"Seriously, you had me at 'Jay Mariotti is a f%g.'"Yes, it's time for another season of Ozzieball, complete with all of the hustle, passion, profanity and homophobic slurs that comes with it. After a historic, lip-smacking World Series victory in 2005, the White Sox were playing with house money in 2006. Despite winning 90 games, the Sox finished out of the playoffs. Nonetheless, they were still 24 games better than the Cubs, and their future remains bright.
In the offseason, GM Ken Williams made some controversial yet intriguing moves, trading starters Freddy Garcia and Brandon McCarthy for a collection of good pitching prospects. Most of these players will help the White Sox eventually, but the question remains how much they'll help in 2007. While these moves may pay dividends for the 2009 White Sox, it probably won't for this year's bunch, especially in the uber-tough AL Central. I see a roughly .500 team here. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to pull out my Spanish to English dictionary to see what Ozzie just called me. Here's what to expect from the White Sox in 2007:
Biggest reason for hope: The strong lineup and "big 3" of Jose Contreras (no, how old are you REALLY?), Mark Buehrle, and Jon Garland keep them in the race. Assuming that Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko, Joe Crede and Jim Thome stay healthy, the White Sox have a middle of the lineup as good as anyone in baseball.
Biggest potential nightmare: The new kids come in and get crushed, losing their confidence. In particular, Gavin Floyd, the probable No. 5 starter, is known to have confidence issues. I'm sure Ozzie will be very patient with Floyd, so long as Floyd can withstand being called approximately 27 euphemisms for the word "gay." Or Floyd can simply get Guillen's respect by drilling every batter in sight. That usually works.
Player to watch: Charlie Haeger. Who, you ask? Haeger is a 23 year-old knuckleballer who has an excellent chance of making the Chicago staff. I'm a sucker for knuckleballers - they eat innings, they pitch until they're 45, and it seems that anyone can throw the pitch regardless of athletic build. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to wander outside and throw a few balls.
Why do we still have to watch this player?: Javier Vazquez. Vazquez just signed a 3 year, $34.5 million extension to stay in Chicago. This move seemed odd, particularly given the fact that Buerhle and Garland are free agents after the season. A bigger issue is why the Sox would invest so much in a mediocre commodity and a #4 starter at best. In his last three seasons, Vazquez is 36-37 with a 4.72 ERA. He also not a kid anymore - he'll be 31 this season. He's durable, but so is my lawnmower, and it doesn't mow the grass all that well. OK, maybe Vazquez is watchable, but he's certainly not elite anymore.
Telling Statistic: As great as the starters were for the Sox in 2005, their unheralded bullpen was a key strength. In 2006, that strength became a weakness, as their bullpen ERA rose from 3.23 to 4.53. There's a reason that Bobby "Super Size Me" Jenks is the only holdover from the 2005 pen.
Interesting fact signifying nothing: In 1976, the White Sox wore shorts for one game, at which point the look was quickly retired (sliding can be painful that way). This ranks as the 4th most embarrassing incident in White Sox history, trailing only Disco Demolition Night, the Black Sox scandal, and allowing A.J. Pierzynski to represent the team at functions.
Projected record & finish: 82-80, 4th Place, AL Central
Prediction that won’t come true but should: Ozzie Guillen and John Amaechi are spotted together at a Madonna concert at the United Center in July.
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