Welcome back to my 7th team preview this preseason. If you can't tell what I'm doing, or if you haven't read the previous teams (Astros, Yankees, Mets, Cubs, etc.), I am giving the readers a fantasy preview of each team as we approach the upcoming season. This is the 7th edition and it will cover the Chicago White Sox.

Chicago White Sox
The Chi Sox have done a lot of work over the past few seasons making deals left and right to better prepare themselves for the future. I like the young core of players here but I think playing in a division with the Tigers, and other upcoming teams like the Royals, really hurts the South Siders chance this year of making the playoffs. I think Kenny Williams and company are using this year to see which young hitters and pitchers are here to stay on the major league roster. It will be interesting to see the White Sox this year without manager Ozzie Guillen but there is still reason to keep an eye on them this year.



Fantasy Impact Payers
Paul Konerko 1B
The aging slugger still offers top 10 value at first base. The 35 year old is hitting at a contact rate the same from when he was in his prime. I think he is a late 4th, early 5th round player this year.

• MY PROJECTIONS: BA-.298 HR-28 RBI-106 Runs-74 SB-1

Alexei Ramirez SS The Cuban shortstop always provides owners with a good mix of power and speed. Ramirez will be looked to become more of a defensive leader this year because of the uncertainty defensive newcomers around him. He may take a bit of a hit offensively but I still like him in the 9th or 10th rounds.

• MY PROJECTIONS: BA-.277 HR-16 RBI-72 Runs-82 SB-15

Chris Sale SP One of the most intriguing stories this season will be the converting of Chris Sale to a starter. Sale was the first of his draft class to get called up to the show in 2010. He was the 11th overall pick, he was considered the most major league ready by White Sox management. Sale will most likely be on an innings limit but should offer good production while on the bump.

• MY PROJECTIONS: 10-6, 3.32 ERA, 1.21 WHIP. 144 K's, 160 innings.

Other Notable Players Gavin Floyd SP Trade rumore have been surrounding Gavin this offseason and I would assume they will return near the trade deadline. It will be interesting to see what the Sox decide to do with him. This kid is a good fantasy #5 starter.  Alex Rios OF Rios is one of the most confusing players to own in fantasy. When he is on, he is deadly, but when he is off it is just ugly. He offers up solid speed but only decent power production. Last year he had a .237 BABIP so there is reason to have hope he turns it around. I think he is a late round flyer if your looking for another OF. Adam Dunn 1B/DH Last year was one of the ugliest things I have ever seen in my life. I don't think he repeats those numbers but I also don't think he returns to his form of two years ago. I think saying he is a risk is an understatement even if you're getting him in the last round of your draft. Minor League Prospects There are some pitchers that will come up this year for the South Siders. Keep an eye on these kids as they will be worthy of your attention in keeper leagues. Here are some of the pitchers i like: Addison Reed, Nestor Molina, and Jacob Petricka. One infielder to keep an eye on Eduardo Escobar. Escobar would fit the role of a utility infielder but a solid replacement if any of the regulars would go down.  The Recap I think the White Sox are using 2012 as a tryout season to see who is here to stay and who is trade bait. I think they will be sellers come the trade deadline and players like, Rios, Peavy, Floyd, will be on the block for sure. Fantasy wise there is some good hitters and some upstart pitchers to keep an eye on late in your draft. And yes that includes Adam Dunn who is looking to bounce back. Ugh!
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Alex Wiesner