White Sox Opening Series Preview: Jacob May, Cody Asche Get Their Opportunity

Baseball is officially back ladies and gentlemen. For Chicago, the North Siders get things kicked off tonight in a division tilt with the St. Louis Cardinals. The White Sox will follow up tomorrow afternoon, as they kick off the season at home against division rival Detroit.

Weather Forecast

Game 1- High of 52 with high chances of rain. (Potential cancelation). Game 2- High of 53, cloudy Game 3- High of 46, potential thunderstorms In other words, Chicago baseball in April.

Probable Pitchers

Game 1- Jose Quintana vs. Justin Verlander Game 2- James Shields vs. Jordan Zimmermann Game 3- Derek Holland vs. Daniel Norris

Lineup (Game 1)

2B- Saladino SS- Anderson LF- Cabrera 1B- Abreu 3B- Frazier DH- Asche RF- A. Garcia C- Navarez CF- May SP- Quintana

Player to Watch- Tim Anderson

Tim Anderson had a very productive rookie year for the White Sox. Rick Hahn certainly was pleased, and rewarded Tim with a contract extension that can keep him in Chicago until his 30's. Entering his first full season for the White Sox, all eyes should be on him as he looks to take the next step forward. Short stop is currently one of the most talented positions in all of baseball. Francisco Lindor, Troy Tulowitzki, Addison Russell, and Carlos Correa are just a few names to throw out there. Last year Tim went under the radar for the most part, but this year he will start to make noise and put himself in the discussion as one of the better young short stops in the league. Expect him to come out of the gates firing on all cylinders.

Bottom Line

After what should be an exciting pitcher's duel in game 1, expect more runs to be put on the board in games 2 and 3. It could be a long season for James Shields if he cannot rebound from his awful 2016. Derek Holland is more of an unknown than not at this point, but his career ERA at Guaranteed Rate Field is 7.20 in three starts. Take that for what it's worth. On the other side, Detroit may have found a solid young pitcher in Daniel Norris. The 23-year-old had 10 starts last year to the tune of a 3.04 ERA.

Series Prediction

Quintana will best Verlander in a low scoring affair to get the win on Opening Day, but the White Sox lack of quality pitching depth will show in games 2 and 3. White Sox start the season 1-2.