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White Sox, Royals set to begin season

Apr 7, 2009 - 12:15 AM By Kate Hedlin Stats Writer

Kansas City at Chi White Sox, 2:05 p.m. EDT

CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago White Sox needed an extra day to clinch the AL Central title in 2008. An ominous weather forecast in Chicago kept them waiting a little longer than expected to start the 2009 season.

The White Sox and Kansas City Royals hope for better conditions Tuesday when they open the new season at U.S. Cellular Field.

Monday afternoon's season opener between the two clubs was postponed Sunday because of a forecast of snow, cold and high winds. While the anticipated storm never materialized Monday afternoon and no snow is expected Tuesday, temperatures are only anticipated to be in the 40s.

"People say, 'You're from Michigan and you probably are used to it,' but you never get used to it," White Sox second baseman Chris Getz said. "This isn't what you look forward to in terms of weather, but you deal with it and play. Once you are out there, the game really takes over."

Getz is a new lineup addition for the White Sox, who reached the playoffs last season in dramatic fashion by winning their final regular season game and a makeup of a rainout to force a one-game playoff for the AL Central title with Minnesota. Chicago then lost 3-1 to Tampa Bay in the division series. Chicago is hoping the new second baseman will follow in the footsteps of Alexei Ramirez - runner-up for 2008 AL Rookie of the Year.

Ramirez hit .290 with 22 doubles, 21 home runs and 77 RBIs last season, while Carlos Quentin batted .288 with 36 homers and 100 RBIs before he slammed his right hand into his bat and broke his wrist on Sept 1, ending his season.

While Chicago has big expectations for the young talent of Getz, Ramirez and Quentin, the White Sox are also looking for offense from veteran sluggers Jim Thome, Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye. That trio combined for 90 home runs and 248 RBIs last season for Chicago, which led the majors with 235 homers.

The White Sox will open the season with Mark Buehrle (15-12, 3.79 ERA in 2008) on the mound for his seventh opening day start in the last eight years. They are 3-3 when he pitches in season openers.

"He's the guy I have the most confidence in the first game," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "He's been there before and feels good enough to be that guy."

Buehrle was second for the White Sox in wins last season while leading the team in starts (34) and innings pitched (218 2-3).

The left-hander was 3-2 with a 3.98 ERA in five starts against the Royals, including 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA against them at home. He's won his last six home decisions versus Kansas City, and Chicago has won his last nine starts against the Royals at U.S. Cellular Field.

This year's Royals, though, believe they can contend for their first playoff berth since winning the World Series in 1985. Although they have only one winning season since 1995, they won 14 of their final 18 games last year to finish 75-87 - one game ahead of Detroit - and avoid the Central cellar for the first time since 2003.

Kansas City is looking for big improvements from its offense, which finished 12th in the AL in runs per game (4.3) and 13th in home runs (120). The Royals acquired Mike Jacobs from Florida and Coco Crisp from Boston in the offseason. Jacobs had 32 home runs and 93 RBIs in 2008, while the speedy Crisp batted .283 and is expected to lead off for Kansas City.

"Those were the pieces we were missing before," catcher John Buck told the Royals' official Web site. "That helps us, along with (new hitting coach Kevin) Seitzer's approach."

Kansas City is also counting on Alex Gordon, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2005 draft, to finally fulfill his potential. The third baseman batted .253 in his first two major league seasons, driving in 119 runs but striking out 257 times.

"I expect us to be in the mix down the stretch, playing for a playoff spot," right fielder Mark Teahen said. "I know Spring Training is the time for all teams to be optimistic, but being around here for five years now, I can see everything and how much better it's gotten."

The Royals will hand the ball to Gil Meche (14-11, 3.98), who led the team in wins and innings pitched (210 1-3) in 2008, and has led Kansas City to victory on each of the last two season openers.

The right-hander split his two starts against the White Sox last season, both of which were in Chicago. Meche is 7-3 with a 4.15 ERA in 14 career starts against the White Sox.

The White Sox went 12-6 against the Royals last season, including 7-2 at US Cellular.

Teahen is hoping to continue his success against Buehrle. He is batting .419 (18-for-43) with six doubles and a home run against the left-hander.