Key additions- Adam Eaton, Jose Abreu, Matt Davidson
Key losses- Addison Reed, Gavin Floyd, Hector Santiago
The White Sox began the rebuilding process in 2013 with the trades of Jake Peavy, Matt Thorton, Jesse Crain, and Alex Rios. Manager Robin Ventura enters his second year as skipper, and the team has a number of interesting pieces in place that could make the White Sox interesting to watch in 2014.
Everyone will be watching new first baseman Jose Abreu to see how he adjusts to the majors after defecting from Cuba this offseason. The White Sox will be counting on him to anchor the middle of the lineup along withs veteran Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn. Adam Eaton, who was acquired from Arizona in the offseason, and Avisail Garcia, acquired from Detroit last year, will infuse this lineup with young talent. Matt Davidson (ranked the 80th overall prospect by MLB.com) will compete for the starting 3rd baseman job and could provide added depth in the lineup. Overall, I think this lineup has a chance to surprise some people and be a top 5 offense in the American League.
Chris Sale is now the undisputed ace in Chicago, and should compete for the American League Cy Young award again. Behind him the rotation is much less certain. John Danks is coming off of consecutive seasons in which he has struggled. Erik Johnson is someone to watch coming out of the spring, he posted a 1.96 ERA in the minor leagues last season.
I'm a lot higher on the White Sox than most people this year. I see them competing with Kansas City and Cleveland for second place in the American League central, and possibly even a wild card berth as well. Because of the lack of depth in the rotation though I have them finishing third, but wouldn't be shocked if they surprised some people and climbed higher than that in 2014.
Predicted Finish: 3rd, AL Central
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