It’s Not Over Yet!

On the first day of Spring training games the White Sox fell to the Dodgers 4-6.  Now I know that some Sox fans out they are thinking “Oh No! We lost the first Spring Training game were doomed!”  Well that shouldn’t be the case.  Yes there were some dark spots today including Gordon Beckham’s swing and Nestor Molina’s failure of an outing but all is well take a step back its just the beginning.  Now I’m just itching for Opening Day on April 6th 1:05 P.M. CST against the Rangers. 

I know that a lot critics out there are looking at the Sox really low for next year but i don’t buy it.  If players like Gordon Beckham Adam Dunn and Alex Rios have bounce back years I would not be surprised if the team challenges the Tigers. On this day last year everyone I mean everyone picked the White Sox to win he division.  Now the Tigers are getting all the headlines just like the white Sox were.  Of course you could make an argument that the Tigers were picked for the division last year somewhat, but lets admit it the White Sox were being picked most often in fact they went  “All In,” literally.

One thing I don’t like about the Tigers rotation is they’re pitching staff.  Most people believe their staff is “strong” or ‘built” but without a #5 starter it can really throw off the whole sh-bang.  According to Baseball-reference Rick Porcello had a 4.75 ERA through 2011 and he is considered a strong pitcher by many.  Max Scherzer posted a 4.43 ERA in 2011 and he is considered a star pitcher in Detroit.  But He is also an extremely inconsistent pitcher as well.  Gavin Floyd had a lower ERA than Scherzer’s 4.43 and people are saying that the tiger’s rotation is better than the White Sox.  The Tigers have 2 pitchers on that staff. #1 Justin Verlander and #2 Doug Fister which I think will take a huge leap forward this year.  Another thing to be down on about the Tigers rotation is that Justin Verlander will not have the same year he had last year I can assure you that.

But one thing is for sure and this is a hard thing all White Sox fans have to admit, the Tigers are the favorites this year no matter any moves the Sox can make.

Blue Jays looking at Gavin Floyd

The Blue jays have been heavily pursuing the starter Gavin Floyd to bolster their rotation.  It is reported that the two sides have been talking since the beginning of Spring Training.  Floyd posted a 4.37 ERA with 193 innings pitched.  One trade chip that the Blue Jays have would be outfielder Travis Snyder.  He is still relatively young only at age 24 but has had troubles in the Majors hitting a modest .225 batting average in 2011  in only 187 at-bats.

Trading Floyd to the Jays makes sense to me because this is his contract year,  but I just don’t know who is going to replace him.  Your options would include Nestor Molina who is not starter ready and maybe a Dylan Axelrod or so.  I’m thinking about other possibilities  but I just don’t see a replacement which is why this deal will not get done.

Baseball is Back!

Just a quick update I will be reporting from Camelback ranch, spring training home of the White Sox,  for a few days to watch games and practices.  I will be looking at Adam Dunn’s swing, Dayan Viciedo’s progression, and my personal big issue is how Chris Sale will transition to the rotation.  I think he will have an excellent season next year.  I wouldn’t be surprised if he turns into a total superstar like a Cole Hamels or so.  Of course he still has to develop but in do time he will advance into the elite starting pitcher like few others….   See you there!