Threat Level: 6
The White Sox were projected to finish in last place in 2012 by many pundits, yet they almost won the division if it not for a sub-par September (13-18; 4-11 in the final 15 games). First year manager Robin Ventura definitely got the most out of his team and will need to do the same in 2013 if they are going to have any chance of beating the reigning AL champion Detroit Tigers. Their pitching staff is more solid than it is given credit for, especially with the emergence of ace Chris Sale, but their closer, Addison Reed, struggled down the stretch with the team and Adam Dunn was downright awful. Rios and Konerko had great seasons and they will need to repeat those performances this year. A key loss in the offseason, however, was A.J. Pierzynski. He was considered by many a team leader. His replacement, Tyler Flowers, has little big league experience and will need to step in immediately if this team is going to compete.
Projected Lineup
1. Alejandro De Aza CF
2. Jeff Keppinger 3B
3. Alex Rios RF
4. Paul Konerko 1B
5. Adam Dunn DH
6. Dayan Viciedo LF
7. Alexei Ramirez SS
8. Tyler Flowers C
9. Gordon Beckham 2B
Projected Starting Rotation
1. Chris Sale LHP
2. Jake Peavy RHP
3. Gavin Floyd RHP
4. Jose Quintana LHP
5. Dylan Axelrod RHP
* LHP John Danks is doubtful for the start of the season.
Closer
Addison Reed RHP
Yankee Killer: Paul Konerko
Konerko has a .321 career average against the Yankees, with 22 home runs and 62 RBI’s in 96 games. That is impressive. Even more impressive are his numbers at the old Yankee Stadium. He hit .348 with 7 home runs and 25 RBI’s in 37 games. Good thing they don’t play there anymore. But any way you cut it, Konerko will be a formidable opponent again in 2013, even at the ripe old age of 37.
White Sox Killers: Brett Gardner & CC Sabathia
I just could not pick one player with the stats that these two players have compiled against the Chicago north-siders. In 18 games, Gardner has a .386 batting average, with 8 stolen bases and a whopping 20 runs scored (That’s over 1 run per game!). Likewise, Sabathia also has great numbers against the White Sox, sporting an incredible 18-4 record against them. He has 198 strikeouts in 201 innings with a 3.63 ERA in 31 career starts against the White Sox. In Chicago, CC is 10-1 in 16 starts with a 3.25 ERA. Safe to say, when the Yankees make their lone trip to the Windy City in August, Sabathia is going to want to start one of those games.
When They Play The Yankees:
IN NY: 9/2-9/4.
IN CHI: 8/5-8/7.
