CHICAGO (670 The Score) -- As the White Sox walked the steps Tuesday from their home clubhouse at Guaranteed Rate Field down to the dugout for the first time this season, there was bold white writing that met the eyes.
No Player Is As Good As The Sum Of A Team.
That isn't just the message from Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa but also the reality for these 2022 White Sox. While many of MLB's championship contenders made major moves in the offseason and other teams positioned themselves for great improvement, the White Sox seem largely comfortable with what they have.
The White Sox won the AL Central crown with a 93-69 record in 2021 but were bounced by the Astros in the American League Division Series in four games. Any hopes of a World Series run in 2022 rest with the sum of the team.
"If we're actually hungrier than we were last year, which I think we are, we control that," La Russa said. "We're hunting wins. We're going to play as hard and as good as we can and see what the numbers end up being.
"This club, it's all about onward and 2022. Let's see if we're good enough."
The White Sox improved to 3-1 by earning a 3-2 win against the Mariners in their home opener Tuesday at Guaranteed Rate Field. Center fielder Luis Robert made a spectacular leaping catch at the wall and later hit a home run over that same spot, reminding of what his presence over a full season could mean for the team. A sellout crowd enjoyed a sample of what it hopes to see all year.
But as the White Sox discovered in 2021, success over the course of the regular season can be quickly forgotten when it isn't accompanied by postseason success. That's the reality that general manager Rick Hahn struggled with over the course of the long offseason. He reflected on that series loss to the Astros by pointing out that just six of the White Sox's 41 hits over those four games were extra-base hits (three doubles and three home runs), suggested the team's pitching staff seemed fatigued in October and acknowledged he felt there were a few baseball flukes in that playoff disappointment.
Hahn felt the White Sox didn't need to make a major splash this past offseason. While the Twins signed star shortstop Carlos Correa, the Tigers landed their own star shortstop in Javier Baez and All-Stars moved across the AL, the White Sox made just a few changes ahead of this season.
The White Sox have already seen their roster tested by injuries to right-hander Lucas Giolito (abdominal), right-hander Lance Lynn (knee), third baseman Yoan Moncada (oblique) and outfielder A.J. Pollock (hamstring), but none of that led to Hahn trading prized 24-year-old player Andrew Vaughn to the Athletics for pitching help in the form of left-hander Sean Manaea or right-hander Frankie Montas as rumors have swirled recently.
Had the White Sox signed a free-agent star like infielder Marcus Semien (Rangers), outfielder Nick Castellanos (Phillies) or third baseman/outfielder Kris Bryant (Rockies), they likely would be viewed around baseball as the AL favorites. It would measure them similarly to the Dodgers, who added All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman to their loaded lineup.
Still, Hahn is bullish on his team's chances. And he doesn't believe in winning the offseason.
"We have very high aspirations," Hahn said. "We have very high goals and hopes in terms of what we want to accomplish. From a shorter-term view, that means winning the division. From an even shorter, that means winning series to put ourselves in the best position to win the division.
"Look, the Atlanta Braves were depleted when they got to October, they were a three seed, so they had a tough road in front of them, and they got hot at the right time and they won the crown. The fundamental lesson is (to) get in and be playing your best baseball in October."
The White Sox won the AL Central race by 13 games in 2021. They claimed first place in early May and never looked back. The division seems to be much more daunting this season. The Twins and Tigers broke open the bank for their new star shortstops to complement young cores. The Royals have some talented pieces and hopes of contending. And the Guardians have the type of pitching that can never be counted out.
The White Sox allowed left-hander Carlos Rodon to walk in free agency, where he signed a two-year, $44-million deal with the Giants. He was replaced by right-hander Vince Velasquez, who worked four serviceable innings in his start Tuesday. But the White Sox can't expect much from Velasquez, who posted a 6.49 ERA last season. Veteran second baseman Josh Harrison represents an upgrade, while relievers Joe Kelly and Kendall Graveman were quality additions to the bullpen. The 34-year-old Pollock, who was acquired in a trade that sent reliever Craig Kimbrel to the Dodgers, is already sidelined with an injury.
"We know what we're capable of doing," star shortstop Tim Anderson said. "You see the lineup from top to bottom. Guys are good. Once everything is clicking, then we can be great.
"Nothing is guaranteed this year so we got to do it all over again."
The White Sox remain the favorites to repeat as AL Central champions, but they will be tested along the way. Winning the division is just the first goal to accomplish. After falling short last October, the expectations are greater than just getting to the playoffs.
Whether the sum of this White Sox team is good enough will be something they learn in October.
"In the end," Hahn said, "where you end up is all that really matters."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
