The Chicago White Sox did not have the season they were hoping for last year. They were picked to win the American League Central, but finished 11 games behind the Cleveland Guardians.
Injuries and poor managerial decisions plagued the team last year. It was frustrating for the fans, the front office, and the players. The team is hoping to put last year behind them and start fresh under their new manager Pedro Grifol.
All-Star shortstop Tim Anderson sat down with reporter Chuck Garfien to discuss last season. In the interview, Anderson pointed out that he wasn't a fan of the negative media coverage surrounding his team.
He thinks that local media coverage should be doing their best to bring the team up, not down. He considers them a part of the team, and teammates don't bring other teammates down.
"Incredible. No accountability. The media and fans aren't responsible one bit for player's and team performance. We still showed up all the way to the end. Chicago has a very understanding and frankly soft media core.. Go to NYC for a cup of coffee and see what you get there," one fan explained.
"Play better," another fan tweeted.
This isn't the type of discourse fans want to hear. They want the team to take accountability for their poor season.
Not many are as respected as Chuck Garfien. He does an incredible job connecting with the players and the fan base. However, interviews with Anderson may be over for a while, at least until this blows over.
2023 is going to be an important season for the Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox need to have a good season this year. They have the pieces to win the division, they just need to stay healthy.
Nearly every single player spent some time on the IL last season. Anderson missed 83 games while dealing with a hand injury. Catcher Yasmani Grandal missed 63 games while he dealt with a back issue. Outfielder Luis Roberts missed 64 games while dealing with a wrist injury.
The White Sox couldn't get their core group of players on the field at the same time. It's tough for a team to be successful with an inconsistent lineup.
If the team can keep their core group healthy, they have what it takes to compete with the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Guardians.