Why I'm optimistic for 08

I really do have a good feeling about this season.  I with the additions of Carlos Quentin,  Alexie Ramirez, and  Orlando Cabrera, the Sox have some great depth, and with depth comes competition.  This spring, we have seen Uribe hit over .375, and I'm sure that having Ramirez battling Juan for 2nd base has a little to do with that.  And I'm sure that Owens and Anderson are motivating each other, as each of them would love the starting center field position. 

Another reason that I'm optimistic is that I think our offense is going to be much improved over last season.  Cabrera is going to be an improvement over Iguchi in the two hole.  Iguchi was an unselfish player, but he struck out too much for a number two hitter.  Owens (once he is fully healed from the groin pull) should be able to be the kind of lead off hitter that Scott Podsednik was when he was healthy.  And Nick Swisher wears pitchers out, as he isn't a free swinger.  With Swisher's ability to draw walks, he adds another high on base percentage bat to the line up.

Yes, Garland is gone, but I think John Danks will do well this year.  Most rookies don't do well the second half of their rookie season because they are not used to pitching that deep into the season.  Also, Danks has learned the cut fastball in the off season, and adding a pitch that helps induce more ground balls at the Cell can only be a good thing.  I think  Mark Buehrle is going to have a career year.  Mark doesn't have contract issues hanging over his head this season, and he can just concentrate on his pitching this year.  I don't see Jose Contreras pitching as poorly as he did last season either.  Getting divorce papers handed to you on opening day surely didn't help his cause last year, and once he had those issue worked out, he finished strong last season.

Lastly, so many players on the Sox had down years last year.  That has to motivate many of them to play harder this year.  I think Konerko for one is going to go on a tear this season. 

Now, I'm not predicting 100+ victories like some have in other threads, but I think the team is going to be vastly improved this season, and I can't wait for opening day!

GO SOX!!!!

I love your optimism, but I cannot agree with you.  The backend of the rotation is horrible.  I think Contreras, Danks and especially Floyd will have below average years.  Also, look at Dye and Crede this summer.  Their batting averages are horrible.  About Uribe,  I have not faith in him.  If he starts our slow, he will be gone, and they will put in the rookie.  With Owens on the DL, who will be leadoff.  I think this year will be a repeat of last.  If they don't watch themselves, they could finish in last.

Sorry, Go Sox!

I agree 100++++ and a ring in 08 baby. GO White Sox!!!!!!

ps Kenny Williams bring Josh Fields in for Joe Crede

If however they get off to a piss poor start, by mid june there should be serious wholesale changes. Konerko, Thome, Dye, Cabrera, Crede, Uribe should all be shipped out because it just isn't working anymore.