Sep 27, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) delivers a pitch to the Texas Rangers during a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
1. Chicago White Sox
What a turnaround for the White Sox. After finishing near the bottom of the division a season ago, Chicago got aggressive this offseason, and it should pay significant dividends for them in the season ahead.
The question is where didn’t the White Sox get better? David Robertson strengthens the bullpen, while Jeff Samardzija slots in well behind Chris Sale. Melky Cabrera solves a revolving door in the outfield, and Adam LaRoche brings even more pop to a lineup that saw Jose Abreu launching long balls left and right. Emilio Bonifacio gives Chicago some flexibility in the infield, and the White Sox look like one of the most dangerous teams in the American League.
Although we’ve seen the offseason spending spree crash and burn before (ahem Miami Marlins and Toronto Blue Jays), it appears Kenny Williams executed this one flawlessly. It just remains to be seen if things play out as well on the field.
As the season kicks off, it will be interesting to look back and see how our pre-season projections hold up. At any rate, one thing is for certain, the AL Central is going to be a gauntlet in 2015, so make sure you’re strapped in for the ride.
Next: Five Bold AL Central Predictions
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