Are the White Sox Series Bound?

The Chicago White Sox got a huge head start towards this last off season. The Sox have been improving their team since the trade deadline last season. Starting with the Peavy trade to San Diego, the White Sox have made drastic improvements to a team that looked destined for the post season last year. With all the moves they did to augment that in the off season, it is very possible that the White Sox can dominate the division this year. It may be a little early to make predictions, since injuries are almost a daily happenstance from now until September, but if they can stay healthy and injury free, the "Boys in Black" may bring another ring to the Windy City this year.

It all starts with pitching. The addition of Peavy may be what the doctor ordered. Last season's starting five was almost good enough to push the team over the cusp into October, but they fell a slightly short in the long run. This years top five is sure to stun opponents this time around though. With Peavy humbly deferring the "Ace" title, the starting rotation looks to be Buerhle, Peavy, Floyd, Danks, and then Garcia and Hudson battling for the five spot. The top four of this rotation is a very lethal combination. There are very few games to be dropped between these hurlers. With the five spot being fairly solid as well, they are sure to pick up their share, which can make up for the occasional bad day from the other four. While there has yet to be a perfect season for any pitcher, I think these four can come really close. Any team that can win at least 75% of their games stands a tremendous chance of making it to the dance. The fact that Peavy will light a fire in any team, is just an added bonus. Peavy's determination to win and competitive spirit is more contagious than the plague and is sure to raise everyone's game. Buerhle also has something to prove this season. If he wants to maintain the Ace title and prove that the Sox did not have to shop for another player to lead his team, he needs to step up and shut down the critics. I see a lot of competition between the one and two spots on this rotation. Not the bad type of competition that causes dissention, but more of an "anything you can do, I can do better" type of driving force.

The Chicago White Sox did not stop at pitching like several teams do. Not only did they have some good bats last year, but they have added to them. With Konerko and Kotsay still there, they are guaranteed a couple of solid starters with a little bit of power. Pierzynski is still one of the better catchers in the game and can add a lot of defense in addition to his offense. The addition of Juan Pierre was huge though. The White Sox showed last season that they need to focus on "small ball". They are an aging team and there is not as much power as several other AL teams out there. They have not, however, lost the ability to get on base. With Pierre and his lightning speed, the Sox have other options. They are not limited to trying to get on base and the occasional homer bringing them in. They can play "small ball", or simply "baseball", and bring out the squeeze plays, hit and runs, and the occasional bunt singles. There are so many options for a speedy team to score. With Pierre in the lineup, you are almost guaranteed a runner in scoring position every time he comes to the plate. That energy and speed can easily be transferred to the other base runners. With some coaching and friendly competition for the stolen base title, this team has the potential of driving opposing catchers insane.

The biggest factor in this team is desire and unity. Of all the teams this spring, there is not one other that is as unified as the White Sox. Not only do they work together, but they are playing together off the field. This type of friendship can translate into a well oiled machine. With every machine, you need an engine. That engine is their desire to make October. Most teams say they want the postseason, but there is a fire burning in the Sox's eyes when they talk about it. There are several players on this team with something to prove, and all of them have one goal: a shiny new ring. This driving force could be the little extra that pushes them over the top.

The last thing that will help the White Sox reach October is the competition. The rest of the AL Central has done little to improve. They believe that they are good enough or just did not get the opportunity or funds to boost their players in the off season. The Twins may be the only thing standing between them and a post season birth. The Twins have become complacent at the top of the division though and are not expecting a knock down, drag out fight for the division. It is very possible for the Sox to have enough heart, desire, and talent to overtake them. The Indians are trying to rebuild and do not have all the pieces to really compete this season. The Royals haven't really been competitive in years, so they are not even a factor. The Tigers could be a slight surprise, but they do not have the longevity to last all year. The Tigers could be a slight hurdle before the All Star break, but they have been puttering out past that point of late.

The pieces are in place, and the time may be just right for a White Sox year in 2010. Barring injuries and shortened seasons for the key players, It is highly possible for the Sox to make October this season. With last years lessons in injuries, the White Sox have prepared a little better with their depth this season. They could lose one or two key players and still have the talent to survive. The big question is what the Sox will do once they get to the dance. There are many teams that have so much desire they make the post season, but try to hard to stay that they flop early. If they play their cards right, the Chicago White Sox could go all the way this season. There will be a lot of competition, but the time looks to be right for the Windy City's Boys in Black.