CNN/SI Preview: Chicago White Sox
Posted: Monday March 08, 1999 03:24 PM
| |
Caruso struck out just once in every 14.6 at bats, best in the AL. David Seelig/Allsport |
By James Quintong, CNN/SI Player to Watch: Mike
Caruso, SS One of the more pleasant surprises in an unpleasant
1998, Mike Caruso emerged as a great complement to leadoff hitter and
double play partner Ray Durham in the
lineup. Only the Yankees' 2B-SS combo of Chuck
Knoblauch and Derek Jeter had
more hits and runs. In his rookie season, Caruso hit .306 and stole 22
bases. He was also the hardest person to strike out in the American League,
whiffing just 38 times in 523 at bats. His plate prowess helped him finish
third in AL rookie of the year balloting and make people forget longtime
White Sox shortstop Ozzie Guillen.
That is until you looked at his defense. He led the majors with 35
errors and had the worst fielding percentage (.944) among AL shortstops.
His defense should only get better as he gets more mature. Should his glove
come around, Caruso and Durham could become the foundation for solid White
Sox teams in the 21st century. 1998 Recap (80-82, 2nd in AL
Central) With Albert Belle,
Frank Thomas
and Robin
Ventura in the lineup, you would think the White Sox would compete with
the Indians for the AL Central. Instead, they fought off the rest of the
mediocre Central to finish second for the third straight year.
Even with the heavy hitters in the lineup, the White Sox were only in the
middle of the pack in the major offensive categories -- eighth in hitting,
seventh in homers, sixth in RBIs. They weren't helped by a young
rotation that suffered plenty of growing pains en route to a league-worst
5.24 ERA. Put the two together and you have more heartache on the South
Side. 1999 Outlook If things looked bleak for the White
Sox last year, it could look worse this year as they continue their youth
movement. Of the regulars on the roster, only Frank Thomas and Jaime Navarro
were born before 1970. Just like Jerry Reinsdorf's other team, the
Bulls, the White Sox let some of their best players walk as Albert Belle
headed to Baltimore and Robin Ventura went to the Mets. Thus, it could be
another long year for Thomas, who hit a career-low .265 last season. The
Big Hurt won't see many good pitches with little protection in the lineup.
Chicago's only
major acquisition, first baseman Paul Konerko, could be a good one. After
struggling in Los Angeles and Cincinnati, he will get plenty of chances to
show off his bat. The rest of the lineup is young and, other than Durham at
second, is very untested. Caruso and right fielder Magglio Ordonez hope to
improve upon their promising rookie seasons. Jeff Abbott and Brian Simmons
are unknown quantities who are taking over the outfield. Greg Norton, who
hit .237 in spot duty last year, is expected to assume Ventura's spot at
third -- although prospect Carlos Lee could earn the job sooner than later.
The pitching staff actually has some upside. James Baldwin
took over as the ace, going 10-3 with a 3.68 ERA after the All-Star break.
Starters Mike
Sirotka, Jim Parque and John Snyder as well as closer Bobby Howry all
showed promise late in the season. Unfortunately, Navarro is still on the
roster despite giving up 277 earned runs the past two seasons.
Manager Jerry Manuel will have a long season ahead of him as his kiddie
corps takes time to develop. However, in the mediocre AL Central, they do
have a shot at yet another second-place finish.
|
