Looking Forward to 2008: Chicago White Sox

After a 72-90 finish to the 2007 campaign, the White Sox come into the 2008 season with something to prove.

General Manager Ken Williams needed to show the fans that he wanted to get this team back to their winning ways, and he got off to a quick start, making a deal that surprised a lot of people. The White Sox sent Jon Garland to the Angels for SS Orlando Cabrera. They were also very close to landing center fielder Torii Hunter, but the Angels came out of nowhere and offered him more money to come out west.

The one thing this team needed was better pitching, after finishing 25th in team ERA (4.77), 29th in Team ERA from the 7th inning on (5.55). To bolster their bullpen, the White Sox signed former Padre setup man Scott Linebrink to a 4-year $19M contract. Linebrink should open the 2008 season as the White Sox closer, though he hasn't had much experience in those types of situations, just a few here and there with San Diego and Milwaukee.

Another huge problem that GM Ken Williams needed to address was the team's offense, which was dead last in team batting average (.246). Which would surprise most people, especially when you see names like Paul Konerko, Jim Thome and A.J. Pierzynski. So, Williams brought in someone he thought would help with that by making a deal with the Oakland A's for Nick Swisher who could play both 1st base as well as the outfield, he could also be put into the DH role when needed

Full list of arrivals and departures:

Arrivals:
OF Swisher (trade with A's)
SS Orlando Cabrera (trade with Angels)
OF Quentin (trade with Diamondbacks)
RHP Linebrink (free agent signing)


Departures:
RHP Garland
OF Darin Erstad
OF Podsednik
LHP Mike Myers
IF Alex Cintron
OF Luis Terrero
RHP Ryan Bukvich
LHP Heath Phillips
IF Andy Gonzalez
OF Sweeney
LHP Gonzalez
RHP De Los Santos

A battle that could take place during spring training is for the 2nd base job. Newly signed Alexei Ramirez seems to be the shoe in for the job, but Juan Uribe and Danny Richar could have something to say about it.

Prediction Time:

I don't see how their offense was upgraded much, though Nick Swisher could be a bit of an upgrade, I still don't think it's enough. Jose Contreras (5.57) needs to be much better than last season, especially as their #3 guy in the rotation. Their bullpen will be better than last season, with the addition of Linebrink and Octavio Dotel, it will certainly make a big difference in the late innings.

Has their pitching upgraded enough from last season, will their offense be better than a .246 team average? They're getting there...but it'll take a few years.

White Sox - 78-84