Season Preview: Chicago White Sox

Continuing our American League Central Season Previews, the Chicago White Sox seem to have a dynamite roster set up, with their eye on a 2007 post season campaign.

As previously posted, Scott Podsednik was brought back as the White Sox lead off man and left fielder through a one-year deal, but may be out a bit into the regular season due to sports hernia surgery. Brian Anderson, coming off a rough offensive first year, and rookie Ryan Sweeney may compete with for the starting job in center field. New addition Darin Erstad may also have a spot in the outfield, pending injuries and performances.

In case anyone was worried, the ever-controversial A.J. Pierzynski has some new help behind the plate in Toby Hall, who was signed through free agency as a backup catcher.

They've also added a few young power arms through trades for David Aardsma, Gavin Floyd and Andrew Sisco, a [giant] 6-foot-10 southpaw. Sisco will join Matt Thornton and possibly Boone Logan as the left-handed core of the bullpen, joining the right-handed tandem of Mike MacDougal and dominating closer Bobby Jenks, providing nearly the amount of strength as Chicago's deep starting rotation.

As far as their starting five are concerned, Mark Buehrle, Javier Vazquez, Jose Contreras and Jon Garland are set in the rotation for now, with Floyd most likely nailing down the fifth spot. The Freddy Garcia trade to Philly at this year's Winter Meetings provided a quick solution to the six-starter issue.

New arrivals include lefty Jon Danks and right-handers Nick Masset and Minor Leaguer Jacob Rasner, acquired from the Rangers in the surprising trade for righty Brandon McCarthy.

Aside from free-agency losses, some recent departures include lefty Neal Cotts across town to the Cubs and first baseman Ross Gload to the the Kansas City Royals.

The infield will remain the same, with Joe Crede and Paul Konerko powering up the corners, Tadahito Iguchi at second and (pending legal repercussions) Juan Uribe or Alex Cintron at short. Jim Thome will remain at the designated hitter's spot, backing up first base.

Manager Ozzie Guillen will return as well, hoping to lead this young team to a repeat of 2005.