2007 Chicago White Sox Predictions

The 2008 Chicago White Sox predictions are now posted!

The White Sox are attempting the difficult task of still trying to win the division while rebuilding. They dealt Freddy Garcia away last winter to seemingly open up a spot for Brandon McCarthy in the starting rotation. But they then moved McCarthy to the Rangers for several young prospects. I’m expecting the Sox to be making another deal at some point to help shore up the last spot in a rotation which features Contreras, Garland, Buehrle, and Vasquez. Gavin Floyd, who comes over from Philly will likely be the number five, but don’t be surprised if Guillen turns to one of his young arms in the minors at some point. Despite, maybe just one hole, the Sox will once again have one of the best starting rotations in baseball.

The White Sox are going to have to find a way to perform down the stretch of the season. In 2005, the Sox became apathetic down the stretch until they could feel Cleveland breathing down their necks. With a month to go in the 2006 season, the Sox were very much still alive in the AL Central hunt sitting in second place, but they could not keep pace with Minnesota. If the Sox start to slump late in the season, don’t continue backing them thinking that they are going to come around. Until this team can show us that they can close out the regular season, we aren’t going to touch this team.

As expected, Jim Thome stepped right in and produced in his first year with the Sox launching 42 homers and adding 109 RBI’s. Jermaine Dye, used to fly under the radar in this explosive lineup, but those days are over as he busted out for 44 homeruns and 120 RBI’s in 2006. Add Konerko and Crede to this mix and you’re looking at one of the most potent lineups in all of baseball. It wasn’t the offense that cost this team last season, it was the pitchers. Contreras and Buehrle both underachieved last season. If it sounds like I have been a little tough on the Sox in this article, don’t be fooled. The White Sox are my favorite to capture the World Series title in 2007. They have one of the best pitching staffs in baseball and the most power at the plate in the AL Central. I look at last season as a wake up call for this team and they will respond in 2007.

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2007 Detroit Tigers Predictions
2007 Cleveland Indians Predictions
2007 Kansas City Royals Predictions