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High spring training expectations became another disappointing season for the Chicago White Sox in 2015, with a 76-86 record and a fourth-place finish in the American League Central. This year is off to an odd start, with the recent Adam LaRoche controversy, but the White Sox have a lot talent in place to be a factor in what looks likely to be a competitive division. When the White Sox take the field on the night of April 4 against the Oakland Athletics, here’s how their lineup should look.
1. LF Adam Eaton
Credit: Ed Zurga Getty Images1. LF Adam Eaton
Recovery from offseason shoulder surgery delayed Eaton's debut in the field this spring, and he seems slated to move to left field with the signing of Austin Jackson a couple weeks ago. Eaton's all-around offensive contribution, most notably speed (18 stolen bases in 2015) and on-base ability (.361 OBP last season), fits the leadoff spot.
2. DH Melky Cabrera
Credit: David Maxwell Getty Images2. DH Melky Cabrera
Cabrera puts the ball in play at a high level (86 percent contact rate in 2015), along with solid production (12 home runs and 77 RBIs last year). Outfield reshuffling makes him a candidate to primarily be a DH, but Cabrera fits well in the No. 2 spot.
3. 1B Jose Abreu
Credit: Getty Images3. 1B Jose Abreu
Abreu led the Pale Hose in home runs (30) and RBIs (101) in 2015, so he also easily slots into the three-hole.
4. 3B Todd Frazier
Credit: Andy Lyons Getty Images4. 3B Todd Frazier
The biggest offseason move the White Sox made was the trade that netted them Frazier, who hit 35 home runs for the Cincinnati Reds last season. He offers good lineup support for Abreu in the cleanup spot.
5. 2B Brett Lawrie
Credit: Getty Images5. 2B Brett Lawrie
Lawrie was acquired from Oakland in an offseason trade on the heels of a 2015 season where better health yielded good power numbers (16 home runs and 60 RBIs). Moving to a more hitter-friendly home park is a positive for Lawrie, and he offers enough production to be a No. 5 hitter.
6. RF Avisail Garcia
Credit: Jason Miller Getty Images6. RF Avisail Garcia
Garcia has not yet delivered on his potential, but he is still only entering his age-25 season and now has a better path to at-bats with LaRoche's retirement. Less pressure a couple spots down in batting order, after seeing 451 at-bats between the No. 4 and No. 5 spots in 2015, should be good for Garcia.
7. CF Austin Jackson
Credit: Joe Robbins-Getty Images7. CF Austin Jackson
Jackson lingered on the market for awhile as he searched for a chance to play center field, and the White Sox will give him that opportunity. His speed, along with a bit of pop, can help extend the White Sox lineup.
8. C Alex Avila
Credit: Getty Images8. C Alex Avila
Avila's career has been seriously derailed by injuries in recent years, but the White Sox still took a one-year flier on him early in free agency. At least for Opening Day, he occupies a spot in the lineup.
9. SS Jimmy Rollins
Credit: Getty Images9. SS Jimmy Rollins
Rollins was signed to a minor league deal in February, and a strong start to the spring (six hits in his first 14 at-bats) made him the favorite to be Chicago's Opening Day shortstop. Tyler Saladino is also a strong candidate right now, but I'm going with the veteran.
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