Chicago White Sox Season Preview
The White Sox look good on paper. Some analysts feel they’re the most improved
team in the American league. But it won’t be enough to catch the Twins. This is
a team that boasts some big names – in the line up, in the rotation, and in the
pen. Their weakness is their lack of depth in all the previously mentioned
areas. The biggest acquisition of the winter was P Bartolo Colon who won 20
games last year between the Indians and Expos. Colon joins team ace Mark Buehrle
(19 wins in ’02) to form a strong one-two punch, but the rest of the staff is
young and unproven. The Sox traded closer Keith Foulke to Oakland for Billy
Koch. Foulke faltered last year while Koch proved he was a clutch performer,
saving 44 games for Oakland. Chicago’s powerful line up is anchored by RF
Magglio Ordonez (.320-38-135) who is just hitting his prime; he should be good
for that sort of numbers for years to come. The line up also features 1B Paul
Konerko (104 RBI), DH Frank Thomas (28 HR in an “off year”), and rookie 3B Joe
Crede (12 HR in only 200 at bats). There’s no denying the White Sox are better
this year, but their lack of balance will keep them from challenging the Twins.
Line Up: 2B D’Angelo Jimenez, LF Carlos Lee, RF Magglio Ordonez, 1B Paul
Konerko, DH Frank Thomas, 3B Joe Crede, SS Jose Valentin, CF Aaron Rowand, C
Miguel Olivo Rotation: LH Mark Buehrle, RH Bartolo Colon, RH Jon Garland, RH Dan
Wright, RH Jon Rauch Closer: RH Billy Koch