All In!

     With the beginning of the 2011 Baseball season, many fans and analysts have determined the Chicago White Sox to be the frontrunner for the AL Central Division Crown.  While the team is irrefutably lacking "superstar" talent, they possess the same potentially consistent lineup and rotation that brought the Championship to the South Side in the fabled 2005 season.  For the Sox to be successful,  several starts must align; among them....

     Mark Buehrle must continue to produce, and the supporting cast must continue to support.  Buerhle continues to be the heart-and-soul of the White Sox pitching rotation, but perhaps it is his time to step back from his role.  In the last couple years, he has had a falling strikeout rate, and a slow start to the 2011 season.  While this could be inconsequential, it could also be a signal that Buerhle is in for a true career decline.
     With the Buerhrle's (possible) decline from superstardom, the rest of the rotation needs to step up and take on a leadership position.  While former ace Jake Peavy has failed to produce anything but stress for the South Siders, John Danks continues to rise as a formidable pitcher, and newcomer Edwin Jackson is a great source of wins for the Sox.  This along with consistent outings by Gavin Floyd, will help keep the runs low, and allow the offense room to produce.

     The White Sox offense has the potential to be a powerhouse.  With a pleasant mix of young and seasoned players, and a hitter-friendly ballpark, heavy run-production is almost a certainty.  A few things need to happen for offensive supremacy.
      No fans of the South Side expect career years for Paul Konerko and Adam Dunn, but the two are expected to do what they are supposed to do.  Dunn and Konerko, both in the autumn of their respective illustrious careers, are no longer going to take the role of on-field leaders.  They must however, continue to produce their projected numbers.  Dunn is slow, and has an immaterial batting average.  Still, he is always good for 30+ home runs per season.  If he can do this once again, Dunn will have exceeded his expectations, and fulfilled his role as a dependable DH.  Konerko, although in his mid-30's, still has all the possibility of being a consistent hitter.  Even though his numbers may be lower than what they were several years ago, Pauly is still expected to wield a decent bat with decent results.
     Three seasons ago, Carlos Quentin put up MVP numbers.  Since then, he has been riddled with injuries.  Quentin is dependable when healthy, as he rarely slumps.  If Quentin can stay away from the disabled list, the Sox can count on him as one of the biggest threats in the American League.
     Last year, Alex Rios came into his own as a White Sox.  Arguably the most steadily producing offensive player of the 2010 season, Rios has the capabilities to put up high average, as well as 100+ RBIs.  If he can put up similar numbers as last year, he will certainly emerge as a youthful team leader alongside Gordon Beckham.

     Gordon Beckham, the wunderkind second baseman (and my favorite player), has been proving that he is deserving of the hype that has surrounded him since the minor leagues.  After learning the ropes the first couple of seasons, Beckham is beginning to show his comfort at the plate and in the field.  Last year, his actual performance was better than his numbers suggest, and 2011 is looking to be his breakout year.  Some analysts have suggested that Gordon Beckham could theoretically win the MVP this year.  If the White Sox make the playoffs, and Beckham shows the numbers that match his ability, this may become a reality.

     The 2011 Chicago White Sox have the lineup and rotation to take them well into the playoffs.  With the entire team firing on all cylinders, it seems that the AL Central is theirs to win.  Only time, and a summer of possibilities will tell what the year holds for a team that intends to go "all in."