Levine: Robin Ventura Set On White Sox Lineup
By Bruce Levine--
GLENDALE, Ariz. (CBS) -- On Tuesday, White Sox manager Robin Ventura wasn't waiting for the start of the championship season to display his Opening Day starting lineup. Ventura put his top nine on the field in Chicago's penultimate Cactus League game of 2016.
Surprises? Maybe a few. Avisail Garcia was the designated hitter and not in the outfield in the last home game at Camelback Ranch. After a poor 2015, Garcia's had a solid spring as he showcased a new batting stance and delivered four homers, 16 RBIs and a 1.106 OPS in 51 at-bats. The outfield had Melky Cabrera in left, Austin Jackson in center and Adam Eaton in right, which is likely the best defensive unit Ventura can use on a daily basis.
Here was the full starting lineup Tuesday in a glimpse of what's to come:
1.) Adam Eaton, RF
2.) Jimmy Rollins, SS
3.) Jose Abreu, 1B
4.) Todd Frazier, 3B
5.) Melky Cabrera, LF
6.) Avisail Garcia, DH
7.) Brett Lawrie, 2B
8.) Austin Jackson, CF
9.) Alex Avila, C
The veteran Rollins has been outstanding in spring training (.354 average, four homers and 13 RBIs in 48 at-bats) and has won the shortstop job. Second-year pro Tyler Saladino is a solid defender and will probably get 40 to 50 starts so that the 37-year-old Rollins can stay fresh. That Rollins took a $2-million contract just to play every day and try to win another championship is refreshing in itself.
New additions Frazier and Lawrie have already had a positive effect on the clubhouse and in the field. Both players bring an energetic vibe to the ballpark with them. Frazier has the easygoing personality and leadership qualities that were much needed in the White Sox locker room, while Lawrie has a quirky fire to him that showed up on the field last season in his first healthy year in the big leagues.
Catches Avila and Dioner Navarro are new and bring a lot of experience. Avila has had a slow spring with the bat, going just 2-of-20. The fact that he hasn't hit above .227 since 2012 is a concern, though he's proved to be a solid defender and quality clubhouse presence. As a backup, the switch-hitting Navarro has power from both sides of the plate, and both should be an upgrade over Tyler Flowers.
With better lineup protection, the hope is that slugger Jose Abreu can have a huge offensive season in 2016. He had 30 homers and 101 RBIs in 2015, when opposing pitchers could easily pitch around him.
A number of scouts have said they filed reports last season not to throw strikes to Abreu if at all possible, because the rest of the lineup could be easily attacked.
"He had no protection and was chasing bad pitches just to try and make something happen," an AL Central scout said of Abreu in 2015. "He had 30 and 100 without protection. With any support at all, he could be a monster this year."
The White Sox scored 622 runs last season, the third-fewest in baseball and the worst mark in the AL. With typical seasons from their new additions, they should tack on another 100 total runs this season.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
