Predictions '09: Chicago White Sox

The White Sox almost collapsed at the end of the 2008 season when the Twins swept them in a 3-game series near the end of September. A 1-game playoff to break the AL Central tie resulted in a close 1-0 White Sox victory over the Twins, propelling them into the playoffs. Last year the White Sox relied on solid pitching from the top three in their starting rotation (Mark Buehrle, John Danks, Gavin Floyd) and solid hitting from some newcomers in their lineup (Carlos Quentin and Alexei Ramirez). Given that the starting rotation's top three put up solid numbers this season, the White Sox look good. The number 4 & 5 starters were projected to be Jose Contreras and Bartolo Colon, but that could look differently as the two are coming back from injuries. As for the lineup, it has power in the middle but is starting to look aged. Thome, Konerko, and Dye aren't getting any younger but will put up good numbers. White Sox faithful are banking on another excellent year from Carlos Quentin. The bullpen will be anchored by one of the best: Bobby Jenks.

Highlights: Carlos Quentin came out of NOWHERE and powered their lineup, belting 36 HRs and 100 RBIs in 130 games. John Danks and Gavin Floyd improved drastically and gave them two solid starters at the top of the rotation.

Question Mark: The White Sox have ABSOLUTELY NO LEADOFF MAN. That is a huge problem, something that could potentially cause them to self-destruct. CF Jerry Owens is the projected leadoff guy, a guy with good speed but a poor career .321 OBP. Also, Gavin Floyd could get rocked this year. His opponent batting average last year was .309 and he gave up 30 HRs.

Keys to Success: Carlos Quentin needs to make sure he doesn't break his wrist with another bonehead smack of the bat. They need his bat to produce this year.

Prediction: 2nd place