Fixing the Chicago White Sox

Recently, I have noticed significant offensive production from the Chicago White Sox line-up.   According to the statistics from mlb.com, the White Sox rank 11th in the league terms of batting average and 7th in terms of runs scored (mlb.com).  Despite the good offensive production, the White Sox find themselves dwelling at the bottom of the AL Central with a 36-43 record.  The majority of the blame for the teams underwhelming record this year might be a result of poor pitching performances.  The White Sox rank 27th in the MLB, with a 4.38 team ERA, as of June 25th (mlb.com).  Even with the consideration of the faulty pitching, I do believe that this roster is capable of winning more frequently.  Thus, I dedicate this blog to discussing possible changes that could be made to the current Chicago White Sox line-up and pitching staff, which I believe could result in a better winning percentage.

As I mentioned in the preceding paragraph, the White Sox have an above average offense in terms of Runs and Batting Average.  Although, I do believe that with some tweaking of their current line-up, the White Sox offensive production could actually increase.  The main flaws within the current line-up originate from the middle of the line-up where Jose Abreu bats 4th, followed by Adam Dunn in the 5th spot.  Both Abreu and Dunn are free swinging hitters and have the propensity to strikeout.  To put this free-swinging concept into perspective, Abreu and Dunn have a combined total of 153 strikeouts.  The White Sox have a total of 661 offensive strikeouts, thus Abreu and Dunn contribute 23.2% of the teams total offensive strikeouts.  Roughly, one out of every four offensive strikeouts for the team come from either Abreu or Dunn.  Next, I sought to find the average of the two players respective batting averages.  Abreu and Dunn together have an average batting average of .251.  With all this being said, as a manager, I would never couple Abreu and Dunn consecutively in the line-up, especially in the middle part.  For instance, say two or possibly all of the first three hitters reach base with less than two outs.  The probability of the pitcher getting both Abreu and Dunn out is 56.1%, which is a percentage that favors the pitcher.  I now will present the Chicago White Sox line-up that I believe would be the most productive.

1)  Eaton. A
2)  Ramirez. A
3)  Abreu. J
4)  Gillaspie. C
5)  Dunn. A
6)  Beckham. G
7)  Flowers. T
8)  Viciedo. D
9)  DeAza. A

I now will provide my rationale for this specific line-up that I concocted.  When I look at the typical nine hitter line-up, I break it down into four different groups.  These groups are color coordinated above.

The first group of hitters, the green-highlighted names, I chose due to their ability to get on base and their patience at the plate.  These three hitters do not have the greatest batting averages, however their on-base percentages are decently high and are significantly greater than their batting averages.  For example, look at Adam Dunn, despite toting a .229 BA, he proudly owns a .359 OBP.  These three players also are the top three players on the White Sox, in terms of walks.

The next group of hitters, the teal-highlighted names, again were chosen with the consideration of their OBPs.  However, the main statistic that distinguishes them from the first group is their low number of strikeouts.  Ramirez and Beckham have 40 and 37 strikeouts respectively, on the season.  The low strikeout rates, in combination with their greater BAs show me that they are more of contact hitters and are more inclined to making productive outs, in a scenario when there are base runners.

Next, there are the orange-highlighted names.  This group of hitters are chosen based on their power and higher strike-out numbers.  I have these hitters positioned so that they are surrounded by contact hitters.  This is an attempt to hide their constant unproductive outs.  However, they are located in places auspicious to making significant offensive contributions.

The last group of hitters is uniquely composed by the statistic of On-Base Plus Slugging percentage.  I believe that the clean-up spot in the order should be someone with power, but not a player who just has power.  Through this I am insinuating that the clean-up hitter should have both good power and a high tendency to reach base.  Thus, I used the OPS statistic to determine who should be placed in these spots.  I understand that Conor Gillaspie has 0 HRs on the season, however he has a high OPS at .818.  This tells me that Gillaspie has good power to the gaps, which is crucial when playing in a large field such as U.S. Cellular Field.  I believe that he could truly thrive at this spot in the line-up and in turn help the White Sox offense.  He would provide a gap between the current dynamic, strike-out duo of Abreu and Dunn.

Now, I will transition to the suggestions I have for the White Sox pitching staff.  To begin, I will begin with the starting rotation.  Obviously, the White Sox have one of the better starters in Major League Baseball, this being Chris Sale.  However, the drop off in terms of talent after Sale is significant.  I believe that to solidify this rotation, the White Sox must make a move for a solid, number two starter.  A solid second starting pitcher could help bridge the gap between Sale and the back end of the rotation.  Quintana, Danks, and Noesi, I believe are good enough to handle these back end of the rotation duties.  Noesi being the only questionable one, however he has been performing better since he came to the White Sox.

The bullpen of the White Sox does need some refining, however for the most part I believe that what they have, if used properly could suffice.  In terms of a closer, I believe that Ronald Belisario is not the best option for them.  Belisario gives up way too many hits to properly fit this role, for his BAA is  .273.  I like my closers to not allow many base runners, thus eliminating the chances for the other team to score.  Personally, I would let Zach Putnam try to assume this role.  I say this because Putnam owns the lowest WHIP in the bullpen, with a 1.03.  He also has the lowest BAA on the team with a .192.  In terms of a set-up man, it is difficult to discern which player is the clear front runner for this position.  However, I am inclined to select Jake Petricka due to the fact that he has the lowest ERA of the bullpen pitchers, as well as a fairly low BAA.  The last main move that I would make if I was the General Manager of the White Sox would be to acquire a solid, left-handed arm for the bullpen.  As of this date, the White Sox have only Scott Downs who has an ERA of 6.08, with a WHIP of 1.65.