When people ask which team is the biggest threat to the Twins in the AL Central, it's natural to think of the White Sox. They have the division's best starting rotation, on paper, and possibly the best bullpen, too.
Ozzie Guillen has pushed the organization to add more speed and better defense around the diamond. It's interesting to look at the revamped lineup, but as we study other teams this time of year, it's important to get a feel for a team's depth.
A rotation led by Jake Peavy, Mark Buehrle, Gavin Floyd and John Danks sounds imposing, no doubt. But how many teams can count on their top four starters being healthy all season?
It happened for the White Sox in 2005, of course, when they won the World Series, but most teams are going to need help. Remember, the Twins needed Armando Gabino to make a start last year en route to the division title.
It's also important to track the progress of potential impact players in the minors. Where would the 2009 White Sox have been without Gordon Beckham? I'm going to keep that in mind, as I begin an occasional series looking at other MLB teams.
(Beckham and old friend A.J. Pierzynski photographed above by the Star Tribune's Marlin Levison)
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
2009: 79-83
