Chicago White Sox: Spring Training Information

By Rickhouse
Location: Tucson Electric Park - Tucson, Arizona
Pitchers and Catchers report: Feb. 16
First Game: Feb. 27
Schedule

Projected Opening Day lineup (assuming Crede is dealt)

1. Orlando Cabrera (SS)
2. Nick Swisher (CF)
3. Jim Thome (DH)
4. Paul Konerko (1B)
5. Jermaine Dye (RF)
6. Josh Fields (3B)
7. AJ Pierzynksi (C)
8. Carlos Quentin (LF)
9. Danny Richar (2B)

Projected rotation

1. Mark Buehrle
2. Javier Vazquez
3. Jose Contreras
4. John Danks
5. Gavin Floyd

Projected bullpen

Situational: Mike McDougal, Ehren Wasserman
Set Up: Octavio Dotel, Matt Thornton, Scott Linebrink
Closer: Bobby Jenks
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Key battle: The White Sox most pressing issue heading into Spring Training is the unresolved situation at third base. Joe Crede returns from back surgery, an injury that limited him to 47 games last season. When Crede went down, Josh Fields stepped in admirably. The jewel of the Sox system for years, Fields showed that he was worthy of the hype. His 23 home runs were second among American League rookies and it seems were enough to facilitate a trade of Crede before Opening Day. General Manager Kenny Williams has said all along that if Fields, 24, doesn’t win the third base job out of spring training, he will start the season in AAA Charlotte.

What to expect: The White Sox have had a surprise starter emerge in Spring Training the last few years- Brandon McCarthy in 2005 and John Danks in 2007- so look for someone to challenge Floyd for the fifth starter spot. Lance Broadway would seem to be the top candidate, but don’t be shocked if Nick Masset, acquired along with Danks in exchange for McCarthy last season, makes a run.

Rickhouse covers the White Sox, Bulls, Bears, Blackhawks and future stars of professional sports on his blog Tremendous Upside Potential. He also writes for the Chicago Sun Times' Full Court Press blog, and Top Ten Chicago Sports.

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