Amid the (March) madness, the White Sox will be squaring off with the North Siders this afternoon. Camelback Ranch is sold out and I figured the Sox would throw their best punch, and maybe so will the Cubs, because why not? I know it’s just Spring Training but it’s still those damn Cubs and you still want to stomp them into oblivion.

With that said, I think we have a clear view of who will be starting on Opening Day for the Sox. My best guess says that this is the exact lineup that will be sent out for the first game of the year, sans Hector Noesi. Let’s take a look for ourselves…

Adam Eaton, CF. I’m a HUGE Adam Eaton fan. I love the way he plays the game. He personifies White Sox baseball and the grinder, win or die trying attitude.

Melky Cabrera, LF. I’m excited to see what Melky can do in a Sox uniform. It will be fun to watch how his season unfolds. He could be moved up and down the lineup throughout the year, depending on how he performs. You could probably say that about anyone, except for this next man.

Jose Abreu, 1B. Not much to be said. Eaton gets on, Melky follows with a base hit and then when Abreu comes up to bat… You can put it on the board, as Hawk Harrelson eloquently puts it.

Adam LaRoche, DH. I’m figuring that LaRoche can also take Abreu’s spot if Jose needs rest one day. I really don’t know what to expect here, but I know I am happy with the acquisition. I keep hearing that he’s either really hot or ice cold. Time will tell.

Avisail Garcia, RF. The outfield is set and it looks beautiful. Avi’s upcoming year is an exciting one for me and all Sox fans. Coming off a torn labrum last year, expectations seem to be high for this young stud. I’m expecting a breakthrough year that contributes a lot of runs. Just no head first dives out in right field, got that Avisail?

Alexei Ramirez, SS. Alexei is coming off the best year of his career in 2014. Shoe in for starting shortstop for the American League all-star team last year. But of course, EL CAPITANO Derek Jeter had to retire that year and he was handed Alexei’s rightful spot. Hoping that Alexei can carry over last season’s success into this one.

Conor Gillaspie, 3B. What a year for Conor in 2014. He has solidified himself as the starting third basemen and there’s no question about it. Obviously, it could always be better but the White Sox have struggled to find a concrete starter at this position since Joe Crede left. I like Conor. He hits the ball fairly well and his defense is sufficient.

Tyler Flowers, C. Another one of those, “it could be better, but it’s good enough” situations. I honestly like Tyler but he’s extremely inconsistent. I noticed last year when he started hitting with glasses, he vastly improved at the plate for a while. Let’s hope he still plans to hit with those same glasses.

Micah Johnson, 2B. This kid’s tearing it up in spring ball. I’m just excited to see someone other than Beckham starting at second. I’m sticking with my prediction that Johnson will win the starting second basemen job and I’m hoping he can run with the opportunity.

Then you have the guys on the bench such as Bonifacio, Sanchez, L. Garcia, Soto, and Beckham. Not sure who will be kept up in the MLB or sent down to the minors after Spring Training has concluded. I’m pretty content with this lineup though. I expect a lot more hitting than these past couple years.

As for the Opening Day starting pitcher, it’s going to go to either Jeff Samardzija or Jose Quintana. I’m pulling for Quintana personally because he’s earned it after such an under the radar good season. Jeff’s the new guy, but he could possibly be the better option.

P.S. This reminds me that Adam Dunn is no longer a big old dead spot in the lineup. Thank God. I like the guy but he just couldn’t produce at all. Sayonara, Big Donkey. Enjoy retirement.

P.P.S. Notice how I didn’t mention Chris Sale? Pay no attention to the situation and it will magically get better over night. I use that strategy for everything in life. Try it out.

–Maloney