The Chicago White Sox are a quiet contender heading into the 2010 season but as they say, pitching leads the way in baseball. With a full season of Jake Peavy’s services, Ozzie Guillen’s club may finally have what it takes to get back to the postseason.
Chicago White Sox Baseball betting: +3050 To Win World Series
White Sox will have to replace the power of Dye, Thome
Peavy leads Central’s deepest rotation
Batting Lineup – Chicago White Sox Baseball betting
The Chicago White Sox had a rough go of things in the 2009 season as online betting cappers saw their main man, Carlos Quentin, succumb to some injuries. With a healthy Quentin, the White Sox should be much better in 2010. The White Sox did a lot of tinkering to their order, which will now have the services of Juan Pierre, Andruw Jones and Mark Teahen. Meanwhile, Jim Thome and Jermaine Dye are gone.
Interestingly enough, Teahen could be a good source to replace some of that power as he has 39 homes runs when playing at third base, where he will play for the White Sox, compared to just 20 at second base or in the outfield. He’s also in a more hitter-friendly park.
Jones and Pierre are both question marks, but Pierre has looked good in spring and so is Jones. This could be a real surprise team if these guys play like they used to.
Younsters like Gordan Beckham and Alexei Ramirez are wild cards as both could give this lineup a boost if they continue to mature.
Starting Pitching – Chicago White Sox Baseball betting
While the hitting leaves a bit to be desired, sportsbook odds makers know that the pitching rotation is as good as it gets. Jake Peavy is the headline act and he hopes to bounce-back from an injury-plagued year as well. Beyond that, the White Sox also have Mark Buehrle, Gavin Floyd, John Danks and Freddy Garcia. Garcia has been inconsistent in his career but he can be a very good No. 5 pitcher in comparison to what else is out there.
This is a very good rotation not only in the division, not only in the American League, but in all of baseball. When Peavy and Buehrle are on, this team will be very tough to stop.
Bullpen – Chicago White Sox Baseball betting
The bullpen should also be an area of strength for the White Sox.
Closer Bobby Jenks is 40 pounds lighter, which should help his conditioning significantly. Also, in an underrated move, the White Sox picked up J.J. Putz in the offseason. With Putz, Matt Thornton and Scott Linebrink, the White Sox have a bullpen of arms that can take the game from the sixth or seventh to the ninth rather effectively. And with Putz in tow, the White Sox now have an alternative closer to give Jenks a night off or to fill in when necessary.
Outlook – Chicago White Sox Baseball betting
MLB betting fans know that the Central is sometimes a game of musical chairs. Sometimes the Twins are good, sometimes the Tigers are good and sometimes the Indians are good. But this year, it will be the White Sox turn. With a healthy Peavy and Quentin, the White Sox are already on the way. Pitching wins games and nobody has better pitching all the way around than the White Sox in the Central.
Projected Finish In Division: First
