[Nick Soulis]

CHICAGO WHITE SOX

Chicago White Sox (8652-8441 W-L, 1901 - 2011) - 3 World Championships, 6 Pennants, and 9 Playoff Appearances

Ball Park - Comiskey Park

Manager: Tony Larussa

C	Ray Schalk	Sherm Lollar
1B	Paul Konerko	Bil Skoworn
2B	Eddie Collins	Nellie Fox
3B	Luke Appling	Robin Ventura
SS	Luis Aparicio	Ozzie Guillen
OF	Harold Baines	Jermaine Dye
OF	Joe Jackson	Happy Felsh
OF	Minnie Minoso	Magglio Ordonez
DH	Frank Thomas
SP	Ed Walsh
SP	Mark Buerhle
SP	Ted Lyons
SP	Jack McDowell	Tommy John
CL	Bobby Jenks

Catchers - One of the best defensive catchers ever to play is Sherm Lollar. Lollar doesnt hit that much but will be used often in a platoon role to help the staff. The other man will be Ray Schalk who is a competent hitter and also experianced. The Sox may not have the best offense from this position, but thats not what they need here. Look for Lollar to get more of the innings.

First Base - Paulie Konerko will start in this spot. Konerko is one of the most dependable and consistent Sox players in history. Konerko is also loved by the fans and will surely drive in runs and use the short dimensions of Comiskey Park to his favor. Paulie can also pick it at first. Bill Skoworn couldnt quite make the Yankee roster so he will get his chance with the Sox where he did make an all star team. Skoworn can also play third and has home run power. Frank Thomas can obviously be used here too.

Second Base - Two greats at this position but only room for one to play. Eddie Collins is the first choice and a true talent and example of consistency. Collins is likely to bat somewhere around .320 and score a ton of runs. Nellie Fox is the backup and Fox has a great glove as well as a consistent bat. Fox surely will play more then the usual backup and truly deserves a prominant role on this team even if he doesnt start.

Third Base - The hot corner will be manned by two very good talents. Luke Appling has the upper hand going in as his bat and average are too good to keep out. Appling will be tested by Robin Ventura who is an excellent fielder and if he plays will make the Sox one of the best defensive infields. Either way Chicago can feel good about their depth in alot of these positions as a long seaason is sure to need multiple contributors.

Short Stop - Luis Aparicio is a slick fielding sensation that cant be forgotten after you see him play. Aparicio is a star turning the double play and has range that is hard to match. Luis is a smart hitter who wont hurt you but can get on base with consistency. It looks like Ozzie Guillen will be another backup, Guillen of course is a great clubhouse player and carries a decent glove. Ozzie will keep things loose on this team that does have a Latin feel to it.

Outfield - The legend of Shoeless Joe Jackson is as anticipated as anyone in the Cooperstown League. Jackson by so many has been described as a rare geniius at the plate who can flirt with .350. Harold Baines will man right field and lead the Sox for a long time in the 80's and 90's. Baines consistenly can hit over 30 homers in a year and drive in over 100 runs. Minnie Minoso is slated to take the left field job for the time being but will be tested by Magglio Ordonez who will want some starts. Both men are similar hitters and need to prove they deserve to play in this lineup. Happy Felsh is another star from the Black Sox team that is looking for a second chance. Jermaine Dye is also on this roster and was part of the rescent Sox championship run.

Designated Hitter - Frank Thomas is the heart of the White Sox lineup and one of the best overall hitters the game has ever seen. Thomas has over 500 home runs and an onbase percentage and batters eye that are second to none. Thomas is so good he alone could change the White Sox fortunes.

Starting Pitching - Many choices here but the Sox are going with their best. Ed Walsh will be the ace and has a season where he won over 40 games on his resume. Walsh will need to show he can dominate beyond his era. Mark Buerhle has to be on any Sox team. Buerhle is a winner and if not oevrpowering still gets it done and fields his position well. Ted Lyons is often overlooked in Sox history but had quite a career. Lyons eats up innings and can challange all batters peppering the strike zone and finding ways to win. The final spot will be contested by three men; Black Jack McDowell gets his shot after a good run in the 90's while Tommy John looks to make a rotation after his long and impressive career. Finally Eddie Cicotte may get his chance as well although he is an outsider here.

Closer - Bobby Jenks will bring the hard stuff and get the shot at closing out games. The Sox will battle with Cleveland for the division and the bullpen's of both teams will be key. Bobby Thigpen has also been talked about in this role.

Spring Trainng Battles
Jack Mcdowell vs Eddie Cicotte vs Tommy John (Rotation)
Robib Ventura vs Luke Appling (Third base)
Minnie Minoso vs Magglio Ordonez (Outfield)

Cooperstown Rating
Offense - B
Defense - A
Starting pitching - B-
Bullpen - C+
Predictiion - 88-74

Quick word with Tony Larussa
"Its impossible to predict what will happen. In a league like this one with so many Hall of Fame players, the best could be last in an instant."