The White Sox broke camp with 11 pitchers (with Chris Sale in extended spring training with his foot injury). The front office retooled the roster in the off-season. The team was thought to have a real chance of upsetting the Tigers for the AL Central crown.
GM Rick Hahn bolstered last year's weak spot, the bullpen, by adding lefty Zach Duke, lefty Dan Jennings, promoting Javy Guerra and signing off the former "hot prospect" list Kyle Drabek. Drabek's career has floundered since he was deemed a "can't miss" prospect with the Phils and Blue Jays. But injuries and control issues derailed his progress. He still has the potential of a power arm, so the White Sox took a flyer that pitching coach Don Cooper can "fix" what has held Drabek back.
The bullpen also includes veterans Matt Albers, Zach Putnam and new closer David Robertson.
In a surprise but needed move, the White Sox have Geovany Soto as co-catcher with Tyler Flowers. With major league caliber catching in short supply in the majors, it was this under the radar pick up of Soto on a minor league deal after being released by the Rangers which could solidify the catching position in 2015.
The return of Gordon Beckham as a back up was hailed as another smart move since it is defensive insurance in case rookies Carlos Sanchez or Micah Johnson cannot handle second base duties. Emilio Bonifacio was brought on board as a super-substitute (infield and outfield roles with lead off speed). MVP candidate Jose Abreu will probably share first base/DH roles with newcomer Adam LaRoche, who brings another leader-professional in the clubhouse. Alexi Ramirez continues at shortstop in a contract year while Conor Gillaspie holds down third.
The White Sox are only carrying four outfielders on the current roster. Melky Cabrera was another key offseason acquisition to play LF; Adam Eaton continues to patrol CF; and people expect a big bounce back year from Avsail Garcia in right. The one back up OF is lefty J.B. Shuck.
But it is the starting rotation that will be the key to White Sox success.
Sale will be out for probably a week. Jeff Samardzija started his second consecutive opening day for Chicago, abet last year's was with the Cubs. Jose Quintana is the No. 2, followed by Hector Noesi and John Danks who needs to improve from last year's weak post-injury production.
One would expect an infielder may be dropped when Sale is activated to the 25 man roster.
Overall, the White Sox have built a solid, competitive roster.
