Developed Teams 2011: Chicago White Sox

Last week, I met someone from Chicago.  "Are you a Cubs fan?" I asked, expecting her to shower her support on the lovable losers.  "Nope," she replied, "White Sox... even though I'm from the North Side."  Now, although I have somewhat of a professional relationship with the Cubs, I've always admired the White Sox, mostly due to Frank Thomas and memories of one of my friends from 3rd grade who wore his Sox cap until it turned into a Sox yarmulke.  So here's a team made up of all the best players developed by the Chicago White Sox:

Not a lot of developed Sox are still with the team: only 7 by my count - and the two batters on the bench are only there because of a lack of an established backup catcher or utility infielder.  The only two batters in the lineup have had subpar seasons from the left side of the infield.  And the only pitcher in the rotation is actually having a decent season despite a typically lackluster strikeout/walk ratio.  The bullpen has a couple of strong arms: one projected closer who's been bumped to middle relief, and vice versa.

The high turnover rate makes this developed team one of the most exciting, because it includes a lot of people we are not used to seeing in Sox uniforms.  Some of them - most notably Chris Young, Gio Gonzalez, and Mike Morse - never suited up for the Sox in the majors.  Others - such as Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Lee, and Jon Garland - were Sox mainstays who played some of the best years of their careers in pinstripes.

You'll notice a glut of outfielders, of varying age and skill.  I picked Cameron to start, partly because he had the most secure projected starting job out of Spring Training and partly because he's had the longest and best career out of the other two backups.  His actual 2011 hasn't been up to snuff, but the same can be said for the other options.

Also remember that Mike Morse started the season as an outfielder and is only at first base for the Nationals due to an injury to Adam LaRoche... but before you accuse me of switching stuff around midseason after I explicitly said I was basing these lists mostly on preseason predictions, let me say that I already had Morse listed as a first baseman because that's his position on MLB 11 The Show.  I made the conscious choice to put him at first over Brandon Allen (despite the current Arizona Diamondback's higher rating in the MLB.com predictions) due to his slightly higher production in '10.  And unlike Cameron, that choice is paying off.

The pitching staff has a couple of promising breakout hits: Daniel Hudson, who absolutely KILLED IT after his trade to Arizona last year, and Gio(vanny) Gonzalez, who's currently anchoring my fantasy rotation.  Mark Buehrle and Jon Garland provide "veteran leadership."  And such nondescript starters as Clayton Richard and Brandon McCarthy are making names for themselves in other rotations.

Recap:

Strengths:
- Good mix of young and veteran hitters would produce strong numbers if they ever got a chance to all play together.
- Lots of budding stars anchored by cool veterans in the rotation (plus they've got starters to spare).
- Established relievers join some young prospects in the bullpen.

Weaknesses:
- Lack of infield versatility off the bench, putting a lot of pressure on starters to stay healthy.
- No one pitcher who has served as a successful closer for multiple seasons.


Next time: Philadelphia Phillies