2000 Post-Season Review -- Chicago White Sox
By Stuart Shea
January 24, 2001
This article takes a look at how the Chicago White Sox did in the 2000
season relative to pre-season expectations. For an overview of the approach
used in this review, definitions of key terms and statistics, and our
publication schedule, please see the overview page called 2000
Team-by-Team Performance Reviews.
Capsule Summary
Projected Actual
Runs for 789 978
Runs allowed 898 839
Run Margin -109 139
Wins 72 95
Pythagorean wins 71 93
Placement 4th 1st
Nearly everything about the White Sox was a surprise in 2000, from the
closing ability of Keith Foulke to the rejuvenation of Frank Thomas to
the continued development of young stars Magglio Ordonez and Carlos Lee.
The club's defense was measurably improved, the starting pitching was
good enough, and manager Jerry Manuel managed to contain a formerly disharmonious
clubhouse.
Key Position Players
Chicago improved at most lineup positions in 2000. First baseman Paul
Konerko, second baseman Ray Durham, left fielder Carlos Lee, and right
fielder Magglio Ordonez made slight-to-major improvements, while midseason
acquisition Charles Johnson was a monster in his brief time on the South
Side.
The unexpected bonuses came from DH Frank Thomas, who resurrected his
career as one of the most feared hitters in the league. The Big Hurt was
simply outstanding in 2000, while shortstop Jose Valentin provided a major
upgrade at the dish and on the bases. Third baseman Herb Perry stepped
into a breach and provided above-average offense as well.
Only in center field, where Chris Singleton didn't hit as well as he
had in 2000, did the team suffer. The Sox' one bench weakness was the
lack of a quality fourth outfielder to spell Singleton against southpaws.
The White Sox used a balanced attack to score more runs than any other
AL club. They ranked third in slugging average, fourth in on-base average,
and fourth in stolen bases. Perhaps as importantly, the Sox got their
runners in, leaving fewer men on base than any other club. Even middle-order
hitters like Thomas, Paul Konerko, and Carlos Lee would shorten their
swings with two strikes in order to move runners over, and the club ranked
third in sac hits and second in sacrifice flies.
Brook Fordyce, c, age 30
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection ChA 406 112 25 1 11 41 52 3 29 1 63 1 1 .276 .328 .424 .752 56
Prorated ChA 125 34 8 0 3 13 16 1 9 0 19 0 0 .276 .328 .424 .752 17
Actual ChA 125 34 7 1 5 18 21 2 6 0 23 0 0 .272 .313 .464 .777 19
Prorated Bal 178 49 11 0 5 18 23 1 13 0 28 0 0 .276 .328 .424 .752 25
Actual Bal 177 57 11 0 9 23 28 2 11 0 27 0 0 .322 .361 .537 .898 35
Prorated Tot 303 84 19 1 8 31 39 2 22 1 47 1 1 .276 .328 .424 .752 42
Actual Tot 302 91 18 1 14 41 49 4 17 0 50 0 0 .301 .341 .507 .848 53
The slash-hitting Fordyce began the 2000 season on the disabled list
after he broke a bone in his left foot in spring training. He returned
to action May 23 and homered in his second at-bat. While he did hit for
higher average, he walked even less than his usual unacceptable total.
The Sox weren’t unhappy to deal him to Baltimore on July 29 in order to
rent the offensively and defensively superior Charles Johnson.
With the Orioles, Fordyce moved into the role of an elder statesman helping
a rebuilding pitching staff – a role that damaged his catching stats.
While Fordyce threw out 10 of 34 runners trying to steal for Chicago,
for Baltimore he managed to throw out only an unbelievably low six in
53 steal attempts.
Charles Johnson, c, age 28
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Bal 481 119 22 0 21 60 65 4 60 3 122 0 0 .247 .335 .424 .759 68
Prorated Bal 280 69 13 0 12 35 38 2 35 2 71 0 0 .247 .335 .424 .759 40
Actual Bal 286 84 16 0 21 52 55 0 32 0 69 2 0 .294 .364 .570 .934 59
Prorated ChA 138 34 6 0 6 17 19 1 17 1 35 0 0 .247 .335 .424 .759 20
Actual ChA 135 44 8 0 10 24 36 1 20 0 37 0 0 .326 .411 .607 1.019 36
Prorated Tot 418 103 19 0 18 52 56 3 52 3 106 0 0 .247 .335 .424 .759 59
Actual Tot 421 128 24 0 31 76 91 1 52 0 106 2 0 .304 .379 .582 .961 95
Energized by a July trade from sagging Baltimore to high-flying Chicago,
Johnson helped the Sox win the AL Central with an excellent offensive
performance. While he habitually hits for higher average down the stretch,
Johnson’s late-season power production was surprising and welcome. An
improvement against right-handed pitchers (.324 BA, nearly 100 points
higher than his career mark, with 20 homers) was key to his big season.
Johnson’s celebrated defensive skills slipped a little in 2000 as he
threw out only 27% of opposing base thieves, but he did throw more effectively
with Chicago. Signed by Florida for 2001, Johnson remains agile enough
behind the dish to help a club both ways.
Mark L. Johnson, c, age 24
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection ChA 132 31 6 1 3 18 13 1 24 0 30 1 1 .235 .354 .364 .718 19
Prorated ChA 210 49 10 2 5 29 21 2 38 0 48 2 2 .235 .354 .364 .718 30
Actual ChA 213 48 11 0 3 29 23 1 27 0 40 3 2 .225 .315 .319 .635 23
The strong-armed Johnson has two skills: a discerning eye and a strong
arm. He used the latter to nail a third of enemy base stealers in 2000,
while he used the former to…well, to lift his on-base percentage to an
intolerable .315. While Johnson will take walks often (he paced two minor
leagues in bases on balls), he doesn’t do anything else at bat well enough
to make pitchers fear him. The Sox still like Johnson, who bunts well
(10 SH last year), hustles, and is improving the other parts of his defensive
game, but without some improvement with the bat, he won’t be able to even
hold a backup job for too much longer.
Josh Paul, c, age 25
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection ChA 70 17 3 0 1 9 8 1 4 0 13 1 1 .243 .293 .329 .622 7
Prorated ChA 74 18 3 0 1 9 8 1 4 0 14 1 1 .243 .293 .329 .622 7
Actual ChA 71 20 3 2 1 15 8 1 5 0 17 1 0 .282 .338 .423 .760 10
Paul, an organizational favorite, hit .351 in 37 April at-bats while
Brook Fordyce was on the DL. He slumped after that, however, and spent
most of the year in the minors. He is not overwhelming defensively, does
not hit for much power, and lacks patience at the plate. Paul will be
lucky to have a career as a backup; his .282 batting average is well over
his head.
Paul Konerko, 1b/dh/3b, age 24
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection ChA 596 164 30 3 27 83 102 4 58 0 83 1 1 .275 .341 .471 .812 91
Prorated ChA 526 145 26 3 24 73 90 4 51 0 73 1 1 .275 .341 .471 .812 81
Actual ChA 524 156 31 1 21 84 97 10 47 0 72 1 0 .298 .363 .481 .844 88
The former Dodgers' and Reds' prospect has had two solid seasons for
the White Sox. He has a contact approach and doesn’t walk or strike out
that often. In 2000, Konerko hit .297 with 19 homers against righties,
a much better performance than he had shown in 1999. Konerko is a poor
third baseman and barely adequate at first; on any other team, he’d be
considered for a DH role, but the White Sox won’t be moving Frank Thomas
anywhere soon.
Konerko, who complained last year about losing playing time when Chicago
acquired Harold Baines, doesn’t yet get on base enough or hit for enough
power to be considered a prime performer at either DH or first, but he
is still young enough to be able to improve in both categories.
Ray Durham, 2b, age 28
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection ChA 608 175 30 7 15 110 63 6 72 1 99 30 9 .288 .367 .434 .801 103
Prorated ChA 623 179 31 7 15 113 65 6 74 1 101 31 9 .288 .367 .434 .801 105
Actual ChA 614 172 35 9 17 121 75 7 75 0 105 25 13 .280 .361 .450 .810 102
Durham does nearly everything well, though he does nothing at a superstar
level. He has scored 100 runs four straight seasons and, in 2000, set
career highs in RBIs, doubles, triples, and walks. While he slumped a
bit against lefties last year, Durham was solid in all other situational
breakdowns. His stolen base numbers dipped a bit, but his raw speed did
not decrease.
The White Sox have discussed moving Durham to center field, which seems
to be a questionable idea. He is a solid defensive second baseman with
a good arm who turns the double-play well – and quality players at his
position who hit like this don’t grow on trees. He is a two-time All-Star
who gets the Sox’ offense going.
Tony Graffanino, 2b/ss/3b, age 28
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Tam 118 31 7 1 3 18 15 1 11 0 20 2 2 .263 .328 .415 .743 16
Prorated Tam 20 5 1 0 1 3 3 0 2 0 3 0 0 .263 .328 .415 .743 3
Actual Tam 20 6 1 0 0 8 1 1 1 0 2 0 0 .300 .364 .350 .714 2
Prorated ChA 154 40 9 1 4 23 20 1 14 0 26 3 3 .263 .328 .415 .743 20
Actual ChA 148 40 5 1 2 25 16 1 21 0 25 7 4 .270 .363 .358 .721 21
Prorated Tot 173 46 10 1 4 26 22 1 16 0 29 3 3 .263 .328 .415 .743 23
Actual Tot 168 46 6 1 2 33 17 2 22 0 27 7 4 .274 .363 .357 .720 23
A quality reserve second baseman/shortstop with grit and hustle, Graffanino
joined the White Sox after Tampa Bay cut him loose in April. Graffanino
has changed his approach at the plate; he has sacrificed power in order
to increase his average and get on base more. He also hit .300 against
righties. However, Graffanino batted just .228 after the All-Star break,
indicating that the AL might have caught up to him.
Herbert Perry, 3b, age 30
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Tam 67 17 4 0 2 10 10 2 5 0 13 0 0 .254 .320 .403 .723 8
Prorated Tam 27 7 2 0 1 4 4 1 2 0 5 0 0 .254 .320 .403 .723 3
Actual Tam 28 6 1 0 0 2 1 0 2 0 7 0 0 .214 .267 .250 .517 2
Prorated ChA 375 95 22 0 11 56 56 11 28 0 73 0 0 .254 .320 .403 .723 46
Actual ChA 383 118 29 1 12 69 61 9 22 1 68 4 1 .308 .356 .483 .839 64
Prorated Tot 402 102 24 0 12 60 60 12 30 0 78 0 0 .254 .320 .403 .723 49
Actual Tot 411 124 30 1 12 71 62 9 24 1 75 4 1 .302 .350 .467 .818 65
Perry had a tremendous year after the Sox picked him off the scrap heap
in May. He showed surprising range at third base and hit better than anyone
would have expected. Perry produced all season, punching line drives all
over the diamond while remaining healthy; he batted .303 against right-handers.
Of course, Perry’s history of serious knee problems makes it unlikely
that he can repeat this performance, but it’s telling that the moribund
Devil Rays couldn’t find a place for him but the first-place White Sox
were happy to give him a chance to play.
Greg Norton, 3b/1b, age 27
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection ChA 170 42 10 0 6 25 21 1 23 1 38 1 2 .247 .338 .412 .750 23
Prorated ChA 201 50 12 0 7 30 25 1 27 1 45 1 2 .247 .338 .412 .750 28
Actual ChA 201 49 6 1 6 25 28 2 26 0 47 1 0 .244 .333 .373 .706 27
A consistent platoon hitter at a B-/C+ level, Norton has some power and
will take walks. Unfortunately his defense at third, short, and first
is bad enough to relegate him to bench duty; these defensive problems
may even be enough to keep him from seeing a lot of duty in the majors.
He started the 2000 season as the White Sox’ third baseman and hit well
until suffering an ankle injury in May. By the time he recovered, Herb
Perry had taken the job and Norton was odd man out. The Rockies have signed
Norton for 2001, and will throw him into the mix for utility infield at-bats.
Craig Wilson, 3b/ss/2b, age 29
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection ChA 431 111 15 1 8 56 49 2 39 1 40 2 2 .258 .321 .353 .673 49
Prorated ChA 74 19 3 0 1 10 8 0 7 0 7 0 0 .258 .321 .353 .673 8
Actual ChA 73 19 3 0 0 12 4 1 5 0 11 1 0 .260 .316 .301 .618 6
Wilson missed much of the season with a herniated disk in his back. He
is a middling middle infielder who lucked into a big-league career because
of a fluke .468 (22-for-47) September 1998 streak with the White Sox,
but he didn’t hit in ’99 or last season and wasn’t re-signed. The Royals
have inked him to a Triple-A deal for 2001.
Joe Crede, 3b, age 22
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection ChA 71 16 3 0 1 9 9 0 4 0 11 0 0 .225 .267 .310 .577 5
Prorated ChA 14 3 1 0 0 2 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 .225 .267 .310 .577 1
Actual ChA 14 5 1 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 3 0 0 .357 .333 .429 .762 2
The Sox believe that Crede will be their starter at third for them for
a decade. However, his time might not come this year; they currently have
a logjam of first/third basemen. Therefore, until Chicago decides what
to do with Herbert Perry and Jose Valentin, Crede will remain in Triple-A.
Jose Valentin, ss, age 30
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection ChA 580 133 26 4 22 89 74 3 85 10 128 11 8 .229 .327 .402 .729 80
Prorated ChA 554 127 25 4 21 85 71 3 81 10 122 11 8 .229 .327 .402 .729 77
Actual ChA 568 155 37 6 25 107 92 4 59 1 106 19 2 .273 .343 .491 .835 99
Valentin had a big year for Chicago, largely because of a more aggressive
approach. He attacked fastballs early in the count with excellent results;
he ran wild on the bases and showed better speed than was expected. Valentin
also played good defense despite making 36 errors. He had above-average
range at shortstop and partnered with Durham to lead the league in double-play
percentage.
Valentin still suffers against left-handed pitchers (.215 with one homer
in 2000) and was streaky, batting just .184 in September. The Sox appear
set to move him either to second or third base in 2000; this is probably
a serious mistake. Despite the high number of errors, Valentin is a good
shortstop, and his bat won’t be nearly as special at second or third.
Carlos Lee, lf, age 24
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection ChA 565 159 31 2 18 74 94 4 23 1 77 6 3 .281 .311 .439 .749 72
Prorated ChA 583 164 32 2 19 76 97 4 24 1 79 6 3 .281 .311 .439 .749 74
Actual ChA 572 172 29 2 24 107 92 3 38 1 94 13 4 .301 .345 .484 .829 92
"El Caballo" is becoming a quality hitter and showed a lot of progress
in 2000. He still does not make good contact, and continues to give at-bats
away with an overly aggressive approach, but he has clearly improved.
When facing righties, he makes better contact; when lefties are on the
mound, Lee airs out his huge swing and tries to knock everything out of
the park. He batted .301 in the first half and .300 in the second.
An aggressive left fielder with adequate range despite a lack of natural
agility, and an aggressive baserunner despite not having great speed,
Lee played harder last season than he had as a rookie and went a long
way toward silencing most of his critics.
Chris Singleton, cf, age 27
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection ChA 588 160 33 6 14 81 75 2 30 1 69 20 5 .272 .307 .420 .727 76
Prorated ChA 527 144 30 5 13 73 67 2 27 1 62 18 4 .272 .307 .420 .727 68
Actual ChA 511 130 22 5 11 83 62 1 35 2 85 22 7 .254 .301 .382 .683 60
Singleton dropped from .313 against lefties in 1999 to just .206 in 2000,
the key reason for his overall offensive backslide. A finger injury suffered
in May is said to have affected his swing. He gives at-bats away with
an overaggressive approach but is a good bunter. He is a very good defensive
center fielder and, unlike most of the rest of the Sox club, has very
good speed. However, Singleton might best suited for a fourth outfielder’s
role.
Jeff Abbott, of, age 27
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection ChA 70 19 4 0 2 10 9 0 4 0 8 1 1 .271 .307 .414 .721 8
Prorated ChA 226 61 13 0 6 32 29 0 13 0 26 3 3 .271 .307 .414 .721 27
Actual ChA 215 59 15 1 3 31 29 2 21 1 38 2 1 .274 .343 .395 .738 30
Abbott is a pure hitter who puts up consistent numbers in a reserve role.
He was more selective last year but didn’t show the kind of pop Chicago
wanted and did not pinch hit well (2-for-15). The Sox dealt Abbott to
the Marlins in December. He will serve as Florida’s fourth outfielder,
although his subpar outfield defense paints him as a #5 outfielder.
McKay Christensen, cf, age 24
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection ChA 67 17 2 1 1 11 6 1 5 0 10 3 1 .254 .311 .358 .669 8
Prorated ChA 20 5 1 0 0 3 2 0 1 0 3 1 0 .254 .311 .358 .669 2
Actual ChA 19 2 0 0 0 4 1 1 2 0 6 1 1 .105 .227 .105 .333 1
A Utah native who took two years off at the beginning of his career to
serve as a Mormon missionary, Christiansen didn’t hit at Triple-A in 2000.
While an outstanding defensive player with speed, Christiansen is unlikely
to produce enough offense to have anything more than a bench role in the
majors. He lacks power and hasn’t cleared .290 at any level.
Magglio Ordonez, rf, age 26
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection ChA 595 173 29 3 22 88 96 4 44 3 65 11 6 .291 .342 .461 .802 88
Prorated ChA 611 178 30 3 23 90 99 4 45 3 67 11 6 .291 .342 .461 .802 90
Actual ChA 588 185 34 3 32 102 126 2 60 3 64 18 4 .315 .371 .546 .917 114
For Ordonez, 2000 was a breakout season that elevated him to star level.
He continues to surprise, improving each year in every category. A fly
ball hitter (he delivered 15 sac flies) who makes excellent contact, Ordonez
has a career average over .300 against both left- and right-handers and
hits all types of pitchers for power. An acceptable right fielder with
a good arm, Ordonez is not speedy but is a smart baserunner. Given his
age, he is a future MVP candidate, especially if the Sox continue to contend.
Jeff Liefer, of, age 25
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection ChA 115 29 7 1 3 15 17 1 9 1 24 1 0 .252 .310 .409 .718 15
Prorated ChA 10 3 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 2 0 0 .252 .310 .409 .718 1
Actual ChA 11 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 .182 .182 .182 .364 0
Liefer, a former first-round pick, will be looking for a bench job in
2001. He can play first base and left field and slugged 32 homers at Triple-A
Charlotte last year. However, Liefer strikes out often and does not run
well, two negatives that limit his usefulness.
Frank Thomas, dh/1b, age 32
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection ChA 575 166 34 1 24 97 99 8 108 8 85 2 1 .289 .403 .477 .879 117
Prorated ChA 581 168 34 1 24 98 100 8 109 8 86 2 1 .289 .403 .477 .879 118
Actual ChA 582 191 44 0 43 115 143 5 112 18 94 1 3 .328 .436 .625 1.061 163
Thomas had a huge comeback season in 2001. He has now adjusted successfully
to the tactic AL pitchers were having success during his down years (jamming
him, then working him low and away) by stepping back from the plate and
unleashing his amazing, arm-powered swing. As a result of his adjustments,
and a much clearer head, Thomas set career bests in homers, RBIs, hits,
runs, and total bases. In 97 at-bats against left-handers in 2000, Big
Frank batted .407 with ten home runs and 32 RBI. He hit .300 or better
in every month last year.
Harold Baines, dh, age 41
AB H 2B 3B HR R RBI HP W IW K SB CS AVG OBP SPC OPS RC
Projection Bal 580 171 27 1 28 80 118 1 68 6 71 0 1 .295 .368 .490 .858 100
Prorated Bal 224 66 10 0 11 31 46 0 26 2 27 0 0 .295 .368 .490 .858 39
Actual Bal 222 59 8 0 10 24 30 0 29 6 39 0 0 .266 .349 .437 .786 34
Prorated ChA 60 18 3 0 3 8 12 0 7 1 7 0 0 .295 .368 .490 .858 10
Actual ChA 61 13 5 0 1 2 9 0 7 1 11 0 0 .213 .294 .344 .638 7
Prorated Tot 285 84 13 0 14 39 58 0 33 3 35 0 0 .295 .368 .490 .858 49_
Actual Tot 283 72 13 0 11 26 39 0 36 7 50 0 0 .254 .338 .417 .754 40
The likeable Baines is just about finished and may not be able to stick
around long enough to collect the 140 hits he needs to reach 3,000. His
bat is far slower now; Baines can only turn around center-cut sinkers
and hanging breaking pitches. However, the White Sox signed him to a Triple-A
contract for 2001 and, barring a serious injury, Baines should make the
team.
Key Pitchers
Chicago's starting pitching was very good in the first half, before the
big collapse. The rotation was just barely good enough in the second half
of the season and, of course, was not nearly good enough in the postseason.
First-half stalwarts Cal Eldred and James Baldwin came up lame by August,
while rookies Jon Garland and Kip Wells tried gamely but futilely to fill
the gap. The Sox completed only five games all year, more than just two
other clubs, but the team did sport a deep and capable bullpen.
Mike Sirotka and Jim Parque remained in the rotation all year. While
neither one is an ace, both made their starts every fifth day and held
the staff together. In September, when Garland and Wells were having trouble
keeping the Sox in games, Sean Lowe made five emergency starts.
Closer Keith Foulke and setup relievers Bobby Howry, Bill Simas, Lorenzo
Barcelo, and Sean Lowe (from the right) and Kelly Wunsch and Mark Buehrle
(from the left) weren't highly regarded before the season. However, they
collectively provided a crucial element to the team's surprising success.
All of them have good stuff and adjusted well to their respective roles.
James Baldwin, starter, age 28
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection ChA 4.95 32 32 10 12 0 189 202 26 77 124 .275 .797
Prorated ChA 4.95 29 29 9 11 0 172 184 24 70 113 .275 .797
Actual ChA 4.65 29 28 14 7 0 178 185 34 59 116 .272 .806
Baldwin had an excellent first three months for the Sox, going 11-4 while
serving as a legitimate staff ace for the first time. However, his shoulder
began to act up in July, and he slumped badly in the second half. Baldwin
pitched just 16 innings after August 17 because his shoulder simply hurt
too much for him to throw with any force. He still had a solid season
(or solid two-thirds of a season) despite an awful 6.07 ERA in Comiskey
Park. Baldwin underwent arthroscopic surgery in October; what the future
holds completely depends on whether he can throw with any velocity after
testing his wing in spring training.
Mike Sirotka, starter, age 29
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection ChA 4.72 32 32 10 13 0 208 237 27 58 130 .288 .778
Prorated ChA 4.72 30 30 9 12 0 193 220 25 54 121 .288 .778
Actual ChA 3.79 32 32 15 10 0 197 203 23 69 128 .269 .735
A solid starter, Sirotka went seven or more innings in 17 of his 32 games
– but when he’s bad, you can’t get him off the mound quickly enough. Luckily
for the Sox, this doesn’t happen often. He still struggles against lefty
hitters (.311 with power in 2000), and his games aren’t pretty, but Sirotka
is the type of unheralded yet productive starter that every team needs
to contend. Like fellow lefty Jim Parque, he benefited substantially from
the Sox’ improved defense. Sirotka was sent to Toronto in January as a
key part of the David Wells trade.
Jim Parque, starter, age 25
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection ChA 5.21 32 32 8 14 0 185 211 23 85 119 .290 .809
Prorated ChA 5.21 32 32 8 14 0 184 210 23 85 118 .290 .809
Actual ChA 4.28 33 32 13 6 0 187 208 21 71 111 .283 .771
Local observers believe that Parque’s success in 2000 came from an improved
mental approach, as he didn’t do anything physically better last year
except pitch out of jams. A tough competitor with a slight crybaby streak
-- he whines to the media -- Parque is far more effective in mild weather
and habitually has trouble in July and August. When he wins, he challenges
with his fastball and gets right-handers out with a fine changeup. However,
the smallish southpaw can’t yet do much with lefties, whom he should be
able to handle. Parque does have one of the better pickoff moves in the
league.
Kip Wells, starter, age 23
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection ChA 4.15 32 32 11 11 0 191 181 19 91 128 .252 .737
Prorated ChA 4.15 18 18 6 6 0 107 102 11 51 72 .252 .737
Actual ChA 6.02 20 20 6 9 0 99 126 15 58 71 .312 .888
Wells is a great talent whose serious command problems led to a season
of struggle. In day games, he was 0-7 with an 8.36 ERA, indicating that
in sunlight, his pitches are very easy to pick up. He was far more effective
at night, where his excellent fastball is harder to see. Right-handed
batters killed him, hitting .339 with six homers. Wells really hurts himself
on the mound with his fielding: in 25 career chances, he has already committed
seven errors. He is not agile off the hill and is erratic in his
throws to first. Given his age, the Sox have high expectations that he
will be a valuable contributor in the future.
Cal Eldred, starter, age 32
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection ChA 6.04 20 20 4 9 0 104 122 18 53 70 .293 .871
Prorated ChA 6.04 21 21 4 9 0 107 125 18 54 72 .293 .871
Actual ChA 4.58 20 20 10 2 0 112 103 12 59 97 .243 .739
Eldred, like James Baldwin, was a bulwark of the staff in the first half
but had almost no impact in the second. Due to neuritis in his right elbow
(2000 was his third straight season of elbow trouble), he pitched just
three innings after July 14. Eldred was 4-0 with a 3.38 ERA and excellent
control in home games, and was far more effective against lefties last
season due to a fine changeup. A leader on the pitching staff, Eldred
worked hard and helped the youngsters in the Chicago mound corps. The
former Brewers' ace will try to return this year with a five-inch screw
surgically implanted in his right arm. Despite his grit and determination,
Eldred’s future doesn’t look bright.
Ken Hill, starter, age 34
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection Ana 4.96 32 32 8 14 0 185 200 18 99 107 .279 .792
Prorated Ana 4.96 15 15 4 6 0 84 91 8 45 49 .279 .792
Actual Ana 6.52 16 16 5 7 0 79 102 16 53 50 .323 .928
Prorated ChA 4.96 1 1 0 0 0 4 5 0 2 2 .279 .792
Actual ChA 24.00 2 1 0 1 0 3 5 0 6 0 .455 1.429
Prorated Tot 4.96 15 15 4 7 0 89 96 9 47 51 .279 .792
Actual Tot 7.16 18 17 5 8 0 82 107 16 59 50 .327 .947
Hill’s accumulated injuries have taken both the sting and command from
his pitches. Released by the Angels, he got a brief shot with the White
Sox, who were desperate for arms. After bringing him to the majors on
August 24, the Sox dumped him on August 29 when it became clear that Hill
could not help. Opponents batted a lusty .327 against Hill in 2000.
Jon Garland, starter, age 20
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Actual ChA 6.46 15 13 4 8 0 70 82 10 40 42 .292 .874
Garland was the youngest pitcher in the major leagues in 2000. He has
outstanding stuff but below-par command – which is no surprise given his
age and the fact that he made only 23 starts above Class A before his
promotion to the major leagues on July 14. While the Sox kept Garland
in the rotation down the stretch, their young gun didn’t improve with
more innings. It is possible but unlikely that he will spend much of 2001
in the Chicago rotation. At his age, why should he?
Rocky Biddle, starter, age 24
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Actual ChA 8.34 4 4 1 2 0 23 31 5 8 7 .326 .940
Biddle’s recall from Double-A looked like a panic move. The still-young
finesse pitcher, who was 11-6 with a 3.08 ERA at Birmingham, clearly didn’t
have enough stuff to survive in the majors while making so many location
mistakes. He could have a career if he can throw with better command.
Sean Lowe, reliever / spot starter, age 29
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection ChA 5.59 40 0 2 4 0 66 75 9 34 44 .288 .830
Prorated ChA 5.59 43 0 2 4 0 72 81 10 37 48 .288 .830
Actual ChA 5.48 50 5 4 1 0 71 78 10 39 53 .284 .834
After pitching very well in April, Lowe slumped, possibly due to a sore
shoulder that landed him on the DL in late July. Left-handed batters just
murdered Lowe in 2000 (.980 OPS), and he made far too many mistakes up
in the strike zone. However, Lowe was very helpful to the team in making
five late-season starts when James Baldwin came up lame. He notched a
4.07 ERA in those games, keeping the AL Central champions going until
the postseason. The White Sox do not see him as a starter in the future,
but his ability to throw more than two innings should help keep him around
for awhile.
Lorenzo Barcelo, reliever, age 22
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection ChA 5.82 3 3 1 1 0 17 20 3 8 11 .299 .869
Prorated ChA 5.82 6 6 2 2 0 34 40 6 16 22 .299 .869
Actual ChA 3.69 22 1 4 2 0 39 34 5 9 26 .231 .675
Barcelo, converted to relief at the major league level last year by the
Sox, will move into the setup role vacated by Bill Simas, who has been
shelved for all of 2001 because of elbow surgery. Barcelo has an excellent
fastball, which he will cut to get left-handers out (they hit just .197
last year), and possesses very good control. He is viewed as a real comer.
Tanyon Sturtze, reliever, age 29
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection ChA 5.05 7 7 2 3 0 41 43 5 21 32 .272 .789
Prorated ChA 5.05 3 3 1 1 0 19 20 2 10 15 .272 .789
Actual ChA 12.06 10 1 1 2 0 16 25 4 15 6 .379 1.146
Prorated Tam 5.05 8 8 2 4 0 48 51 6 25 38 .272 .789_
Actual Tam 2.56 19 5 4 0 0 53 47 4 14 38 .236 .631
Prorated Tot 5.05 12 12 3 5 0 68 71 8 35 53 .272 .789
Actual Tot 4.74 29 6 5 2 0 68 72 8 29 44 .272 .767
At best, Sturtze is a servicable 10th or 11th pitcher on a staff who
can throw long relief or start in a pinch. He throws hard enough, but
his pitches don’t move much, and he doesn’t have any particular pitch
that can get either left-handers or right-handers out.
Kevin Beirne, reliever, age 26
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection ChA 7.16 3 3 1 2 0 16 22 3 8 10 .328 .955
Prorated ChA 7.16 8 8 3 6 0 46 62 8 23 28 .328 .955
Actual ChA 6.70 29 1 1 3 0 50 50 9 20 41 .263 .806
While Beirne has a pretty good arm, his command is suspect. He is a candidate
for middle relief but nothing more, and was dealt to the Blue Jays in
the Wells trade.
Chad Bradford, reliever, age 25
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection ChA 3.83 23 0 3 2 0 49 50 4 17 27 .267 .726
Prorated ChA 3.83 6 0 1 1 0 12 13 1 4 7 .267 .726
Actual ChA 1.98 12 0 1 0 0 14 13 0 1 9 .255 .544
A sidearm delivery and good control could well make Bradford a very useful
pitcher. His control has improved, and in 2001 he should be helpful to
his new team, the Oakland Athletics.
Mark Buehrle, reliever, age 21
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Actual ChA 4.21 28 3 4 1 0 51 55 5 19 37 .272 .784
Buehrle nearly made the staff out of spring training, an impressive feat
for a pitcher who didn’t enter pro ball until 1999. After making 16 starts
at Double-A (8-4, 2.28, 17 walks in 119 innings), he was promoted to Chicago
on July 16. Buehrle pitched very well for Chicago, holding lefty batters
to a .260 average and only three walks in nearly 80 plate appearances.
The Sox have not yet decided whether they want Buehrle to be a starter
or a reliever.
Scott Eyre, reliever, age 28
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection ChA 6.19 70 0 3 6 1 92 107 17 48 67 .293 .869
Prorated ChA 6.19 16 0 1 1 0 20 24 4 11 15 .293 .869
Actual ChA 6.63 13 1 1 1 0 19 29 3 12 16 .372 1.029
Lousy command of good stuff. Eyre spent most of 2000 at Triple-A Charlotte
and is now with the Toronto organization.
Matt Ginter, reliever, age 22
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Actual ChA 13.50 7 0 1 0 0 9 18 5 7 6 .409 1.299
A sinker/slider pitcher who was a starter at Double-A last year, Ginter
relieved in a handful of September contests. Allowing five homers in nine
innings didn’t impress anyone, and Ginter will probably be at Triple-A
during 2001.
Bob Howry, reliever, age 26
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection ChA 3.45 70 0 4 6 31 73 65 9 35 72 .239 .722
Prorated ChA 3.45 64 0 4 6 28 67 60 8 32 66 .239 .722
Actual ChA 3.17 65 0 2 4 7 71 54 6 29 60 .216 .631
Howry entered the season expecting to the Sox' closer, but he quickly
lost the job to Keith Foulke. To Howry’s credit, he didn’t complain, even
though he could have been closing games for ten other big-league clubs.
He’s a hard thrower with pretty good command and could reassume his old
role should Foulke fall into a funk. Last season Howry destroyed lefty
swingers (.174 in 171 at-bats) but experienced unexpected problems with
right-handers.
Aaron Myette, reliever / minor-league starter, age 22
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection ChA 6.14 4 4 1 2 0 22 25 4 13 15 .287 .894
Prorated ChA 6.14 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 0 2 2 .287 .894
Actual ChA 0.00 2 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 4 1 0.000 .333
Myette began the season on the shelf; he broke his left hand punching
a dugout wall after pitching poorly in a spring training contest. He has
good stuff but couldn’t fight his way through a cadre of talented young
arms and was traded to Texas in December. The Rangers will give Myette
a chance to win a rotation job this spring.
Jesus Pena, reliever, age 25
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection ChA 4.86 19 0 1 1 0 17 18 3 11 15 .281 .850
Prorated ChA 4.86 27 0 1 1 0 24 26 4 16 22 .281 .850
Actual ChA 5.40 20 0 2 1 1 23 25 6 16 19 .278 .896
Prorated Bos 4.86 4 0 0 0 0 3 3 1 2 3 .281 .850
Actual Bos 3.00 2 0 0 0 0 3 3 1 3 1 .273 1.065
Prorated Tot 4.86 31 0 2 2 0 27 29 5 18 24 .281 .850
Actual Tot 5.13 22 0 2 1 1 26 28 7 19 20 .277 .915
A hard-throwing left-handed bullpenner with a deceptive delivery, Pena
can’t get the ball over the plate unless he takes a lot of velocity off
his fastball. The above results should give a clue as to what happens
in that circumstance.
Bill Simas, reliever, age 28
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection ChA 3.75 53 0 4 3 0 74 69 9 29 52 .246 .733
Prorated ChA 3.75 47 0 4 3 0 66 61 8 26 46 .246 .733
Actual ChA 3.46 60 0 2 3 0 68 69 9 22 49 .276 .784
Simas, a solid middle reliever who couldn’t quite handle closing duties
back in 1998, underwent "Tommy John" surgery in December to repair a damaged
elbow ligament and will miss the entire 2001 season.
Kelly Wunsch, reliever, age 27
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection ChA 6.75 53 0 2 5 0 68 89 12 29 38 .320 .910
Prorated ChA 6.75 43 0 2 4 0 55 72 10 24 31 .320 .910
Actual ChA 2.93 83 0 6 3 1 61 50 4 29 51 .221 .636
After blowing his arm out a few years ago, Wunsch decided to give it
one last shot as a sidearming lefty out of the bullpen. His unusual delivery
is now the best part of his game. Wunsch, as a rookie, was an integral
part of the Chicago bullpen in 2000, holding left-handed batters to a
.160 mark with one home run in 106 at-bats. He is the prototypical situational
reliever and won’t ever expand his role, but Wunsch ought to stick around
for a few years because this skill is highly valued.
Keith Foulke, closer, age 27
ERA G GS W L S INN H HR BB K AVG OPS
Projection ChA 2.95 70 0 7 2 3 104 87 13 26 99 .227 .669
Prorated ChA 2.95 58 0 6 2 3 86 73 11 22 83 .227 .669
Actual ChA 2.97 72 0 3 1 34 88 66 9 22 91 .207 .599
Foulke stole the closer’s job from Bobby Howry early last year and performed
almost unbelievably well, saving 34 games in 39 tries. He threw strikes
with both a sneaky-fast fastball and an impossible-to-read changeup. His
one weak spot was lefties, who batted just .221 but hit seven homers.
Oddly, he allowed just six earned runs in 45.1 innings on the road (1.19
ERA). Location is everything for Foulke, which means that even a little
bit of decline in control will be disastrous. Luckily for the Sox, Foulke
shows no signs of losing his touch.
Outlook
While Chicago won't sneak up on anybody in 2001, the talent is there
to keep winning. New catcher Sandy Alomar should address their problems
behind the plate if he is rested enough to stay healthy. And even if veterans
such as Perry and Valentin decline, others should be able to step in.
One questionable move was the acquisition of weak-hitting Royce Clayton
to play shortstop. Inserting Clayton and moving Valentin either to second
or third is a knee-jerk reaction to Valentin's high error total.
The starting pitching is another question. New GM Kenny Williams was
clearly worried about the stability of his projected 2001 rotation, so
he engineered a big trade with Toronto in early January. Chicago received
the productive but pugnacious David Wells, counting on the portly and
expensive portsider to anchor their starting staff while they make another
run for postseason glory. The Sox had to part with Mike Sirotka as part
of the package to acquire Wells, making Parque the #2 starter while injured
veterans Cal Eldred and James Baldwin attempt to return to effectiveness.
Youngsters Kip Wells and Jon Garland both need improvement with their
command and would best be served with more time in the minors. It is also
tough to see the entire bullpen faring as well this year as it did in
2000.
Aside from the serious questions about the starting pitching, the White
Sox' long-term picture is quite good. Rookie third baseman Joe Crede will
make an impact soon and there is a long string of quality young arms waiting
for a chance to wear the pinstripes.
Projections and text: Copyright © 2000-2001. Diamond
Mind, Inc. All rights reserved.
Actual 2000 statistics: Copyright © 2000. STATS, Inc. All rights
reserved.
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