January 23, 2008
High Hopes
Kenny Williams believes that the White Sox will improve in 2008, because they played below expectations in 2007:
''One thing that is being underestimated is we had an awful lot of guys perform below their levels [last year]. We don't need them to perform above their level this year but at their level. Anyone that thinks you can anoint a division winner in January, you would be mistaken. We were anointed in '06, and you saw where that got us.''
The White Sox finished last in the AL in runs scored in 2007, despite playing in a good park for hitters. Given their ages, are Thome, Konerko and Dye likely to improve or play worse in 2008? When I get around to looking at the predictions for the White Sox offense, I'll try to remember to link back here.
Williams is probably right. But even if all of the Sox' '07 underachievers perform at their levels in '08, the Sox are still looking at a battle with the Twins for 3rd place.
They finished 12th in Team Pitching and IIRC they were last in relief ERA. They project 2 guys in the rotation with ERA over 5.5 last year. They spent $11M on a guy with 55IP total over the last 3 years. But they have 2 SS. Kenny must be counting on bouncebacks like no tomorrow. Good luck drawing into that inside straight.
