GLENDALE, AZ – FEBRUARY 23: Yoan Moncada #10 of the Chicago White Sox poses on Chicago White Sox Photo Day during Spring Taining on February 23, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Since 2005, the Chicago White Sox have dealt with a large amount of mediocrity. Kenny Williams and Jerry Reinsdorf have attempted to continually bring in veterans to put on the field an experienced team that could always compete, and hopefully catch fire in a bottle, as they did in 2005. It hasn’t really worked out to the degree they or the fans have wanted. On the flip side, they’ve drafted and developed two of the better pitchers in the league during this time, as well as have more in the wings. Position players; however, haven’t met the same level of success. Some of the sports radio personalities in Chicago, having seen the Cubs success with a rebuild attempt, have been crying for it. Rick Hahn, has seen the need as well and started that process.
1st storyline: Will the White Sox trade Quintana this season?
How long will Jose Quintana remain with the team?
The White Sox were able to completely refill their farm system pipeline with the trades of Adam Eaton and Chris Sale. These two players netted them a potential franchise changing player in Yoan Moncada, as well as 3 high profile pitching arms in Lucas Giolito, Michael Kopech, and Reynaldo Lopez.
Thus, the pressure to trade Quintana took a considerable downturn with such a high return on two players the White Sox became keen on moving once their value got high enough. Quintana continues to prove that he’s one of the better left-handed pitchers in the game, consistently performing at a high level, despite some of the more traditional stats showing less than stellar results. His contract, which has 2 guaranteed years, plus 2 team options, only reaches a peak salary of $10.5M per year. This, if he continues his success so far, is an incredible deal if the continued projections for pitchers hold true. This provides a lot of trade value for Quintana.
However, the White Sox hold all the cards. They’ve already restocked part of their farm system, and keeping Quintana will provide fans with a proven pitcher to come to the ballpark to see. Unless a team wows the White Sox at the deadline, don’t expect to see Quintana in a different uniform until possibly the 2017/18 offseason.
2nd storyline: Will Yoan Moncada start at the major league level?
It remains to be seen whether or not the White Sox will let Moncada start the year at the Major League level. If other superstars who were young, and almost ready are an example, it’s unlikely. The Cubs employed a similar strategy with Kris Bryant. While it was clear he was ready for the big leagues, service time had more to say about that factor. The Cubs were able to gain another year on Bryant since he will be under team control until 2020 at the earliest. The White Sox would be well advised to follow a similar schedule with Moncada.
This year will be a rough one for the White Sox. They project for around 75 wins and don’t have a solution yet at second with the release of Brett Lawrie. However, if Sox fans can be patient, expect to see Moncada around the end of April, beginning of May. It could be the start of something truly special.
3rd storyline: Will Tim Anderson take the next step?
Tim Anderson was called up by the White Sox after they released Jimmy Rollins during the 2016 campaign. Anderson performed admirably, with a slash line of .283/.306/.432. The call up definitely provided a boost at the shortstop position for the team, since Rollins and Tyler Saladino were playing below league average. Anderson has been praised for his contact tool, as well as having above average speed and defense.
However, in a game that is quickly valuing on-base percentage, Anderson may leave the Sox wanting. He’s never been one to take a walk, with an incredibly aggressive approach that is reminiscent of a Northside young shortstop.
It remains to be seen if Anderson can change his approach and improve his walk rate to help keep himself at the top of the order. An aggressive player who attempts to become more passive in the box may hurt himself more than help himself, with the possibility of second-guessing himself causing his numbers to freefall. I don’t expect Anderson to change his approach that dramatically; hopefully he’ll adjust to pitchers having more tape on him and can continue to perform well for the Sox.
