Contributor: Jay Capron,
mvn.com/mlb-whitesox
2007 Record: 72-90, 4th place in the AL Central
2007 Summary: The White Sox' 2007 season was a disaster. It seemed as if everything that could possibly go wrong, did go wrong. The team had the lowest batting average in the league and one of the worst bullpens in all of baseball. Jose Contreras had a horrendous year and almost every position player had a down year statistically. Two of the main bright spots were Mark Buehrle's April no-hitter and Bobby Jenks' record-tying 41 consecutive retired batters streak that ended in August. The White Sox finished 72-90, fourth place in the American League Central, and 24 games out of first place.
2008 Key Additions: SS Orlando Cabrera, RHP Scott Linebrink, OF Carlos Quentin, OF/1B Nick Swisher, RHP Octavio Dotel, INF/OF Alexei Ramirez
2008 Key Losses: RHP Jon Garland, OF/1B Darin Erstad, OF Ryan Sweeney, RHP David Aardsma, OF Scott Podsednik, INF Alex Cintron
2008 Starting Lineup:
1. Jerry Owens, CF (He is starting the season on 15 day DL with groin injury and Brian Anderson will start but not lead off)
2. Orlando Cabrera, SS
3. Jim Thome, DH
4. Paul Konerko, 1B
5. Jermaine Dye, RF
6. Nick Swisher, LF
7. A.J. Pierzynski, C
8. Joe Crede, 3B
9. Juan Uribe/Alexei Ramirez, 2B
2008 Starting Rotation:
1. Mark Buehrle
2. Javier Vazquez
3. John Danks
4. Jose Contreras
5. Gavin Floyd
2008 Closer: Bobby Jenks
2008 MVP: Nick Swisher - U.S. Cellular is a true hitter's park and he is amped up for a nice season. (He is a really down to earth guy and a great interview too.).
The White Sox will be successful if: If Jose Contreras can have an above average season. If he struggles, this team is toast. If he can even manage an average season, it will help solidify the rotation. There will be too much pressure on Danks and Floyd if Contreras struggles.
2008 Season Prediction: The White Sox can surprise the league or continue their recent struggles, and they remain difficult to predict. As a writer and fan of the White Sox I am hoping for the best, which in this case will be a 2nd place finish in the AL Central. I could see the Indians or Tigers faltering, but not both.
Standings Prediction:
1.
Detroit Tigers
2.
Cleveland Indians
3.
Chicago White Sox
4.
Minnesota Twins
5.
Kansas City Royals
Chris Fry created this group on SportProjections.com. 
