In some ways, 2012 ended in a disappointing way for the Chicago WhiteSox, considering they held a 2 game lead on September 20th. To fight up until the end, only lose the division to the Detroit Tigers.
Chicago led the AL Central for a good part of the season, until the Tigers offense got hot and started scoring runs. In the end, chasing down the WhiteSox.
Over the winter, not much changed for the Sox. Other than losing some key players, and only one notable player comes to Chicago.
Among those joining the Sox, Jeff Keppinger will be replacing Kevin Youkilis at third base.
Leaving with Youkilis, long time catcher AJ Pierzynski. He's going to missed a lot not only in the lineup but especially behind the plate.
I think though, that for the WhiteSox, not much needed to change. Coming into the year I believed that the Sox were a very good ballclub, and I thought the same thing at seasons' end.
As far as offense goes for Chicago, I really like the lineup that they will put onto the field. With Paul Konerko and Alex Rios. Konerko started hot last season at the plate, and Rios was even better slugging the ball.
Adam Dunn even had a great comeback year with 41 homeruns, to counter his extremely high strikeout total.
AJ Pierzynski hit a career high 27 homers in 2012. He of course, is now in Texas. Tyler Flowers will now get a chance, everyday as starting catcher of the WhiteSox.
With pitching, the Sox are solid, but could be better. Led by Chris Sale, he had a great 2012 season going 17-8. Jake Peavy came out of the gates hot, yet finished the season at 11-12.
Overall, the Chicago WhiteSox certainly aren't better then the Tigers. But they're still a talented group. With above average pitching, and a loaded lineup. In 2013, the Sox will finish 2nd in the Central at 87-75, and possibly a WildCard birth.
Follow @GavinEwbank2013 on Twitter.
No comments:
Post a Comment