Team-by-team outlooks

The White Sox couldn't repeat their World Series performance from 2005 and there are some questions as to whether or not they can get back there again this season. They still compete in an AL Central division that has the upstart AL champion Tigers and the pesky Twins. Even the Indians are considered an improved team. I'll pass on talking about the Royals though, since I have to write about them in a few days anyway.

As last season came to a close, the White Sox knew they had to trade away one of their starters in the offseason to open a rotation spot for Brandon McCarthy, who was stuck in the bullpen. So they traded Freddy Garcia and McCarthy in different moves this winter. Now they're dealing with a battle for the fifth spot between young studs Gavin Floyd, John Danks and knuckleballer Charlie Haeger.

General manager Ken Williams bolstered his bullpen with these offseason moves as well. They will join a solid group of relievers led by Bobby Jenks, Mike MacDougal, Matt Thornton, David Aardsma, Andrew Sisco and Nick Masset.

Shortstop Juan Uribe has been accused of shooting a man on Oct. 12 in the Dominican Republic and his legal problems are already beginning to interfere with his spring. His accuser has missed one court date, so this situation could end up going away soon, but Uribe has to appear in court twice a month to prove he is not fleeing. His batting average could be considered illegal as well. He hit only .235 last year, which hurt Rotisserie owners in AL-only leagues. Alex Cintron could be the beneficiary if Uribe's legal woes cost him playing time.

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Spring position battles

Center field -- Brian Anderson vs. Darin Erstad

Erstad comes to the south side after an impressive career in Anaheim. He plays all-out, which brings injuries along with stellar defense. He's the only player to win a Gold Glove at both first base and center field. But an ankle injury inhibited him last year to the tune of only 95 at-bats. He just recently received clearance to run at 100 percent. Another injured White Sox outfielder, Scott Podsednik (groin), could affect Erstad's playing time as well. If Podsednik can't return from surgery for the start of the season, Erstad could play left field, with Brian Anderson in center -- or Erstad could play center, with former third base prospect Josh Fields playing left. Either way, all of these players, except the speedy Podsednik, should only be drafted in AL-only leagues.

Fifth starter -- Gavin Floyd, John Danks, Charlie Haeger vs. Lance Broadway

Floyd appears to have gained the edge in this competition after he impressed management during the Arizona Fall League. But Danks isn't too far behind and Haeger could be a very nice knuckle-balling swingman ala Tim Wakefield, circa 2002. Each of these three should be given consideration in AL-only Fantasy formats.

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Chicago White Sox Outlook
Projected lineup Pos. Projected Rotation
1 Scott Podsednik LF 1 Jose Contreras RH
2 Tadahito Iguchi 2B 2 Mark Buehrle LH
3 Jim Thome DH 3 Jon Garland RH
4 Paul Konerko 1B 4 Javier Vazquez RH
5 Jermaine Dye RF 5 Gavin Floyd RH
6 A.J. Pierzynski C Alt Charlie Haeger RH
7 Joe Crede 3B
8 Juan Uribe SS Top bullpen arms
9 Brian Anderson CF CL Bobby Jenks RH
Top bench options SU Mike MacDougal RH
R Darin Erstad OF RP Matt Thornton LH
R Rob Mackowiak INF/OF RP Andrew Sisco LH
     
Rookies/Prospects Age Pos. 2006 high Destination
1 John Danks 21 LH SP Triple-A Triple-A
Former Rangers prospect could open season in Sox rotation
2 Josh Fields 24 3B Majors Majors
Status this spring depends on Podsednik's injury
3 Ryan Sweeney 22 OF Majors Triple-A
Has chance to open year in majors, but numbers aren't great yet
4 Gio Gonzalez 21 LH RP Double-A Triple-A
Also has a chance at the rotation, but likely headed to minors
5 Jerry Owens 26 OF Majors Triple-A
Not a hitter, but he has AL-only value in Roto leagues for SBs
Best of the rest: RHP Lance Broadway, 23; RHP Charlie Haeger, 23; RHP Kyle McCulloch, 22; RHP Adam Russell, 23; LHP Heath Phillips, 25; RHP Lucas Harrell, 21; RHP Jack Egbert, 22.

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