White Sox enter season with realistic shot at playoffs
At the start of training camp, White Sox manager Robin Ventura was asked the standard spring question: "Is your team a contender this season?"
Ventura gave the standard answer: "I expect us to make the playoffs."
What was Ventura supposed to say? "I expect us to battle the Twins for last place." Or, "A .500 record sounds pretty good."
In spring training, every major-league manager envisions a successful season capped by a postseason appearance.
In reality, many teams have little or no shot.
That was the Sox in 2013, when they wound up losing 99 games. And that was the White Sox last year, when they lost 89 games.
This season, the Sox have real hope.
"In baseball, you want to come into spring training with a roster you can win with," starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija said. "On paper, we have everything we need to win. It's about us proving it every day in and day out."
It all starts Monday, when the White Sox open the regular season against the Royals in Kansas City. Can the Sox make it to the playoffs for the first time since 2008? Here are five keys to the season:
The new guys:
Under general manager Rick Hahn, the White Sox have beefed up the minor league system and increased their spending on international players. But after two straight losing seasons and a continuing decline in attendance, Hahn expedited the rebuilding process by bringing in veteran talent.
Samardzija (A's) and relief pitcher Dan Jennings (Marlins) came over in trades and closer David Robertson, left fielder Melky Cabrera, designated hitter/first baseman Adam LaRoche and reliever Zach Duke were acquired as free agents.
Samardzija (1-3, 8.44 ERA), Robertson (8.10 ERA), LaRoche (.196 batting average) and Duke (6.75 ERA) were not good in Cactus League play, but all spring numbers will be forgotten Monday afternoon.
Health:
Physically, the Sox come out of spring training in fairly good shape, but there are some concerns.
Chris Sale fractured his right foot in late February and didn't make it back to the mound until April 1, when he threw 90 pitches and struck out 13 in a start against a Cincinnati Reds Class A minor league team.
The ace starting pitcher stayed back in Arizona when the White Sox broke camp and he'll pitch another minor league game Monday.
If all goes well, Sale will make his White Sox debut on April 11 or 12 against the Twins at U.S. Cellular Field.
Jake Petricka is going to open the season on the disabled list with a sore forearm/elbow. The relief pitcher was able to make 5 exhibition appearances before being sidelined.
LaRoche (back) and third baseman Conor Gillaspie (plantar fasciitis) had health issues earlier in spring training but are ready for the regular season.
Rotation:
Samardzija gets the ball on Opening Day, but Sale is the undisputed No. 1 starting pitcher.
When he returns, Sale, Samardzija and Jose Quintana are going to be a formidable trio at the top of the rotation, followed by two question marks in John Danks and Hector Noesi.
At some point soon, look for Carlos Rodon to come up from Class AAA Charlotte and make an impact.
Rodon, the No. 3 overall pick in last year's draft, was very impressive in 6 Cactus League outings, going 2-0 with a 3.06 ERA and striking out 21 in 17⅔ innings.
Bullpen:
Like every major-league team, the White Sox don't put too much stock into spring training numbers.
Still, the bullpen is a cause for concern after a rocky run through the Cactus League.
Robertson didn't pitch well and missed eight days with a sore arm, but the new closer says he is good to go. Duke and Zach Putnam (9.35 ERA) also struggled in exhibition play, but the Sox are confident the bullpen is going to be much better than last season.
Micah Johnson:
It's not yet official, but Johnson is the White Sox' new starter at second base.
Johnson had a solid spring, posting a .339/.391/.475 hitting line with 3 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run, 6 RBI and 3 stolen bases.
Defensively, he is not nearly as good as Gordon Beckham, but Johnson has excellent range and works hard to improve with the glove.
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