Chicago White Sox
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2000 RECORD: 95-67 (1st IN AL CENTRAL)
LOST DIVISIONAL PLAYOFF TO MARINERS 3-0

REVIEW
A lot went right for the White Sox in 2000 as they unseated the Indians atop the A.L. Central. Laid back manager JERRY MANUEL let his team play and was rewarded. FRANK THOMAS and MAGGLIO ORDONEZ proved to be one of the best 3-4 combinations in the game, combining for 75 home runs and 269 RBI. All told, the ChiSox had a balanced attack with five players driving in 90+ runs. The pitching was equally balanced with four starters posting 10+ win seasons. And KEITH FOULKE anchored a deep bullpen, saving 34 games while holding opponents to a .207 average. Although they were swept by the Mariners in the first round of the playoffs, their first taste of the post-season since 1993 will go a long way as they try to defend their divisional crown.

LOOKAHEAD
The biggest news in the off-season was the trade that brought DAVID WELLS from the Blue Jays. The portly portsider is coming off his first 20-win season and gives the Pale Hose a legitimate ace, if his back holds up and his gout doesn't reappear. Two big if's, but everything about BOOMER is big. Perennial whiner FRANK THOMAS has already started to sulk about his contract, or shall we say, the contracts of others. A pair of veterans, catcher SANDY ALOMAR JR. and shortstop ROYCE CLAYTON, were brought in to stabilize the teams Achilles heel, defense, which was ranked 27th in the majors in 2000. Barring injury, the White Sox will battle the Indians all season long.

UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
After five seasons running the farm system, KENNY WILLIAMS was promoted to G.M., replacing RON SCHUELER. If he's as successful at the major league level, then the White Sox should be solid for years to come. Unfortunately, his maiden season has been marred by the mess surrounding the MIKE SIROTKA, damaged goods trade with the Blue Jays.

STATS MAN SAYS
Battle for division and wild card > 2nd