Chicago Sports Then and Now

Jake Peavy went 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA in his brief stint with the White Sox in 2009.

On the surface, the White Sox seem positioned to be a strong contender in 2010.

They perhaps have the strongest starting pitching staff in the American League with Jake Peavy, Mark Buehrle, John Danks and Gavin Floyd. The Sox infield seems solid with Paul Konerko at first, Alexi Ramirez at shortstop, and now Mark Teahan anchoring third.

There does seem to be some concern with the talented Gordon Beckham, a natural shortstop who played third last year, now being asked to play second in 2010.
Alex Rios was a major disappointment after being acquired by waivers last season. He is a five- tool  ballplayer  who the Sox are counting on to have a good year.

A healthy Carlos Quentin should be able to deliver the 30-40 homers and 100+ RBIs that the team really needs with the loss of Jim Thome and Jermaine Dye. The Sox do not have a true leadoff hitter as yet, but they are talking to Coco Crisp’s agent, and Crisp seems to have a strong desire to play on the South Side. If he is not acquired, Beckham might have to assume the leadoff role.

The signing of Omar Vizquel should have a positive influence on the development of Beckham and Ramirez as infielders. The relief pitching should be stronger with a healthy J.J. Putz and a better focused Scott Linebrink and Bobby Jenks in the pen.

The Sox need a back-up catcher to give some relief to an overworked A. J. Pierzynski.  Versatile veteran  Mark  Kotsay will continue to be a great asset for the team.

The American League Central seems to be a two team race between the White Sox and the Twins. The Twins should have large crowds behind them as they open in their new stadium. The Tigers, Indians and Royals are all in the rebuilding stage, and do not seem to have the horses for a title run.  Let’s see if Ozzie’s boys can get it together and have the stuff to be a winner.

Richard Reeder is the newest addition to the Sports Then and Now writing team. In addition to covering the White Sox, he provides the daily “On This Date” feature for the Chicago site. You can also read his work on his own blog: Reeder Looking at Sports.