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.