Kuzul

The Chicago White Sox have begun the 2013 season at a level below expectations.Below expectations is a perfect phrase to describe Gavin Floyd's entire major league career.Floyd, a pitcher with all the talent in the world, has never been able to mentally handle the major leagues the way his physical abilities should allow him to.And now, at age 30, his time to put it all together is running out.Last night, against a reeling Toronto Blue Jays club wrought with injuries and early season disappointment, the White Sox scored two runs in the first inning off former Sox Mark Buehrle.But, like he has done so many times in his career, Floyd wasted the lead handed to him, giving up two first inning runs himself.The White Sox went on to lose 4-3, with Floyd only lasting 4.1 innings. Floyd is now 0-3 in his three starts with a 6.32 ERA.Obviously, it's still ...

Friday's 1-0 loss to the Cleveland Indians might be as worse as it gets for Chicago White Sox fans this season—or this may only be the start. It's not often a starter can go seven innings, give up one hit and end up without a victory, but White Sox starter Jose Quintana felt that pain Friday.Quintana bounced back in a big way from a mediocre first start to have one of the best starts of his young career. The 24-year-old stifled the Indians, striking out seven along the way with his only blemish being a Michael Brantley double. Of course, that wasn't enough as the anemic and downright pathetic White Sox offense continued its struggles. The Sox managed only two runners in scoring position, but it's hard to believe that would have mattered. The Sox are 29th in the MLB with runners in scoring position (.145/219/.306). The only team worse? The uber-disappointing Los Angeles ...

The Chicago White Sox are used to some chilly nights in early April as they get the season started. Friday night, in their series opener with the Seattle Mariners, two hurlers who made their marks a season ago saw their fortunes turn, at least for one frigid evening.With temps barely above freezing to start the game, Chicago battled throughout before dropping a 8-7 decision that took 10 innings to finish. Jose Quintana started this game, and reliever Nate Jones was on the mound for the White Sox for the final frame.Both players had promising rookie campaigns for the South Siders in 2012. Quintana was a big reason the White Sox stayed in contention despite numerous injuries to the rotation. Jones was 8-0 with a 2.39 ERA last year.Each player played a big part in the loss Friday.Quintana gave up a home run to Franklin Gutierrez to start the game, rallied ...

The Chicago White Sox are not averse to a little turnover on the 25-man roster. It actually seems to be an annual occurrence that the White Sox part ways with at least one veteran who was a long-time fan favorite. In 2011, it was Mark Buehrle. Last year, A.J. Pierzynski bid the White Sox a fond farewell. Will longtime captain Paul Konerko be this offseason’s veteran departure? What about the rest of the active roster? Let’s look at the wholly unscientific, completely arbitrary and unsubstantiated odds that each player will be on the 25-man roster in 2014. Contract and productivity factors will be weighed—as well as potential midseason trade possibilities—to determine the probabilities. Each player will be grouped based on his position, starting with the pitching staff.   *Statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com. Contract information provided by Cots Baseball Contracts.Begin Slideshow

At this time last year, Adam Dunn was the center of attention in the White Sox’ camp for all the wrong reasons. After signing a four-year, $56 million contract as a free agent prior to the 2011 season, Dunn had an uncharacteristically bad inaugural campaign for the South Siders. Playing in 122 games primarily as the team’s designated hitter, the now 33-year-old posted a career-worst slash line of .159/.292/.277 with 11 home runs and 177/75 K/BB over 496 plate appearances. Furthermore, the slugger’s dismal performance resulted in a -3.1 WAR, which sticks out like a sore thumb on his otherwise impressive résumé. Desperately in need of a bounce-back season in 2012, Dunn’s production was more in line with his career averages. Overall, he finished the year with 41 home runs in 151 games—the second-highest total in his 12-year career—and paced the American League in both walks (105) and strikeouts (222). ...

The Chicago White Sox season is officially underway as the position players have now joined the pitchers and catchers in Arizona for the start of spring training.At first glance, the White Sox pitching staff appears to be the strength of the team again, while the offense may have some questions marks.There were not many changes during the offseason to an offensive group that was solid, but unspectacular in 2012.The only real change of note is the addition of free-agent infielder Jeff Keppinger, who is slated to be the opening day third baseman—at least for now, anyway.However, much has been made of the loss of long-time catcher A.J. Pierzynski and how it will affect this year's team.GM Rick Hahn decided to let Pierzynski sign with the Texas Rangers this offseason and therefore has handed the catching duties over to Tyler Flowers.Time will tell if this was a wise decision. The 36-year-old Pierzynski put up big ...

This series will evaluate one team per day, starting on January 23, 2013 and ending on February 22, 2013 (the first game of spring training). It is based on last season's performance, offseason changes since and the author's outlook for the team in 2013. Please keep in mind that rosters can, and will, change before Opening Day. We started in the AL East, previewed its NL counterpart, and now go back to the AL and tackle the Central in alphabetical order. Next up, the Chicago White Sox. 2012 finish: 85-77 (2nd place, AL Central) Notable additionsRHP Matt Lindstrom, RHP Ramon Troncoso, OF Ruben Sierra, Jr., 3B Jeff Keppinger Notable lossesLHP Francisco Liriano, RHP Phil Humber, RHP Brett Myers, 1B Dan Johnson, 2B Jose Lopez, 2B Orlando Hudson, 3B Kevin Youkilis, C A.J. Pierzynski Why they will improve this yearEven though the Sox lost a few guys who were key to last ...

The Chicago White Sox have lineup questions that must be answered before the 2013 season begins. It will be up to second-year manager Robin Ventura to squeeze every ounce of offensive production out of the White Sox batting order. It will not be an easy task. See, a lot has changed for the White Sox offense since the end of the 2012 season. Gone to free agency are veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski and third baseman Kevin Youkilis. They have been replaced by infielder Jeff Keppinger and—for the moment, at least—Tyler Flowers. While Keppinger may actually bring an offensive skill set that is better fitted to the White Sox, Flowers looks to be a less-than-ideal option at the plate. Then, there is always the feast-or-famine left-handed-hitting strikeout machine, Adam Dunn. White Sox team captain Paul Konerko is another reason for concern. How he responds to an offseason procedure to remove bone fragments from ...

Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn is now dealing with a shallow pool of available free agents. Not so thin, however, that the White Sox cannot find a free-agent steal among them. As Hahn wades through what free agents are left, there are two areas the White Sox must address. The first thing the White Sox need is a left-handed hitter. The only two that have any value, though—Adam Kennedy and Kelly Johnson—don't appear to improve the team. So, that means a left-handed stick will more than likely come in the way of a trade. Gavin Floyd’s name is still being mentioned as someone who is available and Jason Kubel has emerged as a rumored target for the White Sox. Now, the other position Hahn has stated needs to be addressed is in the bullpen. With the departure of Brett Myers likely, the Sox are going to need another set-up man. Good news on ...

The 2013 Chicago White Sox are going improve upon their record in 2012. Matter of fact, the White Sox will make the playoffs in 2013.The White Sox are not going to get there because of the recent addition of Jeff Keppinger. Rather, it is their pitching that will take them to the postseason in 2013, starting at the top.Chris Sale (17-8, 3.05 ERA) stands to build upon his breakout 2012 season. He is taking steps to ensure that his arm is stronger going into the 2013 season after setting career high in starts (29) and innings pitched (192) last year.First-year manager Robin Ventura and pitching coach Don Cooper seemed to do a very good job ensuring that Sale was not overworked. They gave the left-hander extended periods of rest between starts multiple times last year, which will pay dividends in 2013.Following Sale at the top of the rotation will be Jake Peavy. Fresh off a two-year, $29 ...