Chicago White Sox: Fans should be both disappointed and excited

Expectations for the Chicago White Sox shifted throughout the season

When it comes to the Chicago White Sox, it is okay for us to be both disappointed and excited about this team. Before the 2020 season started, fans’ expectations for this team was that of improvement. Most thought the team would push for a Wild Card spot, not necessarily compete for the division. Expectations may have shifted a little with a shortened season, but this is a young team, and if you thought they’d dominate you were not being honest with yourself.

That said, it is okay to be disappointed with how the season finished. As the season progressed, so did the expectations. As the team started winning 20 games in a span of 25, expectations soared. When Jose Abreu once again proved his worth by pushing for AL MVP, expectations sky-rocketed. When it comes to the team’s bats, no one can question that this team has plenty of run potential. However, the starting pitching was more suspect.

Outside of Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel, the starting rotation had plenty of question marks. I think it is safe to say the Carlos Rodon experiment has not worked out as planned. Dylan Cease and Dane Dunning look to have some strong potential, but neither are good enough to be the third pitcher in the rotation. Right now, Dunning has looked better than Cease in my opinion. Maybe if Michael Kopech turns out to be the guy people hope he can be he can slot into the third spot?

The Chicago White Sox should have made a key trade

Speaking of Kopech, I would have traded him this season for a sure-handed pitcher. Kopech has not proven anything at this point and they were one strong pitcher away from pushing for a World Series. This is not a slight on Kopech either, I just think they could have traded for a guy like Mike Clevinger (although the Indians might not have traded within the division).

Archie Bradley was another guy who was moved before the trade deadline I would have been okay bringing in. Not as good as Clevinger and Kopech could wind up being better, but I would have been okay with them making a move to try and make a push in the playoffs.

Now, all of the negative aside, the Chicago White Sox have plenty to be excited about. The young nucleus of this team is fantastic. When it comes to the 2021 offseason this team needs to go hard after a pitcher like Trevor Bauer or Marcus Stroman. Then they need to bring in another outfielder. Adding Kopech back to the rotation and the starting pitching would look scary in 2021. This team has a strong window of opportunity and I for one cannot wait to see this play out.