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The years of 'going for it' for the Chicago White Sox since the World Series in 2005 have resulted in limited returns. Only making the playoffs once since the title is the true measuring stick on the inevitability of the decision that was finally made.
It was time to start over, and try something else. With the active offseason that the White Sox had under GM Rick Hahn, it is a new day on the South Side.
The White Sox came out of the gate last season with a fury, and were one of the better teams in baseball for about a month and a half. Then they showed who they really were in finishing 78-84, ending up fourth in the AL Central. Veterans like Jimmy Rollins, Justin Morneau and Alex Avila were brought in, but contributed little to raise the bar to playoff level baseball. The lack of consistent hitting plagued the White Sox as veteran sluggers Jose Abreu, Todd Frazier and speedy leadoff man Adam Eaton never seemed to get it going at the same time.
Affable manager Robin Ventura was given another chance to make the playoffs, but came up short in what would be his last season at the helm. Former MVP Jimmy Rollins described the atmosphere with the club based on his couple months with the team, per NBC Sports:
"It was a clubhouse in disarray after that point. Although we did great. It's always a little players versus the front office but I think just because of the way it was handled — a lot of the guys that were outspoken are no longer there. They're in better places if you ask me, but they're no longer there."
'Big Game' James Shields was added in a trade during the season, and the results were disastrous. The White Sox hope they don't see those results again, as Shields posted a 4-12 record and 6.77 ERA with Chicago.
But late in last season's campaign, when the hope of a postseason run had faded, the White Sox made the decision fans have long-awaited: rebuilding like the team nine miles north did in 2011. While the fruits of such an endeavor may not manifest themselves all at once, the development of young stars, along with the established talent that could be a part of upcoming trades, or the team's core, will be exciting.
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Holland to Sox
When Chris Sale was traded during the Winter Meetings, not only was one of the game's elite gone from the White Sox, but a consistent innings-eater. Derek Holland will not be as dominant or effective as Chris Sale, but the White Sox do hope the veteran can eat up some innings in Sale's wake. The lefty once went 16-5 in 2011, and led the AL in shutouts. The last two seasons haven't been good for Holland, but with the union with respected pitching coach Don Cooper, it could be a success story this season.
Yo Knows
Adding Yoan Moncada was the must-have piece that allowed the Sale trade to happen. The #2 prospect in baseball has unfathomable ceiling potential which some have surmised as 'Robinson Cano with speed.' That is lofty with limited big league work. But the White Sox will not have to wait long as most expect Moncada to crack the big club in May, and as late as June. Moncada's first full season will probably be among the preeminent highlights to watch for White Sox nation with the team starved for wins in 2017.
The Youth Movement
The other major additions to the White Sox like Moncada will most likely not be around for the pageantry of opening day next week. The likes of Michael Kopech, Lucas Giolito and Reynaldo Lopez all came to the Sox in the Sale and Adam Eaton trades. While patience will be tested with all these players, the payoff may be extremely high with the future of the White Sox superstars on the horizon.
New Boss
Rick Renteria is going to bring new energy to the White Sox this season. Renteria is a well-respected baseball man who might be just what the young Sox need going forward. After his abrupt exit from the Cubs when Joe Madden came in, this will no doubt be Renteria's team to grow.
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Sold
The glaring hole for the White Sox to try and fill are the shoes of Chris Sale. Sale was the White Sox's best player basically since he was drafted with the 13th pick in 2010. Since that time Sale went to five All-Star Games, and was the figurehead of White Sox baseball. Dominant lefty pitching like Sale's brought comparisons to Hall of Famer Randy Johnson, which Johnson has discussed.
More from Call to the Pen
But for all Sale's efforts with no playoffs appearances, and the Drake LaRoche/Jerseygate fiascos, it seemed like it was time for a change. Sale will get a great chance to be one of the aces of the Red Sox this season, and make his first pitch in the postseason.
No More Psycho B
Brett Lawrie's brief stay in Chicago wasn't what many had hoped as he battled injuries which would eventually shut down his 2016 season. Lawrie never found his groove with the White Sox, and is still trying to latch on with a club after being released early in Spring Training. His high-energy and occasional power might help a team if he is given a chance.
Spanky Heads To Washington
In a stunner during the Winter Meetings, the Washington Nationals gave up a king's ransom for outfielder Adam Eaton. Eaton, who has twice led the AL in triples and was in the top 10 in the league in WAR last season, might be hitting his prime. An argument could be made that in his time last season in right field, he was the best in the game at the position. He could be a table-setter for a contender this year in Washington, and might prove wrong the pundits who believe Washington was taken for a ride in the trade.
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The White Sox brass haven't minced words. They are looking to build this team the right way. By signing Tim Anderson to a team-friendly contract, they have identified a piece to continue to build around. Others such as sluggers Melky Cabrera, Jose Abreu and Todd Frazier could be on the market as we speak for the right price.
The hottest name in the trade rumor mill the last four months has and will continue to be lefty ace Jose Quintana. Rick Hahn has held that he will only trade Quintana if the White Sox's steep price is met. A haul comparable to the Sale deal is what could be expected. Houston, Atlanta and the Yankees are a few teams where a match could be made. But with Quintana the White Sox continue to have among the best in the game every five days. David Robertson could be an attractive closer option near the trade deadline as well.
After Quintana is eventually dealt, the White Sox will count on former third overall pick Carlos Rodon to come into his own. Rodon could have a big season, but appears headed to the DL to start the season.
Another point of interest this season is to see if the White Sox can land coveted international prospect Luis Robert.
Starting Lineup
Starting Pitchers
Jose Quintana
James Shields
Derek Holland
Carlos Rodon
Bullpen
David Robertson
Season Prediction:
67-95
Last in AL Central
