White Sox 2015 Thread

#1      

IntenselyOrange

I
IntenselyOrange
Here we go.

Hopefully a bit better than next year. I like the rotation, the pen should be improved, but the lineup still leaves a lot to be desired. I see a lot of 3-2 games in our future.

The division in general has taken a step back. I don't think we'll contend, but if a few things break right, we could be playing meaningful games late in the season.
 
#2      

ChiSoxIllini82

ChiSoxIllini82
Chicago
ChiSoxIllini82
I agree that division has taken a step back with Detroit losing Scherzer and KC losing Shields and signing Alex Rios ;)
 
#6      

oscar

O
oscar
IntenselyOrange said:
Here we go.

Hopefully a bit better than next year. I like the rotation, the pen should be improved, but the lineup still leaves a lot to be desired. I see a lot of 3-2 games in our future.

The division in general has taken a step back. I don't think we'll contend, but if a few things break right, we could be playing meaningful games late in the season.
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A bit better IO? They better be a lot more than just a bit better. They were horribly putrid the last couple of years. I'm not expecting World Series, but they should be in contention for a playoff spot well into the last part of the season if they catch a few breaks and the new guys pan out anything close to what the fans are expecting. I even bought a 7 game season ticket plan instead of attending one or two games like I usually do.
 
#7      

Bailey

B
Los Angeles
Bailey
oscar said:
A bit better IO? They better be a lot more than just a bit better. They were horribly putrid the last couple of years. I'm not expecting World Series, but they should be in contention for a playoff spot well into the last part of the season if they catch a few breaks and the new guys pan out anything close to what the fans are expecting. I even bought a 7 game season ticket plan instead of attending one or two games like I usually do.
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To go from horribly putrid to playoff contenders in one off season almost never happens. We addressed some issues, but there's still big holes - namely 2B, 3B & C. I think most projections have us right around .500, but if there's any sport where projections should be taken with a grain of salt - it's baseball. Too many variables.

Bottom line, we had major issues and we addressed as many of them as possible. Personally, I think the success of this team will hinge upon the health and production of Adam Eaton, and Avi Garcia. High hopes for them both.
 
#9      

IntenselyOrange

I
IntenselyOrange
Bailey said:
To go from horribly putrid to playoff contenders in one off season almost never happens. We addressed some issues, but there's still big holes - namely 2B, 3B & C. I think most projections have us right around .500, but if there's any sport where projections should be taken with a grain of salt - it's baseball. Too many variables.

Bottom line, we had major issues and we addressed as many of them as possible. Personally, I think the success of this team will hinge upon the health and production of Adam Eaton, and Avi Garcia. High hopes for them both.
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Bailey said:
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/avisail-garcia-dayan-viciedo-and-giving-up-on-potential/

This is a really great read, but not for the weak of White Sox fan's hearts. A examination of fan expectations for Avisail Garcia and their perhaps unwarranted loftiness.

I'm as guilty as anybody in thinking he's twice the player Dayan was, but I'm also a huge advocate of advance statistics.
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You hit it on the head Bailey. Too many holes on offense.

Regarding the offense here are the questions that will define the success of the Sox this year.

1. Is Abreu a real MVP-type player? Can he reproduce the power he had in the first half of last year? I think that he's a good player, but not quite the level we saw. A little step back really hurts our already weak offense.
2. Can Eaton stay healthy? I like Eaton, and think he will produce if he's on the field.
3. Can anyone play 3B? I'm not buying Gillaspie yet. He really tailed off in the second half and I think that that is the player he is.
4. Can anyone play 2B? Sanchez can handle the defense but there is little evidence that he is significantly better at the plate than Gordon.
5. Can Garcia be productive in RF? I am not super optimistic. I think he'll be better than Dayan, but my 8 year old might be able to accomplish that.
6. Can Flowers hit? This is actually low on my list because the number of Catchers that can hit is very low.

So what am I confident about? Not much. Alexei is Alexei and Melky will hit for a decent average and a few HRs while being only a bit below average defensively. I think Abreu and LaRoche will be solid contributors, but in this weak lineup, we really need Abreu, LaRoche, and Melky to really mash the ball.

But, the pitching is really strong and we'll be in a lot of 3-2 ballgames. If we have an outlier season where we win more than our fair share of close games then we could be in the playoff picture late.

More likely, we finish a couple games under 0.500 IMO.
 
#10      

Bailey

B
Los Angeles
Bailey
One variable that we're probably not used to considering given our recent history is some budding talent on the farm! Most notably, Rodon, Matt Davidson & Tim Anderson. It might be early to expect contributions from any of them, but these three - maybe Courtney Hawkins too - project as future starters.

I wonder what's up with Micah Johnson? We have a hole at second base and he's damn near retirement age in the minors.
 
#11      

IntenselyOrange

I
IntenselyOrange
Bailey said:
One variable that we're probably not used to considering given our recent history is some budding talent on the farm! Most notably, Rodon, Matt Davidson & Tim Anderson. It might be early to expect contributions from any of them, but these three - maybe Courtney Hawkins too - project as future starters.

I wonder what's up with Micah Johnson? We have a hole at second base and he's damn near retirement age in the minors.
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Davidson was such a disaster last year that he needs to hit in the minors before he gets a chance.

I'm not sold on Courtney yet. He still strikes out too much.

Micah will probably come up this year when they realize that Sanchez isn't the answer. Micah doesn't hit particularly well, but at least he has one really dominant tool.

Anderson and Rodon are the big names. I think Rodon is as close to a sure thing we've seen in our organization since the 90s. Even Sale had many skeptics based on his mechanics. He probably will never be quite as dominant as Sale is, but good enough to be a #1 on most staffs. Anderson is the guy I'm really excited about. He has the tools to be an all-star at SS. Whether he achieves that is another question, but I like the way he projects. And I think both of those guys are helping the team in 2016.
 
#12      

Deleted member 346957

D
Guest
Deleted member 346957
Bailey said:
One variable that we're probably not used to considering given our recent history is some budding talent on the farm! Most notably, Rodon, Matt Davidson & Tim Anderson. It might be early to expect contributions from any of them, but these three - maybe Courtney Hawkins too - project as future starters.

I wonder what's up with Micah Johnson? We have a hole at second base and he's damn near retirement age in the minors.
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Micah Johnson is the favorite to win the job at 2B. If he has a solid spring training then he will for sure be the Opening Day starter. Bonifacio and Beckham will be in utility roles.

IntenselyOrange said:
Davidson was such a disaster last year that he needs to hit in the minors before he gets a chance.

I'm not sold on Courtney yet. He still strikes out too much.

Micah will probably come up this year when they realize that Sanchez isn't the answer. Micah doesn't hit particularly well, but at least he has one really dominant tool.

Anderson and Rodon are the big names. I think Rodon is as close to a sure thing we've seen in our organization since the 90s. Even Sale had many skeptics based on his mechanics. He probably will never be quite as dominant as Sale is, but good enough to be a #1 on most staffs. Anderson is the guy I'm really excited about. He has the tools to be an all-star at SS. Whether he achieves that is another question, but I like the way he projects. And I think both of those guys are helping the team in 2016.
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Davidson had his first bad season professionally. He still hit for power but did not make enough contact. If he can hit 240-260 with 20-30 HRs, you take that.

Hawkins did get better last year. Power still there and made better contact, drew more walks and struck out less than the previous year. AA will be a test for him, but this assignment will tell a lot about him.

Anderson can hit, but he does not walk, he too will be in AA that will tell a lot about him. There are questions if he can stick at SS because he doesn't have the softest hands right now. Could be moved to CF.

One name you are forgetting is Francelis Montas. You could see him up later this year in the bullpen. His ceiling is a front line starter, dominant closer.
 
#13      

oscar

O
oscar
If this team ends up under .500 and injuries are not a significant factor, then Rick Hahn will be not be a happy camper. Yes, this lineup has holes, but what team doesn't have holes? I think 85 - 90 wins is a realistic target for this this season.

The Johnson/Sanchez battle for 2B in spring training should be interesting. I have seen some of the positive press about Anderson, but I'm not familiar with Montas. I'll have to check him out.

Hopefully a fun time at the Cell this year!
 
#14      

oscar

O
oscar
I think 85 - 90 wins is a realistic expectation for this team. I agree we will have to win a lot of 3-2 games, but I believe this roster is built to do just that.

The Johnson/Sanchez battle at 2B this spring should be interesting. I'm not thrilled with the return of Beckham. Hopefully he will only be used sparingly as defensive back up. Anderson does sound like a potential future player, but I'm not too confident that either Hawkins or Davidson ever contribute much.
 
#15      

IlliniJim20

I
IlliniJim20
IntenselyOrange said:
You hit it on the head Bailey. Too many holes on offense.

Regarding the offense here are the questions that will define the success of the Sox this year.

1. Is Abreu a real MVP-type player? Can he reproduce the power he had in the first half of last year? I think that he's a good player, but not quite the level we saw. A little step back really hurts our already weak offense.
2. Can Eaton stay healthy? I like Eaton, and think he will produce if he's on the field.
3. Can anyone play 3B? I'm not buying Gillaspie yet. He really tailed off in the second half and I think that that is the player he is.
4. Can anyone play 2B? Sanchez can handle the defense but there is little evidence that he is significantly better at the plate than Gordon.
5. Can Garcia be productive in RF? I am not super optimistic. I think he'll be better than Dayan, but my 8 year old might be able to accomplish that.
6. Can Flowers hit? This is actually low on my list because the number of Catchers that can hit is very low.

So what am I confident about? Not much. Alexei is Alexei and Melky will hit for a decent average and a few HRs while being only a bit below average defensively. I think Abreu and LaRoche will be solid contributors, but in this weak lineup, we really need Abreu, LaRoche, and Melky to really mash the ball.

But, the pitching is really strong and we'll be in a lot of 3-2 ballgames. If we have an outlier season where we win more than our fair share of close games then we could be in the playoff picture late.

More likely, we finish a couple games under 0.500 IMO.
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Has this become almost national league pitcher territory? Are teams more interested in a catcher with the ability to handle a pitching staff, plus defense, than hitting? Not quite "not caring" if you can hit ala the NL pitcher reference, more like if you can hit at all it is a bonus?
 
#16      

Bailey

B
Los Angeles
Bailey
David Shoenfield on ESPN.com taking the Sox to finish under .500, citing all the holes we've mentioned, with the caveat that he wouldn't be shocked if it all came together & we won 90 games. He's also projecting a step back for Adam Laroche.

I'm ready to get the ball rolling on this season.
 
#17      

Soxfreak64

Soxfreak64
Bloomington
Soxfreak64
Bailey said:
David Shoenfield on ESPN.com taking the Sox to finish under .500, citing all the holes we've mentioned, with the caveat that he wouldn't be shocked if it all came together & we won 90 games. He's also projecting a step back for Adam Laroche.

I'm ready to get the ball rolling on this season.
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Same, let's go!
 
#18      

Deleted member 346957

D
Guest
Deleted member 346957
Bumping this up.

Even though most are already there but, pitchers and catchers report tomorrow!
 
#21      

Illinicpa14

I
Chicago
Illinicpa14
I personally think the bullpen help is going to significantly improve the team assuming they can replicate what they have done elsewhere. Not just avoiding blowing games with leads but not having to give-up on games we were down 1-3 runs in the 5th-7th innings. I don't know how many more Cleto walk-a-thon's I could have taken last year.

Agree with all the holes mentioned above on the Offensive side.

I think we are one of 12ish teams competing for 4-5 open postseason spots across MLB, which is at least better than last year...the good news is that since the Tigers look definitely beatable, this division really is a 4 team race (minus the Twins) which gives us an opportunity at both the division and WC (as opposed to being with the NATS as an example).

I'll predict an 82-80 season because of all the winnable division games but they are as high a variance candidate as anyone. I could see 70-92 wins depending on injuries and development/lackthereof.
 
#22      

Illinicpa14

I
Chicago
Illinicpa14
Bailey said:
One variable that we're probably not used to considering given our recent history is some budding talent on the farm! Most notably, Rodon, Matt Davidson & Tim Anderson. It might be early to expect contributions from any of them, but these three - maybe Courtney Hawkins too - project as future starters.

I wonder what's up with Micah Johnson? We have a hole at second base and he's damn near retirement age in the minors.
Click to expand...

Rodon could easily crack the rotation at some point or be a valuable bullpen member later in the year (extreme example but think Price out of Vandy, this happens every year it seems). I gotta think if we end up in contention he's gonna have a hand in how our season turns out.

Davidson was horrible last year in the minors. He has a ton to prove before being a big league everyday starter. The fact that its pretty well assumed CG will be our starting 3B opening day to me speaks volumes that they don't think Davidson is as close as we had hoped when that trade went through.

Hawkins supposedly finally is understanding how to play the game/have a plan/be a professional last year after a dismal 2013 (he hit under 200 in A+). Hopefully we will see this translate as he is an absolute freak athlete.

I'm a fan of Johnson, I think regardless of who wins the battle this spring, he'll be the starter sooner rather than later. He still also is only 23 as well.
 
#24      

Bailey

B
Los Angeles
Bailey
Illinicpa14 said:
I'm a fan of Johnson, I think regardless of who wins the battle this spring, he'll be the starter sooner rather than later. He still also is only 23 as well.
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24. Close enough. Point is he's been in the minors since 2012. It's now or never.
 
#25      

IntenselyOrange

I
IntenselyOrange
Bailey said:
24. Close enough. Point is he's been in the minors since 2012. It's now or never.
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I think 24 is only old when talking about elite prospects. I think it take a lot of guys until they are 25/26 to break in.

He's our best prospect at 2B, but he's not a great prospect. Outside of his run tool, he's pretty pedestrian. He's a poor man's Billy Hamilton. He should probably win the job based on the competition, but I am not expecting him to be an impact player.