The White Sox were actually a pretty good team in 2012 and up until the last week of the season, they looked like the clear winners of the AL Central. The White Sox made a good deal mid-season to acquire Kevin Youkilis from the Red Sox and he did very well for the Sox. The White Sox ranked 14th in the Majors in Batting Average (.255), 19th in ERA (4.02), and 1st in Fielding Percentage (.988).
The flaw of the White Sox? The White Sox were terrible at the end of the season, the time when you don't want to get bad. The White Sox went 4-11 in the last 15 games of the season, before that they were 3 games ahead of the Tigers. That was the only problem of the White Sox, they simply got cold at the wrong time of the season.
How does 2013 look?
Offseason Moves: ARRIVALS
1B Mark Tracy - Trade (COL)
IF Jeff Keppinger - Free Agent (TB)
IF Angel Sanchez - Rule 5 (LAA)
OF Blake Tekotte - Trade (SD)
DEPARTURES
C A.J. Pierzynski - Free Agent (TEX)
3B Kevin Youkilis - Free Agent (NYY)
IF Jose Lopez - Free Agent (Yomiuri-Japan)
OF Kenneth Williams - Trade (CWS)
RHP Phil Humber - Waivers (HOU)
RHP Brandon Kloess - Trade (SD)
RHP Brandon Myers - Free Agent (CLE)
LHP Francisco Liriano - Free Agent (PIT)
Sadly, the White Sox managed to get WORSE this offseason. Kevin Youkilis was a big help to the White Sox lineup and the field during his brief time in Chicago. Letting him go to the Yankees and not make him much of an offer (rumors have it that the White Sox didn't bother talking to him at all this offseason) is not good for the Sox. Pierzynski is another loss for the Sox, deciding to go play for the Texas Rangers. The White Sox didn't do any moves to counter either loss, Jeff Keppinger is GOOD but not Youkilis good.
2013 Prediction- 84-78 (3rd in AL Central)
The White Sox have not done enough to compete in the AL Central like they did in 2012. 3rd place is an average guess for the White Sox based off the offseason moves and current roster. Now the White Sox could very easily compete in the AL Central if things end up like 2012. If the Tigers take a little bit getting wins in April and May AND if the Royals don't come together and pull off wins, then I see the White Sox right in the thick of things. However, if the Tigers start well and the Royals show they're a strong force, then sadly the White Sox will be just behind them.
I literally have the White Sox finishing 4 games behind the Royals in the AL Central based off the current roster but the offseason isn't complete yet. Maybe the White Sox make another move before Spring Training starts and that will improve the team to bridge that gap. Or maybe a prospect comes into Spring Training and makes it to "The Show" as a strong force. Either way, the White Sox are a move or so away from being right there for the division title. They still have to make those deals before they can do so.
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