This season’s Chicago White Sox team is very exciting given how most of their players took leaps forward and GM Reinsdorf actually went out and spent money on some free agents. They set up to be a fun team to watch and here is a preview their 2020 team.
Starting Lineup:
1. Luis Robert, CF
2. Yoan Moncada, 3B
3. José Abreu, 1B
4. Edwin Encarnación, DH
5. Yasmani Grandal, C
6. Eloy Jiménez, LF
7. Tim Anderson, SS
8. Nomar Mazara, RF
9. Nick Madrigal, 2B
This is what the opening day lineup should look like, in my opinion. It gets even better with super-utility guy Leury Garcia on the bench and 2019 All-Star James McCan backing up Yasmani Grandal. McCan is known for his stellar defense behind the dish
Young stud Luis Robert is an amazing prospect and could be a future All-Star but this year could be too early. Expect Robert to have break out year in 2021. Yoan Moncada and Tim Anderson – many expect regression from from to ridiculous numbers last season. Many expect Jose Abreu to bring a consistent, strong bat the lineup everyday.
For Edwin Encarnacion, the South Side of Chicago just wants to see hit a bunch of home runs because that is what he can bring as the team’s DH. Regarding Eloy Jiminez, many see a big year power-wise and if he can have plate discipline he can be a star in the near future. Right fielder Nomar Mazara was shipped from Texas and many feel he can have a nice year. Discussing the young Oregon State product Nick Madrigal, the ideal season would be to hit around .300 and limit the strikeouts.
Starting Rotation:
- Lucas Giolito
- Dallas Keuchel
- Dylan Cease
- Reynaldo Lopez
- Gio Gonzalez
- Carlos Rodon
The ChiSox have six legitimate starting pitchers in the rotation and it would have been seven if flamethrower Michael Kopech didn’t opt-out. Carlos Rodon will likely be have an inning limit placed on him, coming off of Tommy John surgery. Many forshadow Dylan Cease and Reynaldo Lopez to take another leap forward and become frontline starters. Dallas Keuchel adds a strong depth and lefty arm in the rotation. If ace Lucas Giolito can keep up his consistency, the South Side of Chicago will be in good hands.
Bullpen:
Alex Colome
Aaron Bummer
Steve Cishek
Evan Marshall
Jimmy Cordero
Kelvin Herrera
Jace Fry
Ross Detwiler
Carson Fulmer
Looking at the bullpen, it is easy to be pessimistic. Carson Fulmer, Ross Detwiler, Jimmy Cordero, and Kelvin Herrera are all subpar relievers. Evan Marshall put up a good year last year but don’t get comfortable with his previous numbers, as they could trend upwards. The Steve Cishek signing is strong as he has a funky release and gets results. Aaron Bummer was amazing last year and many feel he can produce again this season. Alex Colome is a consistent lethal arm in the back end of games for the White Sox. Expect him to stay consistent throughout the upcoming season.
Recap:
Overall – this is a young and exciting team but many can see large success in the near future, but just not this season. The baseline projection is roughly 31 wins in the shortened 60-game season.
Photo: Armchair Media Network
