Hello again, and welcome back. The All Star break is now over, meaning baseball is back! Today I want to talk about some things I hope/predict will happen for the rest of the season for this team.

Let’s start with one I’ve been looking to happen for quite some time now.

1. Gordon Beckham will be in pinstripes… in New York.

Since the Yankees have the money to try to contend every year, and with Brian Roberts at second now for New York, I can see a deal for a younger Beckham to take over at 2nd base for some young Yankee prospects.

I feel like Chicago has already made up their minds that Beckham is not a part of their future, so at the very least if he isn’t traded to NY, I still feel that he’ll be gone before the deadline.

Which coincides with my next prediction.

2. Micah Johnson will be the starting 2nd Baseman before the year’s over.

Micah has proven everything he’s needed to prove in the minors already. See for yourself. The man has speed, can hit for average, and has a pretty decent glove as well. As much as I love Adam Eaton, Johnson is gonna be fighting him hard for that lead off spot. Micah, 23, will either be batting 1st or 2nd in the lineup this year and for years to come.

3. Daniel Webb will be the team’s closing pitcher.

This is the hardest one to predict because I can’t read Robin Ventura‘s mind, but it’s come to the point in the year that it’s the only thing that makes any sense.

If Nate Jones can come back and close out games, then I will probably be wrong about this one. But, if like the rest of our bullpen, Jones struggles, there is no possible way Robin can’t at least give Webb a shot.

4. John Danks will finish with over 12 wins and an ERA < 4.00.

That’s right. If you know anything about me, you know I hate this man, and his bi-polar pitching. But, I think this year, he figures it out, and finishes with a mid 3’s ERA.

I really hope Danks doesn’t let me down on this one. Just putting this on here was tough, but he’s given me reason lately to put SOME trust into him. Another solid lefty in this rotation would be about as good as it gets. Good luck Danks.

5. José Abreu wins ROY with an impressive 45 HR and 120 RBI.

Minus a short DL stint, Abreu has done nothing but exceed expectations. League-leading 29 home runs, All Star selection, and a new Chicago fan favorite.

There really isn’t much else to say about Abreu that you don’t already know. Thank you Jose for the fantastic start, and please keep raking.

And, last but not least…

6. The Sox will finish 79-83, good for 3rd in the AL Central Division.

Unfortunately, most Sox fans seen this coming. In a year that was already known to be for rebuilding, 4 games under .500 would not disappoint me at all.

It will also answer many questions. Who will be catcher? What will our bullpen/closer situation be like? Hopefully all of the serious questions will be answered so this team can be ready to compete for 2015.

Here’s to having a great second half. Go Sox!!!