2012 spring training has begun and the Chicago White Sox are seeing some new faces and don’t see quite a few faces. The most obvious absence is Ozzie Gullien. I think in the long run this will prove to be a positive move for the organization however only time will tell. I don’t that I am alone is also thinking that the other changes to the coaching will have a positive impact. Frankly, their hitting can’t really get any worse. Plus, pitchers around the league knew the formula right away on how to work these hitters.
One has to believe that the first half of the season will be the White Sox trying to learn their new identity. This not only goes for the players but for the Robin Ventura lead coaching stuff.
I will dwell on the topic of Ozzie Gullien as he is no longer part of the team. I will put the question to the Chicago media. Why are you providing a platform for him? He is gone. He is no longer here and showed his true colors as he walked about the door.
In the field there are a few players that need to step up and fill a void. Taking a look at who will be vying for these positions you can see some potential upside, the big question is how successful will these players be. Dayan Viciedo, Brent Moral, and Chris Sale all spent some time with the big team last year. Will they be able to perform throughout an entire MLB season? That is a big question in my mind.
There are players who we have been hearing about in the White Sox system who are being groomed to replace someone on the big team. I am sure that guys like A.J Pierzynski have grown tired of hearing that noise in the media. One has to be a realist though and realize that you can’t play forever, especially a position like catcher. There have been a few reports that during the off season AJ and Tyler Flowers started building a better relationship. Ironically, it was not face to face but playing the online game Call of Duty. I think the dynamic between the two will be interesting to observe as the season goes on.
- John Danks (Photo credit: Keith Al
With the departure of Mark Buerhle and Sergo Santos the pitching staff also draws the attention of the loyal fan. Down the stretch the pitching rotation was serving it up as if it was batting practice. John Danks and Mark Burlhe held their own at times but with little to no run support they had to take the loss every time. The proposed rotation has received numerous comments. To me the most interesting came from John Danks, “We have the staff to win.”
In looking at a proposed staff of the following pitchers, what are your thoughts? I know that I am completely sold on them. For the past two seasons my major concern has always been the bullpen. Let’s see what Don Copper can do with that group.
John Danks
Gavin Floyd
Phillip Humber
Chris Sale
Jake Peavy
Next post I will talk more about their bullpen and hitting. Until then, enjoy any and all spring training activities that you can.
Bill Kosla
NJFFL Chicago
@wolfhound89
