The White Sox let two key veterans from last year's playoff team--Nick Swisher and Orlando Cabrera--leave in the off-season. Swisher was traded to the Yankees for pitchers Jeff Marquez and Jhonny Nunez along with infielder Wilson Betemit. Cabrera left via free agency. Swisher had a disappointing season at the plate in '08, while Cabrera ran afoul of teammates and coaches with his attitude. The moves may have helped the Sox add depth on the mound, as Marquez has been in competition for a starting spot in the rotation.
Rotation Changes
The Sox entered this spring with only three spots in the rotation settled. Mark Buerhle, Gavin Floyd, and John Danks are the known quantities. Marquez was scheduled to duel it out for the fourth or fifth spot along with Clayton Richard, Aaron Poreda, and others. But the unexpected health of Bartolo Colon and Jose Contreras, both of whom are recovering from injuries, could change that picture. Colon and Contreras both appear to be healing faster than expected from injuries, and it's possible that they could be ready to start the season in the White Sox rotation. That could create a logjam in the bullpen--which would be a good problem for the Sox to have.
In the Infield Mix
The strength of any baseball team is its middle. For the White Sox, the middle of the infield and center field are still unsettled, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Last year's second baseman Alexei Ramirez may move to shortstop, but only if rookie phenom Gordon Beckham doesn't steal his spot after a strong spring. At second base, Brent Lillibridge, Chris Getz, and Jayson Nix are all fighting to either be Ramirez's backup or to start.
Center Field Fight
Jerry Owens is battling Brian Anderson and DeWayne Wise for the center field spot. Owens started the spring with the inside track for the job because of his skills as a lead-off hitter, but Anderson's defensive skills and Wise's strong spring may change the Sox's plans. This battle bears watching.
AL Central Race
Despite these position battles and a new emphasis on youth, the Sox still have a core of veterans that includes Paul Konerko, Jim Thome, and Jermaine Dye. That should help them in a wide-open American League Central. Yes, the Kansas City Royals have improved, and the Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins are still strong. But the White Sox are positioning themselves to be as competitive as possible--both in 2009 and beyond.
Tim Healey - I am a freelance writer specializing in sports and automotive interests. In my spare time, I run, listen to good music, explore my city. ...
