Even with spots to fill on their roster, the opposition already holds the belief the White Sox will once again challenge for the American League Central title in 2013.
Though the team has a big hole at third base and has yet to define its plan behind the plate, outsiders opine the White Sox chances of contending in 2013 were secured when they signed Jake Peavy and Gavin Floyd late last month.
The teams starting rotation depth gives opposing general managers a sense the White Sox can replicate and even improve upon the 2012 season, when the team won 85 games and remained in the AL Central race until the last two days of the season.
Theyre very formidable, Cleveland Indians GM Chris Antonetti said late last week. I think if you look at the balance on the White Sox roster and the guys they have returning as well as how they performed last year, theyre certainly one of the favorites in the division. They have got a very formidable rotation and some quality arms in the bullpen and a lineup that has got a chance to do some damage.
Detroit Tigers GM Dave Dombrowski wont yet anoint the White Sox as his teams No. 1 contender. Even though it took the heavily favored Tigers until Game 160 to clinch the AL Central title and finally shake the White Sox, Dombrowski thinks its too early to make any predictions.
But he believes the teams starting five will keep the White Sox in contention again in 2013 -- as long as they can stay on the field.
I would anticipate that they would have a very solid club, Dombrowski said. They threw five good pitchers out there last year and continue to do that. They are just like the rest of us that they need to stay healthy and have some breaks, but from a planning perspective when you look at it you say Theyll be solid.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman admits he hasnt studied the White Sox roster enough. But knowing the bulk of a White Sox club that won five of seven meetings against the Yankees is set to return next season, and based upon the teams front office, Cashman said he expects another competitive team.
They have smart baseball people there, Cashman said. They have great talent. I thought the last number of years they were better than they performed. This year a lot of things went above and beyond. They know what theyre doing, Kenny and Rick and Robin and their owner. Theyre one of the better teams out there in terms of decision-making.