Wednesday, 8 March 2017

Spring Training Team Profile: Chicago White Sox

Chicago White Sox


Established: 1901
Other Names:
None

2016 results: 78-84, 4th NL Central
2017 Prediction: 5th  

World Series Titles: 3
Most Recent: 2005
Last World Series Appearance: 2005
Last Division Title: 2008

Ballpark: Guaranteed Rate Field
Est: 1991

Best Season: 2005
               


                Despite taking a backseat to their northern neighbours, the Cubs, the White Sox can always know that they ended their 87-year World Series drought eleven years sooner than the Cubs ended their 107-year dry spell. The White Sox won the AL Central in 2005 with a 99-63 record and quickly swept the Red Sox in the ALDS. After losing the first game of the ALCS to the Angels, the Sox wouldn’t lose another game and won four straight against Anaheim before sweeping the Houston Astros in the World Series. Their 11-1 postseason record tied the 1999 Yankees for the best play off performance since the introduction of the LDS round in 1995. Offensively, Chicago was led by Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye and Carl Everett while the pitching staff was led by Mark Buehrle, Jon Garland and Jose Contreras.

Best All-time Player: Frank Thomas


                The slugging first baseman is the franchise’s all-time leader in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, runs scored, doubles, home runs, RBIs and walks. Thomas played 16 of his 19 MLB years with the White Sox and was a five-time All-Star. He won the AL MVP Award in both 1993 and 1994. During the first half of his career, not only did he challenge for the home run title every season, but his batting average was always among the league leaders as well. While his .353 average in 1994 and his .349 average in 1996 weren’t good enough to win the batting title, his .347 average captured the honour in 1997.

Best Players on the Current Roster: Jose Abreu


                With the trading of ace pitcher Chris Sale to the Boston Red Sox, Abreu is by far the best player on the South Side now. With three decent seasons under his belt, the first baseman will look to build on some already impressive numbers. In 2016, he batted .293, hit 25 homers and added 100 RBIs. In his three-year career, Abreu has a .299 average, 91 home runs and 308 RBIs. He won the AL Rookie of the Year in 2014.

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