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Chicago White Sox 2015 preview and predictions

By Robby Sabo

Sep 10, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu (79) during the first inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 22, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura (23) looks back to the dugout as he walks out to potentially challenge a call in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 22, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox manager Robin Ventura (23) looks back to the dugout as he walks out to potentially challenge a call in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

2015 Predictions

Projected Lineup:

Feb 28, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox infielder Jose Abreu poses for a portrait during photo day at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox infielder Jose Abreu poses for a portrait during photo day at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
  1. CF Adam Eaton (L)
  2. LF Melky Cabrera (S)
  3. 1B Jose Abreu (R)
  4. DH Adam LaRoche (L)
  5. RF Avisail Garcia (R)
  6. 3B Conor Gillaspie (L)
  7. SS Alexei Ramirez (R)
  8. 2B Micah Johnson (L)
  9. C Tyler Flowers (R)

Bench:

  • C Geovany Soto (R)
  • INF Gordon Beckham (R)
  • OF Emilio Bonifacio (S)
  • INF Carlos Sanchez (S)

Rotation:

Sep 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (49) pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
  1. LHP Chris Sale
  2. RHP Jeff Samardzija
  3. LHP Jose Quintana
  4. LHP John Danks
  5. RHP Hector Noesi

Bullpen:

  • RHP David Robertson (Closer)
  • RHP Jake Petricka (Setup)
  • LHP Zach Duke (Setup)
  • RHP Zach Putnam (Middle)
  • RHP Daniel Webb (Middle)
  • RHP Javy Guerra (Middle)
  • LHP Dan Jennings (Long)

Top Prospects:

  • LHP Carlos Rodon
  • SS Tim Anderson
  • OF Courtney Hawkins
  • RHP Frank Montas

The good news for Chicago is that their beloved White Sox won’t repeat the dreadful 73-win season from a year ago. The bad news is they’ll witness a team that very closely resembles the team from 2012 which means a solid team that falls short of a playoff berth.

There’s no question this group has the opportunity to content for the AL Central thanks to the much needed additions. However, the fact that their top player slid down the power slope to an extreme level during the second half last season has to be a big caution flag for everybody surrounding the organization.

LaRoche will provide some secondary power, but questions remain about his age and buffer zone needed to get used to American League pitching.

The Sox could really use a spark from youngsters such as Adam Eaton, Avisail Garcia and especially Micah Johnson.

More good news for the Sox is the fact that pitching will not be an extreme concern anymore. Sale and Samardzija represent a solid one-two punch at the top of the lineup, and although bullpens are generally a crapshoot, this group has the potential to do some great things.

Expect a contending team who will battle all season long for one of those previous postseason spots.

  • Record: 87-75
  • Playoffs: Will Not Qualify, barely missing out on the Division and Wild Card

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