The White Sox have the dubious misfortune of being beaten in all 12 games this year by the Cleveland Indians. The last four game sweep pushed the Indians within 1/2 game of the Wild Card.
The White Sox have the third worst record in baseball.
They have a young pitching staff (all born in the 1980s) in Sale, Quintana, Danks, Santiago, Jones, Axlerod and Reed. They have a young corps of left handed pitching.
For a team in contention for most of last season, 2013 is a bitter disappointment.
There were several black holes:
1. Catching. When Pierzynski left, the catching duties fell to Tyler Flowers, who fumbled his opportunity. Late season call up Jason Phegley has not done much better.
2. Adam Dunn. Dunn returned to his awful form. Yes he can hit HRs, but can't do anything else including getting on base. He played more infield this year with Konerko's injuries. Konerko is a free agent who will free up $13 million in payroll. But Dunn will be in his last year next season at $15 million.
3. Infield doldrums. Gordon Beckham got hurt early in the season, and since his return continues to struggle at the plate. Alexi Ramirez has had his worst year at the plate and in the field. And third base continues to be an open vacancy.
4. The outfield wash. Dayan Viciedo is the enigma. He was supposed to be the replacement for Carlos Quinten's production, but Viciedo has never come close to that consistency. The team traded their best outfielder in Alex Rios. They acquired a young Detroit outfielder in Avi Garcia. Alejandro De Aza has been the most consistent outfielder on the team, hitting.261, 15 HR, 58 RBIs.
It is apparent that the White Sox will have to trade some of their golden left handed pitchers in order to acquire major league ready position players.Most of the White Sox The minor leagues are pretty barren. Top 10 prospects are in AA or below. Shortstop Marcus Siemens may get a long look at short stop next spring.
