info on Washington Nationals Watch or San Francisco Giants Watch
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