2017/18 Off-season outlook--Chicago White Sox
Dec 9, 2017 16:34:50 GMT -5
Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays like this
Post by Colorado Rockies on Dec 9, 2017 16:34:50 GMT -5
Chicago White Sox
2017 Season Review
Record: 44-118 5th AL Central
The White Sox season was probably done in more by ownership change and controversy more than anything else. The original ownership never seemed to decide if he wanted to be a contender or build through a strong farm system and made a couple of questionable trades--most particularly trading Anthony Rizzo and then deciding to leave the league. The transfer to a new owner wasn’t without controversy itself when his first move was to trade Trea Turner for what was seen as a less than adequate return by most of the league. That trade was overturned, emotions died down, the owner returned and is now fully entrenched in a complete rebuild.
Offseason Outloook
Salary Cap Info:
Committed--56.8 M
Remaining-108.2 M
Of the 56 M committed to the 2018 team 39 M is committed to 3 players.
Team Strengths
1. For the first few teams it seems the strengths are going to be similar--prospects/young players. The ChiSox do have a couple of nice pieces to try to build around--particularly Joey Gallo and Lance McCullers.
2. Minor league pitching and lots of it. There is a lot of potential in this farm pitching, quite possibly the deepest in the league. There is the possibility of 3-5 of these guys becoming part of the White Sox rotation by the end of the season. This is a great way to start a rebuild.
Team Weakness
1. There are quite a few holes on the MLB roster; so many that at this point they may not be able to field a complete team. As of right now there are currently open spots at C, 2B, SS, and UT and not really much in the way of players to put there.
2. Depth--as in there is not any, particularly on offense. If you are not sure how bad it is see weakness number 1
Off-season Outlook:
I am surprised to not see the White Sox GM not more involved in trying to get some of the holes in the line-up filled. Since trading opened a week ago, many teams have been active and most of them are looking for MLB depth. While the White Sox do not have much MLB talent to trade I am guessing the 3 big contracts they currently have could be moved for a player or two to fill in the gaps as they wait for the kids to be MLB ready
2018 Outlook:
At this point, based on the current set-up of the team and the lack of urgency shown from the team GM, I would expect the White Sox to have a high draft pick, if not the highest, again in 2019. Of course, with the money the team has, they could very possibly just be biding time until free agency opens then load up on a good bit of MLB talent. But regardless of the approach I am certain there will be much more stability to the team ownership this upcoming season as compared to 2017.
2017 Season Review
Record: 44-118 5th AL Central
The White Sox season was probably done in more by ownership change and controversy more than anything else. The original ownership never seemed to decide if he wanted to be a contender or build through a strong farm system and made a couple of questionable trades--most particularly trading Anthony Rizzo and then deciding to leave the league. The transfer to a new owner wasn’t without controversy itself when his first move was to trade Trea Turner for what was seen as a less than adequate return by most of the league. That trade was overturned, emotions died down, the owner returned and is now fully entrenched in a complete rebuild.
Offseason Outloook
Salary Cap Info:
Committed--56.8 M
Remaining-108.2 M
Of the 56 M committed to the 2018 team 39 M is committed to 3 players.
Team Strengths
1. For the first few teams it seems the strengths are going to be similar--prospects/young players. The ChiSox do have a couple of nice pieces to try to build around--particularly Joey Gallo and Lance McCullers.
2. Minor league pitching and lots of it. There is a lot of potential in this farm pitching, quite possibly the deepest in the league. There is the possibility of 3-5 of these guys becoming part of the White Sox rotation by the end of the season. This is a great way to start a rebuild.
Team Weakness
1. There are quite a few holes on the MLB roster; so many that at this point they may not be able to field a complete team. As of right now there are currently open spots at C, 2B, SS, and UT and not really much in the way of players to put there.
2. Depth--as in there is not any, particularly on offense. If you are not sure how bad it is see weakness number 1
Off-season Outlook:
I am surprised to not see the White Sox GM not more involved in trying to get some of the holes in the line-up filled. Since trading opened a week ago, many teams have been active and most of them are looking for MLB depth. While the White Sox do not have much MLB talent to trade I am guessing the 3 big contracts they currently have could be moved for a player or two to fill in the gaps as they wait for the kids to be MLB ready
2018 Outlook:
At this point, based on the current set-up of the team and the lack of urgency shown from the team GM, I would expect the White Sox to have a high draft pick, if not the highest, again in 2019. Of course, with the money the team has, they could very possibly just be biding time until free agency opens then load up on a good bit of MLB talent. But regardless of the approach I am certain there will be much more stability to the team ownership this upcoming season as compared to 2017.