AL Central: Chicago White Sox

Coming off their first World Series win in ages, the Chicago White Sox had a productive offseason, trading for several players who could be valuable additions to an already potent squad. However, Chicago will not repeat as world champions.

Lineup: The lineup starts with speedy left fielder Scott Podsednik. Podsednik is a throwback leadoff hitter, not the guy with the best OBP (career .345), but the guy with the most speed (averages 61 SB per 162 games). Following him is Tadahito Iguchi, a solid second baseman. The White Sox power comes from the next two spots, Paul Konerko and Jim Thome. This pair has the potential to be as productive as the Albert Belle/Frank Thomas pair of the late 90s White Sox teams, but Thome must stay healthy in order for that to happen. The White Sox are obviously relieved that Konerko resigned with the club, losing him would have meant losing not just the heart and soul of the lineup, but the heart and sole of the team as well. Jermaine Dye is solid in right field, as is A.J. Pierzynski behind the plate. For a shortstop, Juan Uribe provides excellent power. Joe Crede hits for decent power, but only got on base 30% of the time last season. Despite the White Sox reputation as a "smart baseball" team, the White Sox hit 200 home runs last season, and that number should go up with the addition of Thome. The biggest question is in center field, where the team lost leader Aaron Rowand to Philadelphia, and is replacing him with the inexperienced Brian Anderson. If Anderson falters, Rob Mackowiak could step in. The rest of the bench is adaquate, but not spectacular, with Pablo Ozuna and Chris Widger. However, as we saw in the playoffs, Ozzie Guillen doesn't use his bench too often.

Starting Pitching: The White Sox won the World Series last year thanks to excellent starting pitching. The ace of the staff is Mark Buehrle, who has been a true workhorse for five years, but is still only 27 years old. Freddy Garcia is solid, but is proving that his 3.05 ERA season in 2001 was a fluke, as he has hovered around the 4 mark ever since. Jon Garland and Jose Contreras both had career best seasons last year. If they can do it again this year, Chicago will have the best rotation in the American League. Garland recieved a $29 million contract this winter, but the White Sox can't afford a letdown. New addition Javier Vazquez hasn't been the same since he left Montreal, but he's in the prime of his career, and compared with the rest of the division, is excellent where he is in the rotation. Youngster Brandon McCarthy is waiting in the wings for a chance to start. He proved he could do it last season.

Bullpen: Bobby Jenks came on strong at the end of last season and carried the White Sox bullpen. While he needs to pitch more than 39 innings for one to properly gage him, having a three digit heater can't hurt. Neal Cotts and Cliff Politte both had breakout years in 2005, and with the depth in the Sox pen gone, Cotts and Politte need to keep up their excellent work. Dustin Hermanson was the White Sox closer for most of last season, and will start the season in a setup role. McCarthy will likely be a long reliever. Those 5 are solid, but aside from that, Chicago has no one else with significant big league experience. The White Sox traded away two proven relievers, Damaso Marte and Luis Viscaino as part of deals to get Vazquez and Mackowiak.

X Factor: Jim Thome. If he does not return to his pre-2005 form, when he was a lock for 35 home runs and SLG over .540, Konerko will have no protection, but if Thome plays up to his potential, the White Sox will have a powerful 1-2 punch rivaled only in the AL by New York and Boston.

Biggest Strength/Weakness: Starting Pitching/Getting on base (team OBP .322 last year)

Projection: 1st place in the AL Central.

Win Range: 89-94