Viciedo Moved to Triple A Ball

20 year old Cuban sensation Dayan Viciedo has been optioned to Triple A Charlotte to play. Even though he had a promising few weeks in Cactus League play he is not ready for the big leagues yet. Playing in Charlotte will help him adjust faster to American style of baseball. In Minor League ball he will be able to play everyday and even start. He didn't get this opportunity with the sox only being able to play every other day. This move will end up being very smart for the sox. Viciedo is going to be a great player in this league soon. Playing in the minors will make him even better in the long run. Look to see Viciedo back playing for the sox in the future. He might even see some real playing time in this season if all goes well.

Anderson Maturing into a Veteran

Manager Ozzie Guillen has been saying since Sox Fest that outfielder Brian Anderson is becoming an everyday player. A sign of this was seen by Anderson's play Saturday against the Rangers. Anderson hit two homeruns including a walkoff grand slam winning the game. He has hit 3 homeruns in the last 2 games. For more information about Anderson's recent success visit here.

Anderson has underachieved since coming up to the team trough the minors a few seasons ago. In my opionion he has been one of the worst players in the past seasons. He has always had a great glove in center but his bat has been incediably unconsistant. His batting average in the past has been worse than bad. He is clearly not one of the few of my favorite sox players. However, this can all change if Anderson plays the way he has been lately. The sox could use his power and glove in center. He wont need to play everyday with Dewayne Wise likly to start but every team needs a solid backup. Anderson could be this solution for the Sox the way he is playing now.

Wise frontrunner for leadoff role

After playing a great game as the leadoff man Thursday against the Royals, Dewayne Wise is looking to be the Sox's answer for the leadoff spot. Leading off in the first inning Wise singled, stole second, and scored a run. He later bunted for an infield single in the fifth inning. Manager Ozzie Guillen is impressed with the way Wise has been playing lately. Wise is competing for the leadoff spot with outfielder Jerry Owens.

Wise would be a great fit at the leadoff spot for the Sox. He is a proven veteran that has a great bat. He would be more reliable then Jerry Owens. Owens hasn't proven himself with the Sox in the past few seasons. Wise proved he can play everyday in the second half of last season. He even performed well in the playoffs hitting a homerun. If Ozzie makes the decision to start Wise number 1 in the batting order, he will see it pay off in the thought the season. For more information about Wise visit here.

Contreras and Colon ready to face hitters

Jose Contreras and Bartolo Colon both threw a 55 pitch bullpen session Saturday Morning. They looked really strong and are ready for more. Next for the two will be throwing live batting practice on Monday. Contreras is ahead of schedule for a comeback from a torn left Achilles' tendon he damaged last summer. Colon had chips removed from his right elbow.

This bullpen session looks very promising for the Sox. Both pitchers are rehabbing very quickly and hope to be 100 percent by opening day. If these two veterans can get healthy they will fill the 4th and 5th spots in the starting rotation. This would give the Sox an incredibly solid starting rotation from top to bottom. It will also give the Sox depth as well. They still have Clayton Richard and Jeff Marquez who are playing great in spring training. They could move one of these two to the bullpen. The other will likely end up starting in Triple-A ball at the beginning of the season. But will surely be called up to the team during the season. Having Contreras and Colon healthy for Opening Day would make this team better a lot better. For more info visit here.

What Happens In Vegas Hopefully Stays In Vegas

The Cubs and Sox ended their two game series in Las Vegas Thursday afternoon. Playing in Vegas for promotional reasons the teams, the two teams even shared a commercial plane flying to Vegas. The Cubs and Sox played thier 2nd and 3rd games of five this spring training. Both were disapointing due to Cubs losses. Wednesday night the two teams played in front of a sold out crowd. The teams played many of their starters in a game that was great to watch. Jeff Samardzija and John Danks started against each other on the mound. Danks had the upper hand pitching three scoreless innings. The sox rattled off 4 homers in a 7-6 victory winning off a Ben Broussard walk of single.

Thursday's day game was less dramatic due to the sox playing split squad games today. However, the game was still great. The cubs rallied back from a 4 run difference scoring 3 runs. They had a runner on first with the winning run at the plat but fell short. The sox would have never won if it weren't for left fielder Josh Kroeger. Kroeger hit in all 4 of the White sox runs. Go here for a recap of the game. The sox are now 2-1 against the sox in cactus league play. With two close wins over the cubs. The cubs arn't going to win every game, although they did play well. The sox pitching was just a little better the last 2 days. The sox have bragging rights for now but will see who's talking when the games count in the regular season.

Sox routed by Cubs

The Cubs and Sox played against each other for the first time this year. But only one team showed up. The Cubs hammered the Sox for 13 runs led by a Brad Snyder grand slam. They dominated the whole game even throwing a shut out. The Sox couldn't hit anything off the strong Cubs pitching. The Cubs are the only National league team to begin spring training unbeaten. The only bright spot for the Sox was pitcher Jeff Marquez. Marquez started the game with two scoreless innings. This is a good sign for him. He is competing for the fifth spot in the starting rotation. A recap of the game is available here.

The Cubs and Sox will play 4 more games this spring training and six times in the regular season. I hope yesterdays outcome foreshadows more domination to come over the Sox. The Cubs look poised to make a world series run this year. They have all the pieces in place for it to finally be year. There is even news that future Hall of Famer Curt Shilling might come to the Cubs. The Cubs will surely be the better team in Chicago this years. The Sox roster just cant compete with that of the Cubs. Look to see many more victories over the Sox this year. We'll be sweeping the Sox twice this year. GO Cubs!

FIrst Spring Training Games

Yesterday the Sox kicked of their season with their first spring training game in Cactus League play. This means baseball is finally here! Ive now begun my countdown to opening day. Were only 38 days away! Now Sox will play several spring training games and the win and loss record is not that important. However, the sox have looked pretty good in their first two games. Yesterday Clayton Richard started against the Angels with two scoreless innings and only one walk. This is a good sign because Richard is in a heated position battle for that fifth spot in the rotation. If Richard keeps pitching like this hell get the spot. However, there relief was tagged for 12 runs; The score ended up to be 12-3 Angles. Check here for more details about this game.

Their second game ended in their first win of Cactus League play, with a 4-1 victory of the Rockies. Their starting pitching was solid again, with Gavin Floyd giving up only one run in two innings. But the surprise of the day was Cuban star Dayan Viciedo. Viciedo got his first hit at the plate today getting a first-inning single. Viciedo also showed good defensive skills at third fielding two ground balls with a very strong arm. Viciedo looked like a solid Major League player today. If he can keep it up hell be a key addition to the Sox. Now I'm not fond of many Sox players on this team, but Viciedo is one of the FEW i like. I think he has the skills to be a very good player a few years from now. He might even have the ability to be all-star caliber; but only time will tell.

Former Sox Star Switches Sides

Former 3rd basemen Joe Crede signed a one year contract worth 2.5 million for the Minnesota Twins. Crede was a fan favorite on the sox for the past 6 seasons. He was a fifth round draft choice by the team in 1996 and spent his whole career with the sox, until now.

There is some disagreement why the sox let this all-star go. According to Crede "They had a lot of good prospects coming up at third base... It was their time to make their impact on the big leagues". In Crede's opinion the Sox decided to go young. However, this isn't what manager Ozzie Guillen had to say. "We're no go younger at third base; we offered Joe Crede a three-year deal... a couple of years ago, We didn't go younger, we went good", Guillen replied.

In the sox defense Crede was injured for the last half of the last season. Josh Fields played behind him and proved he can make in the big leagues. They also have Cuban star Dayan Viciedo waiting in the wings to be a pro. The sox didn't want to take a chance on spending money on a new contract with a hurt Crede. Whatever the actual reason was Crede will be playing in Minnesota this season. He should have a good year and will face his old team several times. I am looking forward when these two teams meet this season for the first time. Visit here for more information.

Memorable first day for Cuban Star

The first day of workouts for 19 year old Dayan Viciedo was everything he expected. "The first day i completed my dream of being on a big league field and on a big league team"said Viciedo. Viciedo, an off season acquisition, is the newest Cuban player to sign with the sox. He is following in some big footprints behind Cuban players Jose Contrearas and Alexei Rameriz. But Viciedo looks to be up to the task.

The 19 year old will be competing for the starting 3rd basemen spot. His competitor is Josh Fields who had a unimpressive year last season in the minors. Fields is expected to win the job. However, Viciedo looks to have to the potential to be a great player. He hit very well in the batting cages on his first day and is supposed to have a great glove as well. The one down side is his age. He is very young and inexperienced. I think for this reason alone he will end up starting the season in the minors. It is extremely had to make the transition to the pros. I think Viciedo will be a great player in years to come and maybe even later in the season. However his inexperience will force him to play in the minors.

Spring Training Decisions

With spring training just beginning Manager Ozzie Guillen will face some tough decisions going into the regular season. The sox will have some major position battles to determine starting jobs for the beginning of the season. Two of the position battles are at 2nd, 3rd.

At 2nd Chris Getz, Brent Lillibridge, and Jayson Nix are all candidates for the starting job. Getz seems to be the front runner due to his minor league stats. Lillibridge is a shortstop but could play 2nd. The only thing holding him back is that he didn't hit well last year. However he has the speed to fill the leadoff position (which is much needed). Nix played 2nd last year with the Rockies but had a bad season overall. I think Lillibridge will have a good spring training and will win the job due to his speed.

Josh Fields played a little at third base last season behind Joe Crede. With Crede gone, he should fit the role at third well. However, there is one problem. He might not be the best third basemen on the team. The 19 yr old Cuban, Dayan Viciedo, the sox signed over the off season is making a big impression on the scouts. They say that his hitting is phenomenal. Fields should win the starting job due to the inexperience of Viciedo. But most sox fans will enjoy watching this young prospect.

There are also postion battles at center and in the strarting rotation. For more information on these battles visit here.

Sox add Veteran Broussard

Two days ago the sox signed first baseman Ben Broussard to a minor league contract. Broussard is a well regarded veteran who could add some power to the lineup. Signing him to a minor league contract is a low risk move. He will be invited to spring training and will have to prove himself to make the team. Broussard has been in the league for 7 years playing for the Indians, Mariners, and Rangers. However, last season was one of his worst. He only had 82 at-bats before being released in the the minor leagues.

I think this a safe move for the sox that could pay off. If he does nothing in spring training, no big deal, u didn't pay him much at all. However, if he steps it up and starts hitting consistently he could have a big impact on the team. The lefty could fill in for Konerko on off days and be a power bat off the bench. I think Broussard will have a good spring training and will make the team. Hell add an extra bat to the sox; which they defiantly could use. Hell also more veteran leadership to a young locker room.

5th Spot In Rotaion Still Up In Arms

Pitchers and catchers will report to spring training in a week and there are still a few questions about the starting rotation. However, there is no uncertainty with the first three starting spots: locked up by Mark Buehrle, John Danks, and Gavin Floyd. The last two spots in the rotation have some questions marks. Bartolo Colon will most likely fill the 4th spot until the return of Jose Contrares. This leaves the 5th spot wide open to Aaron Peroda, Clayton Richard, Jeff Marquez, or Lance Broadway.

The fifth spot could possibly be filled be each of these pitchers during the season. However, one will get the starting role entering the season. Clayton Richard and Jeff Marquez seem to be the two front runners for the spot. Peroda and Broadway might pitch in the bullpen in the beginning of the season. The sox will need a good number of wins from the 5th spot to return to the playoffs this year. Both Richard and Marquez have the stuff to be a productive starters for the sox. Manager Kenny Williams seems to Marquez to start. But many sox fans remember the stuff Richard had in the playoffs against Tampa Bay last year; giving up only 5 hits in 6 innings. This performance makes me think Richard will get starter job over Marquez. His performance in the fifth role will be important for the sox to win games this year. For another opinion visit here.

New Spring Training Stadium

With less 10 days till pitchers and catchers report to spring training. The sox are looking forward to a new stadium to call home to for Spring Training. The Camelback Ranch located in Glendale will be home to both the Sox and Dodgers. Reports are that the Camelback Ranch is right on schedule for its debut on March 1st in a game between the Sox and Dodgers.

This should be an interesting spring training this year for the Sox. They have a lot of young players looking to improve before the start of the season. There are also a few battles for a stating spot in the lineup this season. Most notably the spot for center field. Brian Anderson, Jerry Owens, and Dewayne Wise are all competing for this spot.

The new stadium will be good for the sox . They should have a good fan base in Glendale and will fill up a lot of seats. But they will never get close to the numbers of fans the Cubs get every single day in Mesa. To learn more about the Camelback Ranch click here.

Sox Fest

Sox fans gather this weekend in downtown Chicago for the annual Soxfest. Soxfest is a promotional gathering of hundreds of fans and players occurring at the Palmer House Hilton. Soxfest started Friday and will end Sunday night. It offers many different activities including the opportunity to interview players and get autographs. Soxfest is catered for all fans young and old. For more information on Soxfest you can visit here.

I have been to one of these for the Chicago Bears and they're very fun for sports fans. It is very cool to meet some of your favorite players and be surrounded by other fans. I would recommend going to one of these for your favorite team sometime.

Season Preview

With the prediction of the sox winning the division for a second straight season by White Sox GM Kenny Williams, I decided that I am going to make my own prediction on the sox this season. After checking out Willaims's prediction here, I disagree a little with his prediction. He feels very confident in his team. Now almost every GM thinks their team can win, and realistically most teams don't even have a chance. But that's not exactly the case with the sox. They have the veteran leadership to win some games this year, but they also have a lot of youth.

The Central Division should be pretty good this year. The Indians have picked up some good players this offseason, including former Cubs Kerry Wood and Mark Derosa. I know they had a bad season last year, but it was mainly due to some key injuries. The Indians should do well this season. Detroit has one of the best offenses in baseball and if their pitching could improve they would can be in contention for the division. The Twins are always a good team; Expect that again this season. And well the Royals are the Royals; Don't expect much from them this season.

The sox will contend for the division title this year. However, their youth will cost them some games. The Indians will play solid baseball all season. They will end up surpassing the sox and win the division this year. The sox will finish second behind the twins. Detroit and the Royals will end up at the bottom of the division.

Where have the sox been this offseason?

On Friday the Cubs released that they were sold for $900 million dollars. With this deal finalizing it seems that the cubs have done nearly everything this offseason (Ok not as much as the Yankees) with the hope of this year finally ending the world series drought. I just like to add that this the year for the Cubs (I know cliche) but i cant say this for the south siders. The Whitesox have been dormant this offseason. Their biggest acquisition, Bartolo Colon, hasn't played a full season in two years. This is surprising to me because the Sox were one of the eight teams in the playoffs last season. They definitely have the base of being another playoff contending team. However, It is uncertain if this season is going to be a rebuilding year, with the young nucleus they have, or a season with the intent of making the playoffs.

Thats the question, what will the Sox due this season? There have been comparisons to that of the world series winning team in 2005. That team was filled with youth but led by veterans. This season is somewhat of the same. They still have veterans Mark Buehrle, Jim Thome, and Jermaine Dye. The Sox could reach another playoff appearance or could end up 3rd (or even 4th) in their own division. As a Cubs fan I hope its the second one. For another opinion of the Sox's offseason visit here.

Sox Following Obama's Call

After an inspiring inauguration of 44th President Barack Obama the White Sox have issued a new call to service. Obama called for Americans to better there communities through community service. The Whitesox have followed up on this by creating the White sox Volunteer Corps. Sox fans and others wishing to help out the local community are invited to join. Those wishing to sign up can do it through the Whitesox website or by clicking here. The Sox already have an outstanding charity organization raising over $1.5 million to several local non profit organizations. You can find more information about this by clicking here or visiting the Chicago White Sox official website.

I think this is a great thing for the Chicago community and the Whitesox organization. I think helping out the local communities in Chicago can do a lot of good for the city. It is also a good model for other communities to follow. I know several MLB teams have charities and volunteer programs. I hope every team will follow in the Sox's footsteps and create there own volunteer corps in their local communities. I personally challenge my favorite team the cubs to step up to the plate and make a volunteer program better than the one in south side. This friendly competition (if were to happen) could do a lot for Chicago.

Hello, Welcome to my blog on the Chicago White Sox. I will comment on the Sox through the eyes of a die hard Cubs fan. However, this will not be a blog of bashing the Sox, but one that covers the important news stories during the season.

I hope you will enjoy this blog.
Go Cubs!

Contreras Returning Early?

Jose Contreras looks to be farther on the recovery track than expected for the right-hander. Jaime Torres Contreras's representative stated after talking to him Friday, "He told me he was way, way ahead of schedule." Contreras's season ended early last season with a ruptured Achilles tendon on August 9 during a game against the Red Sox. The hard worth ethic of Contreras seems to have rewarded him with an earlier return.

I regret to say that this would be great news for the Sox rotation for he was next expected to return to action until after the All-Star break. With the acquisition of veteran Bartolo Colon and Contreras's return brings a veteran contribution to a young rotation. Every rotation needs a good combination of youth and veteran pitchers to win. The White Sox have this with an early Contreras return. Contreras is expected to report to spring training, but it is uncertain what how active he will be. The Sox have a bounty of young pitchers that can step in until his return. His return would have a big impact on White Sox rotation.

Links

For more info on Contreras's return click here http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article.jsp