The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and Cub fans are bragging about how their team is going to win the World Series this year means one thing: it's finally baseball season. Good thing too, because I’ve really missed it.
So it’s Sunday March 31st. The White Sox have already played 3 games in Kansas City. I wanted to wait to do a season preview for the Sox until they played this first series. I watched the game today and saw a lot of good things, but also a lot of bad things. The main question is this? Do the goods outweigh the bads? I honestly do not think so. Not yet at least. There are some things that are going to keep the White Sox from getting too good this year. But for the most part, the team is trending upwards. This team is going to take a huge leap forward from last year. The rebuild is much further along. White Sox baseball is going to be a lot more fun to watch this year, but with that said, there will still be those moments where you’re like “are you kidding me? Anderson really made that error?” I must say that all White Sox fans including myself should take everything with a grain of salt this year. Don’t turn into that annoying fan when Moncada is hitting .300 and say that we are winning the World Series in 2020. Take everything with a grain of salt. Here’s what I'm expecting from the Sox this year.
Offense will not be the pressing issue, however it will still struggle to an extent
What have the White Sox really sucked at in these last few years? Getting runners in scoring position across the plate. There were almost an infinite number of times were the Sox would have bases loaded, no outs, and they’d score a maximum of 1 run (that’s being generous, they usually got none). I think that will start to change this year. Eloy Jimenez has finally been freed, and has already signed a 6 year $43 million deal. Yoan Moncada is back for his sophomore year, Jose Abreu will continue to hit bombs (and strikeout), and I like the flavor Yonder Alonso and Tim Anderson bring to the table. Moncada has been tearing it up in these first 3 games which is awesome to see. He struggled last year, but he’s starting to finally understand Major League Baseball. I think he is going to have a breakout year this year. Eloy looks promising so far. He has not really done anything ridiculous, but he has a good looking swing and will probably get the job done in the RBI department. Alonso and Abreu have already showcased their strength early on by pelting a couple dingers. But one thing bothered me after today’s game. The Sox had the bases loaded, no one out in the 6th. They were lucky enough to get to runs by means of walks. That’s right, Kansas City walked 2 guys to the plate with the bases loaded. That’s one of those moments where you say “Alright, yeah I’ll take that.” Yes, I credit Yonder and Eloy for their good eyes at the plate to get those walks, but that's not what’s expected. After the two walks, Palka grounded into a 1-2-3 double play which left men on second and third with two outs. Kansas City brought in a new pitcher, and he retired the side. So the Sox were luckily able to get 2 runs out of that because of a struggling Royals pitcher. That needs to change, and I think it will. With the way Moncada has been attacking his at bats, he’s been able to get base hits on command. He has been aggressive and I really like that. This is what makes me think he will have a breakout year. But yes, it was frustrating that the Sox only got 2 runs out of that bases loaded, no out situation. But with a young team, that will happen. At the same time, these young players are just starting their careers, and they are starting to heat up. That’s where I think the bright spot is. Steve Stone said the same thing during the broadcast today. He was saying how this team is offensively talented and that the Sox should not really have problems with the offense this year. He said the problems lie in the starting pitching and defense, which bring me to my next topic.
Defense but mostly starting pitching will keep this team from getting too good
As unfortunate as that sounds, it’s true. Who was one of the league leaders in errors last year? Tim Anderson. I hate to see that too, as he is supposed to be a good infielder. The majority of the infield for the Sox is young and inexperienced. You’re definitely going to see that this year, but that’s a growing pain. The good part about that is that growing pains go away. The young guys on the Sox are tremendous athletes, so they will be good defenders at some point. But that starting pitching is going to be scary. And it should be. The Sox really do not have an established ace quite yet. They are still maturing. Giolito needs to have a better year this year, and so far he started out with a bang. He threw 6 no hit innings today and looked phenomenal. Hopefully he brings that to the ballpark every game this season. Lopez had a pretty good year last year, and can solidify his place in the rotation by having another great season. Rodon? Dude, do the south side a favor and stay healthy. He is supposed to be very good, and I think he will be, but he needs to stay completely healthy for a full season to get better. Kopech being out doesn’t really hurt us too much, but because he’ll be out this year a lot will be expect of him when the rebuild is further down the line next year.
The bullpen is going to be meh
Don’t get me wrong, the Sox bullpen has been known to blow games, and it will continue to do that this season, but with the addition of Herrera, it will happen less. The Sox have some good young guys who will certainly improve, but it won’t be enough to make this team contend. I am really indifferent about the bullpen though up to this point. I hope it surprises me, but for now I’m indifferent.
So that’s what I’m keeping an eye on for this season. I’m going to say that you should not count this team out. Seriously. I know that sounds ridiculous, but the AL Central is up for grabs for the most part. If the younger guys all have great seasons then at the end of the year this team could be in the mix for a wildcard spot. Realistically, I do not think that will happen. I think the defense and pitching will keep this team from getting into the playoffs. But with that being said, they Sox are going to be fun to watch this year. They will be competitive. I am so excited to go down to the Rate on a summer night, buy a ticket for $7, eat a hot dog for a dollar, and enjoy watching some White Sox baseball. There will be something to cheer about this year, I promise you that. This team is on its way up. All I have left to say is let's go go go White Sox and happy baseball season. Thank heavens it’s finally here.
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