The 133rd season of Major League Baseball is upon us. Over the next month and half, we will be taking a look at each ball club, leading up to the Expert Predictions of the esteemed staff at Sparty & Friends. We will be previewing each team, from worst to first. We now get a look at the  AL Central Champion Chicago White Sox.  Presenting them today will be hardcore White Sox fan and Sparty & Friends Commenter, Tampa Bo.

The Defending AL Central Champion Chicago White Sox return to the Cell looking a little different, a little younger. Last year the Sox were plagued with injury and inconsistencies and still managed to win the division before being ousted in the ALDS by the Tampa Bay Rays. The loss of Carlos Quentin damaged the synergy of the batting order and the on again, off again pitching rotation were the downfall of the Southside’s run to the World Series. There was also tension within the Organization. Obviously frustrated, Ozzie called out everyone, including his boss, GM Kenny Williams. All of the drama aside, there were also some bright spots on the team like the emergence of Alexi Ramirez, Gavin Floyd and John Danks, who were key components of the playoff run.

Players who overachieved at a certain point in their career and have been exposed have been traded or released (Orlando Cabrera, Javier Vazquez). The White Sox organization will have to deal with the realization that key players are getting older and it is time to look for the new breed. Therefore, Kenny and Ozzie have devised a plan to set the youth out into limelight and see who will sink or swim. The combination of seasoned veterans, and restless youth competing to solidify their future in the majors could make for an exciting. One acquisition that I look forward to see playing is that of 19 year old Dayan Viciedo; from what I hear, his upside in phenomenal.

Projected Batting Order (WhiteSox.com):

I like the batting order. The lead off hitter Jerry Owens put up some decent numbers out of AAA Charlotte. The 3, 4,5,6,7 spots in the order is filled with power. Konerko was out due the injury the majority of the 2008 season resulting in sub par numbers and Jermaine Dye exploded halfway through the season. Jim Thome is on the decline but the future Hall of Famer continues to be clutch. I’m not too familiar with the 8 and 9 spots but it’s they have a great opportunity to contribute and become stars in this organization.

1. CF Jerry Owens:
.276 BA, .346 OBP, 30 SB at AAA Charlotte in 2008 (2007 MLB: 356 AB, .267 BA, .324 OBP, 32 SB, )
2. C A.J. Pierzynski:
.281 BA, 13 HR, 60 RBI in 2008
3. LF Carlos Quentin:
.288 BA, 36 HR, 100 RBI, .394 OBP, .571 SLG in 2008
4. DH Jim Thome:
.245 BA, 34 HR, 90 RBI, .362 OBP, .503 SLG in 2008
5. RF Jermaine Dye:
.292 BA, 34 HR, 96 RBI, 41 2B, .541 SLG in 2008
6. 1B Paul Konerko:
.240 BA, 22 HR, 62 RBI in 2008
7. SS Alexei Ramirez:
.290 BA, 21 HR, 77 RBI, 13 SB in 2008
8. 3B Josh Fields:
.246 BA, 10 HR, 35 RBI for Charlotte in 2008 (2007 MLB: 373 AB, .244 BA, 23 HR, 67 RBI, .958 FPCT)
9. 2B Chris Getz:
.302 BA, 11 HR, 52 RBI, 11 SB for Charlotte in 2008

Projected rotation (WhiteSox.com):

I have to admit that the rotation is less than Stellar, But the 1,2,3 spots are pretty solid.

1. Mark Buehrle, 15-12, 3.79 ERA in 2008
2. Gavin Floyd, 17-8, 3.84 ERA in 2008
3. John Danks, 12-9, 3.32 ERA in 2008
4. Bartolo Colon, 4-2, 3.92 ERA with Red Sox in 2008
5. Clayton Richard, 2-5, 6.04 ERA in 2008

The Bullpen(WhiteSox.com):

This is what saves the rotation these 4 are very good and Bobby Jenks should be a little bit happier after receiving a new deal.

B. Jenks (CL)
O. Dotel
S. Linebrink
M. Thornton

Hopefully these guys can work together to go on a Championship run in 2009 and remain the number 1 baseball team in Chicago.

Batting Stance Guy returns for the ChiSox:

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