Chicago White Sox 2010 Baseball Predictions: The Chicago White Sox, now almost five years removed from their latest World Series crown, appear to be in prime position to capture the AL Central Division this season. However, Ozzie Guillen's squad must hurdle the always troublesome Twins, which is often easier said than done. 2010 Baseball Predictions at Sportsbook.com have the Sox listed as the second favorite to win the Central, Minnesota is the favorite, at +160 moneyline odds.
The White Sox had a busy off-season trying to revamp a roster that had lost some of its offensive pop. Granted, the team
still banged out 184 home runs, which ranked eighth in the league, but they ranked 19th in runs, 18th in RBI, 20th in on-base percentage, and 21st in batting average. The brass attempted to address those problems by trading for third baseman Mark Teahen and signing Juan Pierre and Andruw Jones. Gone are longtime right fielder Jermaine Dye as well as second baseman Chris Getz and infielder/outfielder Josh Fields.
The changes should help, especially if Gordon Beckham and Alexi Ramirez can continue to ascend and Alex Rios and Carlos Quentin (injury) rebound from difficult seasons.
Infield defense could still be an issue for the Sox, which were second to last in fielding percentage in the American League last year. Teahen, Beckham, and Ramirez combined for 45 errors in 2009.
Chicago's pitching staff should be one of the best in the American League, with last year's big catch Jake Peavy fully recovered from an ankle injury. Peavy will serve as the ace of a rotation that also includes Mark Buehrle, John Danks, Gavin Floyd, and, most likely, Freddy Garcia. In 2009, with Peavy just pitching three games for the team, the Sox ranked seventh in team ERA (4.14) and seventh in starting WHIP (1.31).
The bullpen had some holes last season, finishing 23rd in WHIP, 18th in ERA, and 26th in batting average against; however, there are some quality arms in Chicago's reliever mix (J.J. Putz, Bobby Jenks, Matt Thornton, Scott Linebrink, and Tony Pena) that should reduce those numbers.
2010 Baseball Predictions: First Place AL Central. Sox staff edges the Twins and the offense should be able to produce as many or more runs than any team in the division.
Sportsbook.com Chicago White Sox 2010 Baseball Predictions:
Odds to win 2010 World Series +2000
Odds to win 2010 AL Pennant +1000
Odds to win AL Central Division +160
Regular Season Wins: Over 82.5 (-130), Under 82.5 (+100)
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