Chicago White Sox: 2010 Fantasy Baseball Preview

After winning the AL central in 2008, the White Sox had high expectations going into the 2009 season.  Unfortunately for them, these high expectations turned into large disappointments after a third place finish. 

So what should we expect in 2010? 

Well, the Sox have made an effort to revamp their roster with young talent and established veterans.  Here is a closer look at some White Sox players that could impact your fantasy team this season.

Jake Peavy
Peavy pitched well after coming over to the White Sox in a late season trade.  Although it was over only three starts, we were able to see that Peavy was healthy again and back to his old self. 

It will take time to see if Peavy will be affected by his move from the pitcher friendly confines of Petco to the more hitter friendly U.S. Cellular Field.  According to mlb.com's Park Factor Petco factored in the least amount of runs scored in the league last season, while U.S. Cellular ranked 9th.  Peavy is still a good option if it is strikeouts you crave, but expect his ERA to jump this season.

Carlos Quentin
It's hard to know what to expect from Quentin since he has yet to play a full season.  What you can expect is that if he plays he will put up some nice power numbers.  Now that Gordon Beckham and Juan Pierre will be batting ahead of him, he should have plenty of opportunities to drive in some runs. 

This could be the season that we see Quentin eclipse the 40 HR and 120 RBI mark.  Be happy if you can get him as your second outfielder, but he is too much of an injury risk to take as your top outfielder.

Gordon Beckham
Fantasy owners were excited to know that Beckham has switched to second base this season.  In most leagues this will give him dual positional flexibility at third and second. 

Beckham will be playing in his first full season, so it will be fun to see if he can develop into the All-star caliber player that the White Sox expect him to be.  Realistically, Beckham will be a mid-tier second baseman this season with around 20 HR, 85 RBI and 90 runs. At age 23 he is worth a shot in long term keeper leagues because of his star potential.
Draft Order:

1. Jake Peavy (SP) - Peavy is a wild card in his first full season away from pitcher-friendly San Diego
2. Carlos Quentin (OF) - Cross your fingers and hope for a full season and you will see 40 HR 120 RBI
3. Gordon Beckham (3B/2B) - Beckham could be a top-tier second baseman by season's end
4. Alex Rios (OF) - Had an off year last year, but perhaps a change of scenery will do him good.
5. John Danks (SP) - A solid middle guy for the middle of your rotation.  Decent K's and WHIP.
6. Mark Buehrle (SP) - Consistency.
7. Alexei Ramirez (SS) - Did not meet expectations last season, will this be his breakout year?
8. Gavin Floyd (SP) - Despite his wins and ERA, his WHIP and K's provided some value last season.
9. Juan Pierre (OF) - Should get the starting job and help your roto team in stolen bases.
10. Paul Konerko (1B) - The aging slugger is nothing more than a stop gap at first base or DH.

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