The Chicago White Sox clearly exceeded expectations. Many fans will be bitter with the fade at the end, but one must realize that the young pitchers and older veterans just ran out of gas.
What was a reasonable expectation when the Sox let their ace, Buerhle, go to free agency; dismiss their World Series manager Guillen; hoping that starter Peavey would spend more time on the mound than on the disabled list; and getting almost zero production from third from Morel, who turned into the new Joe Crede.
But this run to the top of the division bodes well for 2013. This team is competitive. It can win the AL Central with a few minor adjustments. And if they avoid sophomore slumps, the team could be good for years to come.
The Sox current 40 man roster stands as follows:
Starting pitchers: Axelrod, Danks, Floyd, Humber, Liriano, Molina, Peavy, Quintana, Sale. Danks will be coming back from injury, Peavy is a free agent because of his $22 million option so he will be gone, and someone from the Floyd-Humber duo needs to step up to fill out the back of the 2013 rotation. Liriano is a free agent who may not get much interest so he is a choice to come back.
Relief pitchers: Bruney, Carter, Castro, Crain, Heath, Jones, Marinez, Myers, Omogrosso, Reed, Santiago, Septimo, Thorton, Veal. There were so many rookie pitchers on the South Side it is hard to tell whether they met or extended their potential. Clearly, Jones and Reed have proven to be quality arms. Whether veterans like Crain, Myers and Thorton will be around next season depends on how badly GM Kenny Williams wants to tinker with the team.
Catchers: Flowers, Gimenez, Pierzynski. Pierzynski is a free agent and he would be difficult to replace. The organization likes Flowers, but he has not come up and grabbed the position from A.J. With a young pitching staff, Pierzynski is like a second pitching coach during games - - - an invaluable member of the coaching staff. Of all the free agents, Pierzynski would be a priority to re-sign.
Infielders: Beckham, Dunn, Hudson, D. Johnson, Konerko, Lopez, Morel, Olmedo, Ramirez and Youkilis. Third base will continue to be a question with injured Morel and free agent Youkilis. Hudson and D. Johnson will not be back next season.
Outfielders: J. Danks, De Aza, Rios, Vicideo and Wise. There is nothing wrong with these five outfielders being on the 2013 opening day roster.
The White Sox end the season with a payroll of around $98 million, which is high for a team that does not draw well. The White Sox have always been organized as a small market team playing in a big city market. The team is already committed to $78.25 million on 8 players.
The White Sox 2013 priorities can be summarized as starting catcher, starting third baseman, #3 starter and middle relievers. It is doubtful that the White Sox have the budget to sign free agents for each need position.
Free agent market will be thin this off season.
Catchers of note include Russell Martin, Mike Napoli, Ronny Paulino, Pierzynski, and Yorvit Torrealba. Martin or Napoli would be a choice, but they will be looking for a long term deal.
Starting third basemen of note include Brandon Inge, Jose Lopez or Scott Rolen, all at the end of their careers.
Starting pitchers of note include Kevin Correia, Zack Greinke, Edwin Jackson, Shaun Marcum, Joe Saunders and Carlos Zambrano. Jackson or Marcum could be possible under the radar selections.
One thing is certain. Kenny Williams takes the cards that he is dealt, and he is willing to reshuffle the deck and gamble on players and prospects. The future looks good for the White Sox.
