Chicago- After signing several free agents during the off-season, including Scott Radinsky, Ariel Prieto, Dave Stevens and John Cummings, the Chicago White Sox are anxiously anticipating the upcoming season. This past week, the anticipation increased as the Sox pulled off 2 big trades. First they sent RF Ben Grieve and C Javier Valentin to the Brewers for RF Shawn Green, C Steve Spohrer, and P Chris Burt. A few days later, the White Sox traded pitchers Daron Kirkreit and Steve Wojciechowski to the San Fransisco Giants for their 1st round ammy pick, which happens to be a lottery pick. The White Sox now have 3 1st round ammy draft picks: theirs and the Giants lottery picks and the #17 overall pick from Pittsburgh. These picks should come in VERY handy right around draft time. The lottery picks will be especially valuable because they could range anywhere from the 1st to the 9th overall pick. Although unlikely, the White Sox could conceivably have the first 2 picks in the draft. Even if they were to get the 8th and 9th picks, they still wouldn't be complaining. The ChiSox have really improved their pitching staff last year, adding Burt, Cummings, Radinsky, Prieto, Stevens, and LaTroy Hawkins. Last year, due to injuries, the Sox starting rotaion was Todd Van Poppel, Steve Wojciechowski, Travis Miller, and Carl Pavano, who all had an average ERA of 5.03. The average ERA of the new rotaion (Van Poppel, Bryan Rekar, Bobby Jones, LaTroy Hawkins, and Shawn Estes) is 4.40. The bullpen is much better than last year with the addition of setup men Scott Radinsky and Chris Burt. Closer Terry Adams, who was the White Sox Pitcher of the Year in 2000, has also improved during the off-season. These improvements should lead to more support of the offense, which also seeems to be improved. All the young hitters have improved since last season, not to mention the addition of Shawn Green, who should make more of an impact on the offense this season than Grieve. One of the improved players that the White Sox will especially be counting on is leadoff man Ray Durham. He was among the league leaders in stolen bases last year and led the White Sox in batting avg, runs, hits, doubles, triples, and on base average. He will shoulder the responsibility of setting the table for the Chicago offense. Another player that the White Sox aquired in the LaTroy Hawkins deal with Cleveland is shortstop Lou Collier. Collier is a speedy player who can hit for high average. Despite some defensive struggles, White Sox management believes that he will be a very good player someday. However, he will remain in LOW until 2003 to avoid complications with free agency. To help these young players develop their skills to their fullest the potential, the White Sox fired their hitting coach after having a struggling .242 avg last year, and hired "Hit King" Pete Rose to be their new instructor. If all these pieces come together, the White Sox could be looking at a very productive season!

Free Agent signed to bolster bullpen

Scott Radinsky

Promising Free Agent signed as a long reliever this season

Ariel Prieto

Excellent pitching prospect aquired in offseason trade with Cleveland

LaTroy Hawkins

Exceptional Hitter, expected to improve White Sox offense

Shawn Green

The "Table-Setter" for the White Sox offense

Ray Durham