2009 MLB Team Preview: Chicago

Getting to a point where most players began to slide. Konerko had a less than stellar season in 2008. Many pundits will claim his hot September was a sign of things to come. Don't buy it. It's over.

Getz suffered a broken hand in September 2008 which could slow his development. He has good range and is very flexible. Tough to read offensively with just a few at bats in the majors. Nevertheless, he has shown enough in the minors to project as a consistent hit producer.

A short stop by trade, the former Brave will be Chris Getz's primary backup. Lillibridge has good bat speed and pop, plus great range and very impressive arm strength. He would play often at 2B if Getz struggles early.

The 27 year old showed impressive power belting 21 homers in 480 at bats in his rookie season. He figures to switch to full time SS in 2009 with the loss of Orlando Cabrera to free agency. Hitting in the 2-hole ahead of Carlos Quentin should provide numerous chances to build on the 65 runs scored in 2008.

Power could help in deep leagues as he could get regular at bats after signing with the White Sox (good hitter's park). He was a utility player with the Yankees in '08, batting .265 with six homers and 25 RBI in 87 games. He'll get most at bats at 3B but may get also platoon at SS if the Sox need to play Alexei Ramirez at 2B.

Fields, a first-round pick in 2004, still has plenty of upside but he'll need a strong spring to win a starting job. The burgeoning slugger is looking to rebound in '09 and there are signs that he could be a real value on draft day. Fields hit 23 home runs in 373 at-bats as a rookie in 2007 but he struggled mightily in 32 ABs while filling for an injured Joe Crede and the White Sox opted for Juan Uribe. Monitor his spring training progress because he should shoot up the rankings if he reaches his potential in '09.

AJ is a reliable source of solid mixed production at the catcher position. Pencil him in for another 15 HR season with around 60 runs and RBI's with an average that hovers around .280.

Easily would have won the AL MVP award if not for a late season wrist injury. This guy has raked at all level and is for real

Dye and U.S. Cellular field go together like peanut butter and Jelly. If you need a utility player with power, this is your guy right here.

You could do worse than to have a fantasy outfielder who also plays 2B and SS. Alexei broke out last year with over 20 homers and 10 bags.

Although he'll turn 39 this season, Thome remains a candidate to hit 30-35 homers while manning the cleanup spot for the White Sox. He's a better hitter than his 2008 average (.245) indicates and he's always had an above average eye and strong on base %.

Chicago stole this young ace out from under Texas's nose and reaped the benefits last season as Danks posted a 3.32 era.

Last year's most surprising 17 game winner finally got his curveball working at the major league level. Low K totals keep him at this spot.

Buerhle was once one of the most consistent SP's in all of fantasy but his decreasing K totals and high WHIP doom him to the 75th spot.

Jenks has tons of ability, but questionable work ethics and a bit immature. Still, he has the stuff of a great reliever. With the Sox lineup, he should get between 40 to 45 saves opportunities.