February 26, 2015
The Chicago White Sox possess some of the most talented players in baseball, but have been unable to consistently win games under manager, Robin Ventura. Chicago won just 73 games last season despite elite individual performances from first baseman Jose Abreu and starting pitcher Chris Sale. Abreu, who won American League Rookie of the Year and finished fourth in MVP-voting, clubbed 36 home runs and drove in 107 runs. Sale won 12 games while striking out 208 hitters in 174 innings.
Given its lackluster win total and the intense competition within the American League Central, ownership opted to spend money and retool its roster. Outfielder Melky Cabrera, closer David Robinson, and outfielder/first baseman.designated hitter Adam LaRoche were signed as free agents while the team traded for starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija. Chicago will look for new leadership as first baseman Paul Konerko retired after spending 16 seasons in Chicago. The free agent additions plus Sale and Abreu will make Chicago playoff contenders in 2015.
Sale, Samardzija, and Jose Quintana will headline the top of Chicago’s rotation and will be able to match-up against most rotations in the American League. Chicago’s bullpen will be anchored by Robertson, who saved 39 games last season with the New York Yankees. Expectations are high for center fielder Adam Eaton, who has been overlooked amidst Chicago’s busy offseason. Eaton was once a top prospect, but has dealt with injuries during his short career. Last season, Eaton compiled 146 hits in 123 games. Expectations are high for Chicago’s re-stocked roster as the team will look to bounce back after a tough 2014 campaign.
According to TicketIQ, the average ticket price at U.S. Cellular Field is $70.79. That is an 8.2% increase over the $65.40 average price across the 2014 regular season. Chicago will open the season at US Cellular Field against the Minnesota Twins on April 10. White Sox Opening Day tickets against the Twins currently have an average price of $129.07 with a get-in price of $30.
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