| |
2006 Chicago White Sox Preview
By Jack Scrafford
2005 Overview:
After waiting 88 years for a World Series title, the Chicago White Sox and 2nd year Manager Ozzie Guillen entered the 2005 season on a mission. After an impressive rookie managerial season the Venezuela born Guillen led his troops to a division leading 99-63 record. The White Sox simply dominated the postseason losing only 1 game out of a total of 13 played - first by sweeping the defending champion Boston Red Sox and then by rolling past the Angels 4 games to 1. Chicago went home from the Fall Classic against NL Champion Astros with a clean 4-game sweep grabbing their first World Series title since 1917. The White Sox fielded one of the stronger offensive lineups in 2005 with 1st baseman Paul Konerko (.283 40 100) and outfielder Jermaine Dye (.274 31 86) leading the charge. Outfielder Carl Everett (.251 23 87), 3rd baseman Joe Crede (.252 22 62) and newly acquired catcher A.J. Pierzynski (.257 18 56) also helped level out the rest of the 2005 lineup.
It's often said that 'pitching wins championships' and in 2005 Chicago assembled one of the best starting rotations in baseball. Newly acquired Jose Contreras (15-7 3.61) and Freddy Garcia (14-8 3.87) sparkled in their new White Sox uniforms, while Jon Garland (18-10 3.50) and Mark Buehrle (16-8 3.12) rounded out the dominating starting staff. Newly acquired Reliever Dustin Hermanson (2-4 2.04) performed nicely in the bullpen saving 24 of 29 chances and doubling his output from the previous year with the San Francisco Giants.
Off Season Moves:
The White Sox did very little in the off season to change their team chemistry. Their biggest moves included re-signing first baseman Paul Konerko to a five-year, $60 million deal (he turned down $65 million from the Orioles) and trading for slugger Jim Thome (7 HRS in 59 games in 2005), who is scheduled to start the 2006 campaign as Chicago's DH. The White Sox also strengthened an already strong rotation with a trade for Javier Vazquez (11-15 4.42) - they also acquired a versatile utility man in Rob Mackowiak (.292 9 58) from the Pirates.
2006 Analysis:
Guillen and company seem to have a solid blueprint for success and it's hard to find many flaws in their off season strategy. The only real weak point appears to be centerfield since at least for now it looks as if Brian Anderson (.176 in 34 AB in 2005) will take over for Aaron Rowand (.270 13 69) who was traded to Philly in the deal for Thome. Expect Thome (.274 42 105 in a full season in 2004) to blossom as a DH, saving himself from the wear and tear of playing 1st base everyday. He's a player perfectly suited for the DH role and the White Sox were wise to trade for him. Thome should provide some nice offense alongside Konerko, Pierzynski, Dye and Crede. Chicago's pitching in 2006 should be stronger (if that's even possible!) with Javier Vazquez joining the rotation. Vazquez could prove to be another interesting addition to an already powerful staff. Much like the acquisitions of Contreras and Garcia in 2004, the White Sox are hoping Vazquez will fit in nicely and produce better numbers then last season.
About the Author
Jack Scrafford recommends PlatinumTickets to buy Chicago White Sox tickets. See http://www.platinumtickets.com/mlb/chicago_white_sox_tickets.html for more information.
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/21599.html
| If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/21599.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked. |
| Some other articles by Jack Scrafford | 2006 San Francisco Giants Preview
2005 Overview:
Without all star Barry Bonds in their lineup the 2005 San Francisco Giants struggled to score runs ...
2006 San Diego Padres Preview
2005 Overview:
In 2005, the NL West Champion San Diego Padres managed to accomplish more with less. Despite a new ballpark, the offense ...
2006 Pittsburgh Pirates Preview
2005 Overview:
Pittsburgh Pirates fans had little to cheer about in 2005. The only real bright spot for the club was the continued improvement of outfielder Jason Bay (.206 ...
2006 St. Louis Cardinals Preview
2005 Overview:
The 2005 Cardinals were led by one of the greatest offensive player's in baseball, Albert Pujols (.330 41 117). Joined by outfielders Jim Edmonds (.263 ...
2006 Tampa Bay Devil Rays Preview
2005 Overview:
There were very few bright spots for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2005 including the final disappointing ...
2006 Texas Rangers Preview
2005 Overview:
Buck Showalter's 2005 Rangers ended up the season with a disappointing 79-83 record despite having one of the better lineups in baseball. What made the 2005 ...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
