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FIELDING The White Sox’ drop in defense was just as noticeable as its drop in offense last year. It allowed 80 unearned runs in 2013 (second worst in the AL) after allowing just 30 in 2012 (tops in the league). Ramirez had a league-high 22 errors at short. Conor Gillaspie had the worst fielding percentage of any AL third baseman. Even normally-reliable second baseman Gordon Beckham was off (12 errors). The good news is Chicago has the players to turn things around quickly. They just need to focus on the basics and make the plays they’re expected to make. STARTING PITCHING There are plenty of questions in the bottom of Chicago’s rotation, but none at the top. Staff ace Chris Sale, 24, has established himself as one of the best young lefties in the game, finishing fifth in the AL Cy Young voting last year and compiling a 3.06 ERA the last two years. Likewise, lefty Jose Quintana, 25, has emerged as a solid No. 2 option (9-7 with a 3.51 ERA). But behind them is injury-prone John Danks (4-14, 4.75 ERA), inexperienced prospect Erik Johnson (five career MLB starts) and Felipe Paulino (coming off Tommy John surgery). Those are not exactly reasons to be optimistic. RELIEF PITCHING The White Sox traded away 40-save closer Addison Reed for Eaton in the offseason and now turn to flame-throwing righty Nate Jones in the ninth. Jones has been a consistent setup man the last two years (career 3.31 ERA), but has yet to prove he can perform in the pressurepacked ninth (hasn’t record a save). The White Sox’ revamped bullpen is also expected to feature backup closer Matt Lindstrom and setup men Scott Downs, Maikel Cleto, Ronald Belisario and Donnie Veal. This isn’t a big-name bullpen, and there appears to be more question marks than answers. MANAGING Ventura led the White Sox to one of the worst seasons in franchise history last year and was rewarded with, wait for it, a multi-year contract extension. Huh? Guess the front office really liked what he did as a rookie skipper in 2012, winning 85 games. To be fair, Ventura didn’t have much to work with in 2013. But he should have more this year after GM Rick Hahn went out and acquired Abreu, Eaton and third base prospect Matt Davidson. Now it’s on Ventura to turn that into more wins and prove he deserved the extension. Avisail Garcia and Jose Abreu RON VESELY/GETTY IMAGES SPORT


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