While the Chicago White Sox are competing in spring training games, it is time to take a look at five players whose performances will be vital to the White Sox success this season. By now, White Sox fans should know what to expect from many of the veterans on the team. This list will examine some of the younger players that will be looking to improve on their numbers from last season in order to reach their full potential.
John Danks, 27 (ages entering 2013 season)
Perhaps the biggest x-factor that will determine the success of the White Sox is John Danks. The lefty, who is coming off of shoulder surgery, will have to remain healthy to bolster the White Sox rotation this season. In addition to saying healthy, Danks will need to reverse the trend of declining numbers in his short career. During his six year career, Danks is 57-60 in 159 career starts with a 4.12 ERA and 1.32 WHIP. What is alarming is that over the last three seasons, Danks’ ERA and WHIP has increased each season resulting in a 5.70 ERA and 1.49 WHIP prior to last season’s injury. If Danks can stay healthy and produce numbers up to his potential (3.75 ERA and 1.25 WHIP), then the White Sox rotation should be very formidable.
Tyler Flowers, 27
After spending the last two seasons as A.J. Pierzynski’s primary back-up, Tyler Flowers will have a chance to be the team’s everyday catcher. Flowers possess plenty of power as a hitter, but strikes out a ton. As a result, Flowers fails to hit for a high average. In 273 ABs, Flowers hit for a .205 average with 12 home runs and 29 RBIs while striking out 107 times. If Flowers can improve on his contact rate and hit around .230, then the White Sox will gladly take the 20 homers and 60 RBIs that should come with more at-bats. In addition to hitting, Flowers will provide the White Sox with a strong arm behind the plate that threw out 33% of all base stealers last season. If Flowers hits up to his potential, then the White Sox should be in decent shape behind the dish.
Gordon Beckham, 26
At age 26, and entering his 5th season in the big leagues, second baseman Gordon Beckham is running out of time to reach his lofty expectations. Beckham was drafted 8th overall by the White Sox in the 2008 draft. After being a star shortstop at the University of Georgia, many scouts expected Beckham to be a perennial all-star as a .300 hitter with potential to hit 25 home runs. After playing 103 games in the 2009 season while batting .270 with 14 home runs and 63 RBIs, those expectations seem warranted. After two severely disappointing seasons, Beckham was able to reach those power numbers with 16 homers and 60 RBIs. Unfortunately, the batting average was just .234, and Beckham was very inconsistent. Beckham needs to start trying to drive the ball to the opposite field like he did in 2009. If he can do that, Beckham may not be able to ever hit .300, but a .270 average should be obtainable.
Dayan Viciedo, 24
By looking at the numbers, Left-fielder Dayan Viciedo had a great season. Viciedo hit .255 with 25 home runs and 78 RBIs in 505 ABs. The problem with “The Tank” is that his plate discipline is terrible. As a result, Viciedo struck out 120 times and walked just 28 times which helped produce a poor on-base-percentage of .300. Viciedo has reportedly being working on adding a “leg-kick” to his batting approach to help him time his swing more effectively. At age 24, Viciedo still has time to work on his approach so it is good to hear that he is willing to change things up. Viciedo has as much pure strength as anybody is baseball, and if he can make contact at a higher percentage his should be a perennial 30-plus home run hitter with potential to even reach 40 homers. This season will be big for Viciedo. If he can improve on last season’s numbers he will provide plenty of pop for the White Sox behind Alex Rios, Paul Konerko, and Adam Dunn.
Addison Reed, 24
The 2012 season was an up-and-down one for rookie closer Addison Reed. After having experience as a closer at San Diego State University, Reed was able to ascend to the closers’ role midway through last season. Reed finished the season pitching 55 innings in 62 games while recording 29 saves. By doing so, Reed proved he can shut the door, but also has room to improve after posting a 4.75 ERA and 1.36 WHIP. Considering it was his first season, Reed should be able to use his strike out-per inning potential to put up much better peripherals during his second season. With a mid-90s fastball, above average slider, and plus change-up, Reed has the pure stuff to be a successful closer in the majors. Given that and his experience as a closer in college, expect Reed to take a big step forward during the 2013 season and become one of the better closers in baseball.
-Eric Tichelbaut
Follow me on Twitter @etichel07
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