Countdown to Opening Day: #28 Chicago White Sox

By Andrew Marcus
Sportswriter for Lansdale Reporter

Follow me on Twitter @amarcus515

#28: Chicago White Sox: Trying to recreate the 2005 magic

PROJECTED LINEUP
CF Adam Eaton
LF Alejandro De Aza
SS Alexei Ramirez
DH Adam Dunn
1B Jose Daniel Abreu
RF Avisail Garcia
2B Gordon Beckham
3B Matt Davidson
C Tyler Flowers

PROJECTED ROTATION

Chris Sale
Jose Quintana
John Danks
Erik Johnson
Dylan Axelrod

PROJECTED BULLPEN

Closer: Nate Jones

Set-up: Matt Lindstrom

Top Prospect: Jose Daniel Abreu (1B)

Rick Hahn (GM) and Kenny Williams (president) are not just going to sit around and accept a 63 win
season. If they are going to struggle, they are going to struggle under their own terms. The White Sox flipped their roster last year for some younger and more athletic pieces. Whether it results in a competitive roster right away or not, Hahn had a hand in it.

Jose Daniel Abreu

Out goes closer Addison Reed and starter Hector Santiago and in comes Adam Eaton, Matt Davidson, and Cuban slugger Jose Daniel Abreu. White Sox legend Paul Konerko and Dayan "Tank" Viciedo go to the bench and part-time roles. Announcer Ken "Hawk" Harrelson may not be able to "Put in on the Board" as often, but there is a chance this group could create more runs.
Jose Daniel Abreu is a difference maker and his impact should depict how well the White Sox perform this season. But the White Sox are rolling the dice and you have to appreciate that if you are a South Side fan, compared to sitting with 25 guys that you know cannot compete in the A.L. Central. 

THEY CALL ME MR. SUNSHINE - Back in 2005 the White Sox won the World Series behind Ozzie
ball. Ozzie Guillen is not just not with the Sox anymore, but his stint in Miami is going to keep him out of baseball for a while. But the club has tried to recreate that '05 magic. They tried to recreate Scott Podsednik and his 59 steals with the acquisition of Adam Eaton and they hope Konerko (a 40 homer, 100 RBI guy that year) can tutor the young Abreu to similar success. With the staff anchored by Chris Sale, the Sox bring something to talk about back to the Southside.

Chris Sale

REAL TALK - I am just not sold on the parts adding up to a winning team this season. Trying to get the same results out of Abreu that the Dodgers got from Yusiel Puig is very chancy. The only household name on the pitching staff is Chris Sale and I have never been a fan of his ability to stay healthy long term. He is Tim Lincecum from the left side with his funky delivery and slim stature. A Sale injury is in the future and could take this team from mediocre to miserable real quick.

Breakout: Adam Eaton (OF)

Bust: Nate Jones (CL)

Fantasy Baseball Sleeper: Jose Quintana (LHP)

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 63-99 (5th in AL Central)

PROJECTED 2013 FINISH: 68-95 (5th in AL Central)

**Check back tomorrow for the Colorado Rockies*