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Fantasy Forces:
RF-Magglio Ordonez (29)- Even though he saw a dip in his steals, Ordonez established career highs nearly everywhere else and is
clearly one of the games most dangerous hitters. He is just entering his prime and can be expected to top his levels once again.
A pure hitter with massive power, he is a prime candidate for a Triple Crown but will have a hard time besting Arod in the power department.
1B-Paul Konerko (27)- After a tease 32-homerun season in '01, Konerko suffered a bit of a letdown last year although he did set
career bests in hitting and RBIs. Now 27, he is on target for a monster season as all the pieces fall into place. After Jason
Giambi, Konerko could be the top first baseman in the league this year.
SP-Bartolo Colon (29)- Colon traveled a long way to end up nearly right back where he started. Acquired from the Expos in a
multi-team trade, Colon takes up in the division he competed in the first 5+ years of his career. He keeps his pitches between
90-100mph and has a huge fastball and powerful curve and improving control. His biggest enemy seems to be his weight but after 20 wins
last year with two mediocre clubs, he should be among the top starters in the league.
SP-Mark Buehrle (24)- Last year's ace, Buehrle just missed his first 20-win season, but continued to establish himself among the
top lefties in the game. Pitching well beyond his years, he fashions a wide repertoire that he mixes up well while using pinpoint
control that is only getting better. Though not a big strikeout pitcher he will provide a good amount and will once again make a run
at 20 wins.
CL-Billy Koch (28)- The White Sox acquisition of Koch had more to do with their disfavor with Foulke than the package they
received. What they did get is a tremendous late-inning workhorse who can chuck it in triple digits and will pile up not only high
save totals but wins and strikeouts as well. His control is not as good as the White Sox would like and there will be a lot of nervous
ninths but the results will be the same.
Better Days Ahead:
2B-Willie Harris (24)- Shoveled off after the Orioles deemed him to be merely a utility player, the White Sox jumped on Harris and
replaced the departed Ray Durham with him. With tremendous speed and good defensive skills, he won't provide much power and is too
impatient at the plate but is reliable for what he gives you. At the moment he is stuck in a battle with D'Angelo Jimenez and Jose
Valentin while a trade of either would open a full role at the pivot.
C-Miguel Olivo (24)- Watching their past two prospects fly by without much of a memory, Olivo slides in as the catcher of the future.
With excellent speed regardless of position, he is a smart hitter and also has shown signs of raw undeveloped power that could translate
into double-digit homeruns or more. His defensive skills never in doubt, Olivo will give way to Alomar to start the season but should
step in as the season wears on.
CF-Aaron Rowand (25)- Following a slow start as a part-timer, Rowand put up respectable numbers as he got more playing time
after the break. He has effective speed and moderate power but little plate knowledge or patience, something he will need to correct
to hold off prospect Joe Borchard. With Lee and Ordonez staples in the outfield, he will get playing time as long as he produces.
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Supporting Cast:
LF-Carlos Lee (26)- Lee struggled throughout the first half before making adjustments and was back in the saddle by the end of the
season. With improved patience and tremendous power potential, he offers a solid bat behind the duo in the middle but will be pushed
by rookie Joe Borchard for playing time. If Lee is in Chicago, he is likely to start due to contractual obligations and can be counted
on for quality production from the fifth spot.
SS-D'Angelo Jimenez (25)- Touted as a future star before a nearly-fatal car accident turned his world upside down, Jimenez has
had difficulty settling into a full-time role, traded each of the last two years in the middle of the season. A full-time starter in
San Diego, he was sent to Triple A following the trade but worked his way back and appeared to have a lock on the starting job this year.
Not a star producer, Jimenez gives you a little of everything and could see time at third and second as well while leading off.
3B-Joe Crede (24)- Not a pure power hitter, Crede hit 36 homeruns between Charlotte and Chicago and established himself as the third
baseman of the future after being called up in July. With gifted skills on defense, Crede is a very smart hitter who has the ability
to drive the ball but works best when he lets homeruns just happen. He is the starter this year and should be a reliable source of
production.
SP-Danny Wright (25)- Wright went from a little used rookie in '01 to a key component of the rotation, making 33 starts while
displaying endurance and talent on his way to 14 wins. Even though he has big fastball potential, he focuses more on location and also
relies on a knuckle-curve and a big sinker. In time he become more aggressive which coupled with his size would make him highly
initimidating but '03 will be another learning period in a full-time role.
SP-Jon Garland (23)- Like Wright, Garland stepped in and made 33 starts for the Sox last year. Generally a groundball pitcher,
Garland has a deep arsenal but none of his pitches stick out beyond a potentially devestating sinker. He again will take a spot in the
rotation and will continue to enjoy some bright moments amidst a rocky path to becoming a regular 1/2 type pitcher.
SP-Jon Rauch (24)- Rauch ranks as the tallest player in baseball history at 6'11" but relies on an arsenal seen more often in
pitchers without his height. His fastball rides in the low 90s although it can be tough to pick up. Like most tall throwers,
Rauch goes through bouts of wildness. He will open as the fifth starter and should develop into a dependable middle guy.
Risky Business:
DH-Frank Thomas (34)- Once one of the most feared hitters in the game, the current day Big Hurt has become the Big Nag, struggling
through a tormentful first half that saw a bunch of different approaches at the plate. At one point he stated Comiskey has taken away
100 homeruns but after hitting 24 of 28 homeruns at home last year, that's probably a good thing. He did show some rebound in the
second half and many believe he is just an attitude away from being his former self but a .275/25/80 season is more likely.
Past Their Prime:
Jose Valentin (33)- Valentin is a relentless switch-hitter who has played baseball year round for many years now but may be seeing
the effects as he has begun to experience injuries he had been able to avoid previously. With respectable power and good production in
ribbie situations, his veteranship is invaluable to the young infield and he looks to get plenty of playing time all around but youth will
push him into a lesser role unless he is traded. |
