New year, New Excitement

Every spring training brings a new found optimism for the Sox. Each year someone new looks exciting (Peavy), comes to camp lighter (Andruw Jones), or does something exciting to spark your interest (Beckham). This year is no different. In my eyes there are three things to look forward to for the upcoming 2010 season

The reemergence of Andruw Jones. From 1997 – 2006 Andruw Jones was one of the most exciting players to watch, offensively and defensively. He is a player who for ten full years with the Atlanta Braves hit 337 Home Runs, had 1010 RBIs and stole 130 bases all while winning 9 Gold Gloves. Other than having a solid spring hitting .326 hitting 2 HR and driving in 9 RBI, what is there to look forward to with Andruw? He had arrived to camp shedding 30 lbs. and maybe finally realized what he was missing after riding the bench for the Dodgers and the Rangers. Anyways, wouldn’t it be cool to watch Andruw Jones of old in Black and White?

Gordon Beckham. Who was the last player the White Sox had that was as highly touted as Gordo that actually got some real playing time at the major league level that actually showed promise? Whoever you feel it was, Gordon Beckham is it, right now. After starting his professional career in 2008 at Kannapolis, he quickly made his way through the Sox Minors system finally reaching “The Show” June 4, 2009. A converted Short Stop, Beckham learned a new position and acclimated himself to play with and against the best baseball had to offer.

The Pitching Staff. During the spring the National Media is not been sold on the White Sox pitching staff having Ace #1a and Ace #1b in Peavy and Buehrle. The biggest complaint for the “Downfall” of Peavy is moving for pitcher friendly Pet-co to hitter friendly U.S. Cellular. Last year Clayton Richard gave up 7 HR in 64 IP for 1.0 HR per 9 IP for the Padres conversely in 89 innings gave up 10 HR for 1.0 HR per 9 IP for the Sox. Not to compare Peavy to Richard but the point speaks for itself. In his 12 IP at U.S. Cellular he has surrendered 1 HR. Also, we have Mark Buehrle, who if he stays away form no hitters and perfect games should be solid. Gavin Floyd and John Danks as solid number three and four starters who both could be 2 or 3 starters with many teams. The fifth starter, Freddy Garcia could be a little shaky but the Sox having an issue with the fifth starter is not as bad as most teams who are looking for #3, 4 and 5 starters. The “#6” starter is Daniel Hudson who had a meteoric rise through the Sox System last year going, and succeeding, at every level from A to the Majors will be waiting if an injury arises or any other such issue.