Chicago White Sox Spring Training Tickets - Preseason Overview

After seven consecutive seasons of over .500 baseball, the White Sox dropped off in 2007, going 72-90. In 2008 they came right back in a big way, winning 89 games and landing at the top of a large AL Central hill. The White Sox lost to the Tampa Bay Rays 3-1 before their playoff run could get off the ground. This is a team that is right on the brink of getting back to the World Series, but they made some moves over the offseason which could either help them get over the hump, or leave them incomplete at the start of the 2009 season. Let's take a look at some of the highlights and not-so highlights from the past season, and then delve into some of the current issues facing the team as spring training gets underway.

2008 Highlights
Attendance was in the top half of the league, runs scored and runs allowed were both above average, and the Cubs lost in the playoffs as well, so things were good from a Chicago White Sox fans' perspective in 2008. Carlos Quentin paced the team from an offensive standpoint. Quentin really broke out in '08, as he was an All-Star, won a Silver Slugger, got plenty of MVP votes and led the league in at-bats per home run. Carlos finished second in the AL in slugging percentage (.571) and second in home runs (36).

As a team the White Sox created the fifth most runs and had the second highest team slugging percentage. Quentin, Jermaine Dye and Jim Thome each had over 30 home runs, which led to the White Sox hitting the most homers in the American League. On defense, the White Sox had the sixth best team ERA in the American League. Gavin Floyd led all starters with 17 wins, John Danks held a 3.32 ERA, and Javier Vazquez led the team with 200 strikeouts. Closer Bobby Jenks saved 30 games and ended with a 2.63 ERA.

2008 Lowlights
Joe Crede wound up only playing 97 games, which was a real shame considering he made the All-Star Game. The White Sox might have won their division, but their playoff appearance left much to be desired.

Spring Training and Future
Over the offseason Javier Vazquez was traded to the Atlanta Braves, as was Boone Logan. Nick Swisher was traded to the Yankees and Horacio Ramirez signed with the Royals. Ken Griffey Jr., a free agent, signed with Mariners. If you're planning on getting some Chicago White Sox spring training tickets, you should try searching online. You ought to also check out how some of the new guys are fitting in, such as third basemen Dayan Viciedo.

Pitcher Kelvin Jimenez, infielder Wilson Betemit and everybody's favorite Bartolo Colon will also be in camp. From an offensive perspective, this team must fill in for the absence of Nick Swisher, which will be a hard task. You shouldn't be surprised to see the White Sox try to make a move to keep their batting order just as powerful as last season. It might be wise to grab a player who can get on base, as the ChiSox are not at all desperate for more home run hitters at the moment. The bullpen looks good, but there might be some battles within the starting order in spring training.

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