Cleveland Indians: Learning more about the 2018 White Sox

We round out our look at the Cleveland Indians’ competition in the AL Central this season with a look at the Chicago White Sox.

With Cleveland Indians baseball nearly upon us, we are finishing up our preview of the rest of the American League Central with a Q&A all about the Chicago White Sox.

We spoke with Etheria Modacure of Southside Showdown and asked him a few questions about the 2018 White Sox.

Here is what he had to say.

1. What are your expectations for the White Sox this season?

EM: I don’t have high expectations for this team as they’re entering their second rebuilding season. Despite a 67-95 record last season, many White Sox fans enjoyed watching this team play, myself included. I think there will be a continued focus on player development for this team both at the minor and major league level.

As long as the team isn’t rushing to promote any of their top prospects in Eloy Jimenez and Michael Kopech, and they’re able to develop their current group of young players, then this season will be a success.

2. Who is one under-the-radar player Indians fans should know about?

EM: Adam Engel had a solid spring training after a horrible year at the plate in 2017. He was great on defense in center field, but his offense was sorely lacking last season. If he could hover around .250 this upcoming season, he will be a solid contributor for the Sox and a possible player for Indians fans to hate at times.

3. Who is the one player that will give Indians fans nightmares in 2018?

EM: Lucas Giolito could be the one player that Indians fans won’t want to see their favorite team face. After struggling with consistency last year in the minors, Giolito was able to turn his season around and had a solid stint with the White Sox to end last season. Giolito should be the White Sox ace by the end of this year and could give Indians fans nightmares for years to come.

4. Which new member of the White Sox will have the best season in 2018?

EM: Welington Castillo was a good pickup for the White Sox this past offseason as the team needed an offensive upgrade at catcher. Expect Castillo to help the Sox pitching staff get some more strikes this year and for him to provide more power to the team’s lineup.

5. Where will the White Sox finish in the division and what will be their final record?

EM: I think the White Sox will surprise a lot of people this year as they’re inching closer to being contenders. This might not be the year for the team to reach the postseason, but expect the White Sox to make noise going into the final month of this season.

Next: Previewing the 2018 opening series in Seattle

I predict an 82-80 record and third-place finish in the American League Central division.