Sox in position to regain Central crown

Sox in position to regain Central crown
Offseason needs addressed early as Chicago eyes glory

By Scott Merkin / MLB.com

01/01/10 10:00 AM EST

CHICAGO -- As the year 2010 begins, White Sox general manager Ken Williams can sit back, look at his Hot Stove list of things to accomplish and smile with great satisfaction.

Strengthen the bench? Upgrade the bullpen? Add a leadoff hitter? All checklist items were completed by Williams before the holidays really took place.

"I'm very excited," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "It will be fun, and I see a lot of different things happening. I was looking to see how good I can be as a manager, having the chance to move pieces like I want to move them. Now, I'll get to find out."

Even with Williams' successful offseason producing a great sense of optimism, there still are questions involving this team. Here's a look at 10 of those concerns.

1. Will the White Sox win the arms race?

Adding Juan Pierre and Mark Teahen stood as important moves to Chicago's offensive attack, not to mention upgrading the bench with Andruw Jones and Omar Vizquel. But ultimately, the White Sox will go as far as their pitching takes them, and they have a tremendous group from 1 through 12 serving as the backbone of their title hope.

Signing J.J. Putz shortens the game even further for a talented back end of the bullpen, but with a rotation of Jake Peavy, Mark Buehrle, John Danks, Gavin Floyd, Freddy Garcia and even rookie Daniel Hudson, that relief crew shouldn't have to work more than three innings too often. Simply put, this is the best pitching staff in the American League Central and challenges for the top spot in the entire AL.

2. Will Bobby Jenks stay in Chicago?

The burly veteran entered the offseason concerned over the White Sox using conditioning issues as a reason for a downturn in 2009. Williams presented his direct take in response, and then the issue was quickly put to rest when Williams admitted there was no active shopping of Jenks taking place. Still one of the top closers in the game, Jenks approaches ninth-inning work as he did with these offseason comments, directly, and with a "you can't knock me down" attitude.

With a healthy Putz in the fold, Chicago could make Jenks expendable. But unless Williams is bowled over, Jenks will continue anchoring the late-inning task force.

3. Where will the missing left-handed power bat come from?

Sitting close to their present payroll limit, don't look for Williams to bring on a designated-hitter type just for representation. He will not make a move now jeopardizing a bigger move to come in May, June or July. Think along the lines of other moves he made in the past for Peavy, Garcia or even Ken Griffey Jr. Players such as Adrian Gonzalez or Prince Fielder fall on the list of dream additions for White Sox fans, but it's a guarantee Williams is not done trying to shape this team into championship caliber -- even if that next major move doesn't come for a few months.

4. Can Carlos Quentin return to 2008 Most Valuable Player form?

Hitting coach Greg Walker traveled to California earlier this offseason to work with the team's left fielder turned right fielder, and came back carrying rave reviews. Quentin had a pin removed from his surgically-repaired right wrist back in October and should be able to put the rupture of the plantar fascia in his left foot behind him, meaning he should be closer to the player who was among the AL elite with the bat in '08. The key for Quentin is not to swing as a power hitter. Just work the count, take his walks and the long balls will come. He stands with Alex Rios as the most important offensive forces to return to form in '10.

5. Who emerges as this year's Gordon Beckham?

Hudson might be the rookie with the greatest impact, even if he begins the 2010 season as part of Triple-A Charlotte's starting rotation. But don't forget the name Jordan Danks. He was defensively ready to play Major League outfield in '09, drew rave reviews for his work with the bat at the Arizona Fall League and provides a burst of speed with a chance to grow into his power. Danks won't break camp with the White Sox but don't be surprised if he arrives in June and doesn't leave.

6. When will Guillen unleash his first verbal diatribe?

There's a common misconception concerning the Chicago manager that he simply goes off haphazardly whenever the spirit moves him -- sort of the crazy entertainer running a baseball team. But nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, Guillen speaks his mind, but there's always a method to his madness. He might be trying to take the pressure off of his team or reinforce a point in the media already made to his team. Guillen's managerial strategy will be forever underrated, as long as he continues to be infinitely quotable, but he's a breath of fresh air in the game and a proven winner with a deep passion and commitment for the organization where he works. By the way, there's usually one good Guillen rant as early as Spring Training.

7. Should Beckham be considered a preseason MVP candidate?

That sort of pressure is a little much to hang on Beckham for his first full season in the big leagues, especially handling a second position switch in two seasons. But Beckham is a special player, a soon-to-be perennial All-Star who eventually could work his way into MVP consideration. Beckham has a knack for driving in the big run, so the addition of Pierre and the move of the second baseman to the middle of the order should help the White Sox and his individual numbers. It might not quite happen this season, but Beckham will be talked about with the best in the game.

8. How much will the White Sox miss Jermaine Dye and Jim Thome?

Forget about the sheer power and consistent run production this pair provided. As good as they were on the field, they were even better individuals and clubhouse leaders. Thome's return isn't 100 percent out of the question as the new year begins, but with Guillen favoring a rotating player format at DH, it seems unlikely. Their baseball work can be somewhat replaced, but you can't duplicate their quality of character.

9. Could Jones become this year's sleeper signing?

At 32, Jones certainly wouldn't be considered old. But with 14 seasons under his belt and without a truly complete performance since 2006, Jones certainly is in search of a comeback playing for his fourth team in four years. The keys for Jones are that he's only being considered as a fourth or fifth outfielder/platoon DH candidate with Mark Kotsay, and he's working under a good friend in Guillen who will support him but also give Jones a jumpstart when needed. Jones did not go deep after July 29 with Texas last year, but could be a 20-home run presence if all the stars align.

10. Does a second World Series title since 2005 stand as possible?

On paper, Minnesota looks to be the main challenge for Chicago in the AL Central. And anything is possible once a team reaches the postseason, especially when possessing the frontline pitching featured by the South Siders. Remember, Williams will do whatever it takes to put this team in the best position to win, whether it's another major addition or a tweak to the bullpen or bench. January is a bit early to predict a champion, but if the White Sox stay healthy and pitch, they can be in that contending group.

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.