2012: 85-77 2nd in AL Central
The 2012 AL
Central was a two-team race that concluded with the Tigers earning the final
playoff spot and the White Sox falling three games short. On the surface, it
appears Chicago isn’t far from making the playoffs in 2013, but closer
examination reveals that they may be more than three games away from October
this year.
Their offseason
was benign at best. Their biggest move was extending Jake Peavy’s contract for
two more years, he is a proven veteran with an injury stigma. If healthy
there’s no doubt he can pitch at the top of their rotation.
 |
| Chris Sale |
Chris Sale was a
stud for Chicago last year going 17-8 with a 3.05 ERA, but his mechanics are
unorthodox and his UCL may be a ticking time bomb. For the White Sox sake I
hope he can stay healthy because his ‘stuff’ is elite. Addison Reed is an
exciting young talent anchoring the back part of their bullpen. He is a hard
throwing right hander out of San Diego State, and had 29 saves with a 4.62 ERA
in 2012.
Offensively, the
burden is laid upon Paul Konerko and Alex Rios. Outside of these two capable
veteran hitters, their lineup is very mediocre, Gordon Beckham is still messing
with his stances, Adam Dunn is a homerun or bust and the rest of the guys
probably have no trouble shopping in downtown Chicago.
The White Sox’s
biggest problem is that they are in the same division as the Detroit Tigers.
Chicago doesn’t match up well with the Tigers in any facet, so their only shot
at the playoffs is to win one of the Wild Card spots. The AL West has three
legit playoff contenders and the AL East has four, maybe next year Chicago.
Prediction: 82-80 3rd in AL
Central
Not enough fire
power in the south side this year. They have a great organization, so they will
be competitive, but the Tigers are just too good this year.
-Blake Dale Lepire
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