How to fix the Chicago White Sox

Last week, I rolled out my Top 10 memories from the Chicago White Sox winning the World Series 10 years ago.

Let's take a different spin this time around.

The Sox put a remarkable run together a decade ago, going 11-1 in the postseason en route to winning the World Series for the first time in 88 years. Let's repeat that and allow it to sink in — 11-1.

Now, let's consider this. Since sweeping the Houston Astros in the Fall Classic, the White Sox have been to the playoffs just one time, in 2008, and they've won just one game.

Here are 10 keys for the Sox to make another World Series run:

1. Starting line

The rotation is the White Sox' obvious strength, so keep making it stronger.

Chris Sale is the ace, followed by Jose Quintana and Carlos Rodon, who ended his rookie season with a bang (5-2, 2.28 ERA, 52 strikeouts in 59⅓ innings in August and September).

Erik Johnson looks like a solid No. 4, followed by John Danks, a liability who is entering the final season of a five-year, $65 million contract.

If and when Frankie Montas or Carson Fulmer are ready, move them into the rotation and either switch Danks to the bullpen, trade him or release him.

2. Fix the DH

The designated hitter is such a key spot in the American League, and the Sox have gotten little or no production out of Adam Dunn, and now Adam LaRoche, since 2011.

LaRoche is signed through 2016, and the White Sox are highly unlikely to release him and eat the $13 million salary.

Do the next best thing … put LaRoche on the bench as a pinch-hitter and late inning defensive replacement at first base.

3. Play Trayce

The Sox were again hard to watch over the final two months of the season, but not Trayce Thompson,

The rookie outfielder came up from Class AAA Charlotte, debuted on Aug. 3 and put up a .295/.363/.533 hitting line with 5 home runs and 16 RBI in 44 games.

There is always a danger of overinflating a young player's performance at the end of a lost season, but Thompson looks legit. If the White Sox are going to turn things around in 2016, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound Thompson has to be in the starting lineup.

4. No to Alexei

Give Alexei Ramirez credit for going to the post every day.

The rail-thin shortstop has played at least 154 games in each of the last six seasons at a demanding position.

On the flip side, Ramirez has become an offensive liability and his defense is erratic at best.

Ramirez has a $10 million club option for 2016, but the Sox would be wise to pay the $1 million buyout, open the season with Tyler Saladino at short and transition to top prospect Tim Anderson in June or July.

5. Catch up

Tyler Flowers has the defensive skills to be a major-league catcher, but the career .223/.289/.376 slash line can no longer be overlooked.

Matt Wieters is expected to hit the free-agent market when the World Series ends, and he would be a major upgrade.

If the White Sox determine Wieters is too expensive, they could try trading some of their pitching and infield depth for Milwaukee's Jonathan Lucroy or the Cubs' Miguel Montero.

6. Trade Avi?

The Sox were so high on right fielder Avisail Garcia heading into this season, but they have likely backed off.

The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Garcia didn't hit for power (13 home runs in 601 plate appearances) and he didn't hit for average (.257), either.

Yes, it was his first full season in the major leagues, but the White Sox have three better outfield options in Thompson, Adam Eaton and Melky Cabrera.

Making a trade is a tough call, because Garcia could be a force if he ever figures it out. But we used to say the same thing about Dayan Viciedo.

7. Third time around

Another off-season, another Sox search for a third baseman.

Saladino has the glove, but not the bat. Mike Olt is not the answer. Matt Davidson is still striking out too much in the minor leagues.

Here's an option — see what the Twins want in a trade for Trevor Plouffe.

8. Second chance

Carlos Sanchez played dazzling defense at second base this season after taking over for Micah Johnson in mid-May.

Sanchez did not hit for the White Sox (.224/.268/.326), but he's still young at 23 and is a career .288 hitter in the minor leagues. He deserves another look.

9. Grab some bench

The White Sox fired Mark Parent at the end of the season and are looking for a new bench coach.

Manny Acta flopped in managerial stints with the Nationals and Indians (372-518), but he would bring needed energy to the Sox' dugout and he also speaks Spanish.

10. Hit it big

Hitting coach Todd Steverson has not made much of an impact is his three seasons with the White Sox, but he'll be back in 2016.

Assistant hitting coach Harold Baines will not.

After finishing last in the American League with 622 runs scored this year, the Sox really need some help here. Jim Thome? Mike Gellinger?