What I've noticed so far...

Below is some observations I have conquered over the first 12 games this season about the Sox.

• Our pitching is not as scary bad at 4 and 5 that other people(myself included) had thought. Colon is learning how to use his off-speed pitches because he doesn't have his 95+ fastball anymore. Contreras has been decent, but will be better once he gets his control back


• Carlos Quentin is a monster


• Brian Anderson is figuring out how to hit major league pitching and judging it. He has 6 walks through his first 40 at-bats. Last year he had 10 walks through 181 at-bats. If he can keep his OBP over .320 and his average over .240, hit 15-20 HR with 60+ RBI's we should be in good shape.


• Brent Lillibridge looks 12 and sucks at everything but running


• Alexei Ramirez looks lost at the plate. He looked lost at the beginning of last year. Some blame it on the cold weather but that is a bullshit excuse because he would have been hitting at the Trop over the weekend. We just need to be patient and relax


• Paulie looks real good at the plate. His thumb injury has seemed to pass and has his timing back.


• Mike MacDougal needs to go away

Final Word: If the pitching holds up, they should easily win the division.

PREVIEW: Left Field

The Sox came into the 2008 season with question marks in left field. This year it's a little different. Carlos Quentin had undoubtedly one of the most surprising performances of the 2008 season in the Majors. After not producing well in his limited MLB service with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Quentin was traded to the Sox. From almost not even making the team out of Spring Training to emerging as an MVP candidate, I'd say that is pretty surprising.Quentin would have won the MVP if it hadn't been for a freak broken wrist incident. Now, in 2009, the Sox came into Spring Training looking pretty solid at the position. With his wrist fully healed, Quentin looks to be on his way to another exciting performance this year in his second season with the White Sox. Quentin is even projected to have a better season this year than he had last, which would be great for the Sox, who currently have 3 other potential 30 home run hitters in their line-up.

LF Depth

1. CQ
2. Dewayne Wise
3. Brian Anderson

Jerry Owens clears waivers; Will head to AAA Charlotte

Jerry Owens was not claimed by any team after being waived by the White Sox. A team has 48 hours to claim a player placed on waivers. Jerry was penciled in as the White Sox lead-off man and Center Fielder, but is poor spring gave way to Dewayne Wise and Brian Anderson. Owens will start the season in AAA Charlotte. If Wise or Anderson falter, do not be surprised to see Owens called up.

RUMOR: Podsednik to be released. Should the Sox go after him?

World Series hero Scott Podsednik will be released from the Colorado Rockies according to the Denver Post. This could be an interesting situation for the Sox, if Dewayne Wise or Brian Anderson falter, might be in a position to go after Pods, who has been plagued by injuries for the past few years.It is definantly something to follow.

White Sox roster set; back-up catcher still to be determined;Owens cut(YES!)

UPDATE: Corkey Miller named back-up catcher

The White Sox made more cuts today, almost finalizing their 25 man roster. These cuts included Owens, Marquez, Broadway, Egbert, Williams, and Kroeger. Owens was told he was put on waivers. Also announced today, Dawayne Wise was named the Opening Day Center Fielder. I do not agree with this move, I believe Brian Anderson should have gotten the job, as he does everything better than Wise except speed.

Here is how the roster looks:

Catcher

A.J.

Miller

Infield

Pauly

Getz

Cuban Missile

Fields

Betemit

Lilli

Outfield

BA
JD

Carlos

Wise

DH

Thome

Pitchers

Buerhle

Danks

Foyd

Contreras

Colon

Jenks

Thorton

Dotel

Linebrink

MacDougal

Richard

Carrasco

RUMOR: Anderson Heading Out?

According to Scot Gregor of the Daily Herald, Brian Anderson might be headed out of Chicago. On the depth chart, BA is below Dewayne Wise and Jerry Owens, who both posses speed and lead-off skills. I would be opposed to this trade because Brian brings excellent defense that every member of the projected outfield lacks. He gives good power, especially against left handed pitching but was rumored to be in Ozzie's dog-house. Ken Williams, Whitesox Gm, was quoted " “If Brian Anderson would have played every day last year, he would have hit about .275 and would have hit 25 home runs. I don't think you can disagree with that.” Is Kenny just trying to create a market? Is he being serious? We will find out.
http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/1343