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White Sox Fri Mar 29 2013
This Year Will Be Different For The White Sox
The White Sox weren't afraid to mix things up this offseason. Ticket prices were slashed, a new GM was hired, and even The Cell's menu was altered.
The park will have several new food options at their concession stands. This includes something called the Walking Taco: a bag of Fritos with nacho cheese and chili. Sounds like it's loaded with calories and fat... but move over Cracker Jack! There's a new ballpark snack sheriff in town.
In addition to that, an olive branch was extended between Hawk Harrelson and Steve Stone, and the farm system is slowly improving. Everything is looking up White Sox.
Off the field, at least. It will be tough for the Sox to have the season they had last year -- 85 wins, 126 days in first place. A myriad of factors aren't working in their favor in 2013. Among the examples:
• The AL Central is much better because the Tigers, Royals and Indians all made big offseason acquisitions.
• Regression is expected because they got unexpected success from so many players last year, like Alex Rios, Adam Dunn, AJ Pierzynski (now departed), Alejandro De Aza, Chris Sale, Jake Peavy, Nate Jones, Addison Reed and Jose Quintana.
• John Danks is still hurt, and Dylan Axelrod will get regular starts as the fifth pitcher in the rotation.
• The Sox don't have any impact prospects that will help them win any meaningful games this season.
• Tyler Flowers isn't the optimal choice at catcher, Gordon Beckham may already be at his peak, and Paul Konerko may be on the decline.
• Team speed is pretty weak, and to compound that, the Sox didn't hit well (.272 average) with runners in scoring position last year.
An 81-81 season and a third place finish is the most likely outcome. Average season. The team still has some talented players and potential All-Stars. Maybe with a few breaks, the Sox can make a postseason push.
If not, at least we'll have the Walking Taco.
