Prior to the pandemic, Chicago White Sox fans were excited for their team’s season to get underway. They were excited to see all their flashy new offseason pieces come together. Many were confident about postseason aspirations for the pale hose after a string of down seasons on the Southside of Chicago.
Here are answers to the most pressing true-false questions for the White Sox.
Jose Abreu is still the leader of this team.
True
The one consistent player for this team offensively has been first baseman Jose Abreu. During the last few grueling seasons that were all but over by the All-Star break, Abreu remained the one guy in the lineup who could change a game’s outcome in any given at bat.
Rumors swirled at the trade deadline that teams were interested in acquiring the power hitter, but the team didn’t pull the trigger.
Third baseman Yoan Moncada, the main return in the Chris Sale trade to Boston in 2016, veteran shortstop Tim Anderson and left fielder Eloy Jimenez all have had success in this lineup to varying degrees. However, Abreu remains the one hitter in this lineup that scares opposing pitchers the most.
The pitching staff has enough depth.
True
The offseason saw the acquisitions of veteran pitchers Dallas Keuchel and Gio Gonzalez. Lucas Giolito is still the ace of the staff while Reynaldo Lopez and Dylan Cease round out the rotation. Lopez will look to have a bounce-back season. Carlos Rodon, returning from Tommy John surgery, adds another proven commodity to the mix. It will be interesting to see what they decide to do.
The bullpen can keep them in games.
True
Alex Colome has proven to be a viable closer. Leading up to him are the likes of Aaron Bummer, Steve Cishek, Evan Marshall, Kelvin Herrera, Jace Fry, Jimmy Cordero, Jose Ruiz, Ian Hamilton, Carson Fulmer, and Michael Kopech. Kopech was another player acquired in the Sale trade and is also returning from Tommy John surgery.
The depth in the bullpen will keep the White Sox in games.
Yasmani Grandal will have the biggest impact of all the offensive acquisitions.
False
While the switch-hitting catcher will, along with veteran designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion, have an impact for the White Sox, former Rangers outfielder Nomar Mazara will exceed all expectations.
He will benefit from the players around him in the lineup.
The White Sox will return to postseason baseball.
True
On paper, the White Sox are one of the most improved teams in baseball. As long as that transrlates on the field, the team will definitely be playing in the postseason.
