Season Preview: Chicago White Sox

Last Season: 70-84, 6th in ALManager: Ted Lyons (3rd season in Chicago, 3rd total)Offseason: Chicago's two big offseason moves both came in February. On Groundhog Day, Rudy York was given his walking papers. York was the starting first baseman for back-to-back AL pennant winners in '45 and '46 for the Tigers and Red Sox, respectively, but he has quickly declined and has now found a home coming off the bench for the Athletics. Then, near the end of the month, Chicago coordinated with New York to trade Eddie Lopat for three players. Lopat was a successful pitcher in Chicago, but was limited by a lack of run support. The trade netted them All-Star catcher Aaron Robinson, the young pitcher Bill Wight, and strong AAA pitcher Fred Bradley. Robinson will take over behind the plate most days, Wight will immediately join the starting rotation as he could not find a spot in New York, and Bradley will likely make his major league debut at some point in the year.Catcher: Robinson will be expected to start around 100 games barring injury. Longtime White Sox catcher Mike Tresh will now be his primary backup with rookie offseason acquisition Ralph Weigel also getting some reps.Infield: Mainstay Luke Appling is still not ready to retire, and for good reason as he finished 10th in MVP voting last year despite being a 40-year-old shortstop. For 1948, Ted Lyons has moved Appling to third base over Floyd Baker. Appling can be counted upon to play nearly every day, hit .300, and play solid defense even at his age. Unfortunately, his final years are being wasted on a losing team with no hope of turning it around in the near future. With the release of York, Chicago will bring in Tony Lupien at first base. Lupien was a solid player during the war, but he has not played in the majors for three years. At least the unknowns with Lupien leave a chance of success. Starting shortstop Jack Wallaesa has hit below .200 in each of the last two seasons, and his glove doesn't begin to make up for it. Only second baseman and leadoff hitter Don Kolloway is safe along side Appling in the starting lineup for this infield. Should anyone falter, Baker and Cass Michaels will return to the starting lineup.Outfield: 36-year-old Taffy Wright did not make his debut until he was 26 and missed three seasons in the war, but when he has taken the field he's been phenomenal. Wright's career average sits at .320 and he's only struck out 131 times, including just 17 last year. Bob Kennedy and Dave Philley, early in their careers and solid but unimpressive, round out the outfield.Rotation: With Lopat gone, Joe Haynes will start on Opening Day. Haynes spent years working out of the bullpen, but his move to the rotation has been successful. His 2.42 ERA was best in the AL in 1947. After that, Lyons has his hands full. Frank Papish would be a solid number two starter, but he will be out for the start of the season. This leaves Orval Grove as the de facto second starter since he is the only other pitcher on the roster at the start of the season who started at least five games last year. Rookie Howie Judson tore up the minors last year and earns a place this year with Chicago in need of arms. Wight will also get a spot despite minimal experience. Earl Harrist will also be used as he was strong out of the bullpen last year and was called upon to start as needed.Bullpen: The oldest active player in the majors is Earl Caldwell, who turned 43 at the start of April. Like Appling, age hasn't slowed him down. Caldwell has been in his 40s for all three seasons he's suited up for Chicago, and he's been a reliable reliever the whole time. That's good, because he's the only returning player from '47 in this bullpen. Glen Moulder is on this third team in as many years and Ike Pearson has only pitched 14 innings over the last five seasons.Outlook: The White Sox have finished between 70 and 75 wins for each of the last four seasons, but 1948 may be the season to end the streak... And not for the better. Lopat could only do much to help this team, but without him things may get even worse. That trade signals the team is looking to rebuild for the 1950s and fans will have to suffer another poor season on the South Side of Chicago.