I've liked what the Chicago White Sox have done so far this offseason, as they've repositioned the major league club to make it more competitive while the Detroit Tigers, winners of four straight American League Central titles, seem to be sliding back toward the rest of the division. Adding Jeff Samardzija improved the rotation without hurting the major league roster and with minimal damage to the farm system, and while their two relief additions were too expensive, they did upgrade the worst non-Astros bullpen in the American League.

With Adam LaRoche on for part-time DH duty and the chance that Carlos Rodon sees the big leagues this summer, the White Sox are a much more watchable club and have given themselves a chance to remain relevant into September and possibly, with some luck, even October.

That's the explanation I can see to justify giving Melky Cabrera, a useful but flawed regular in left field, a three-year, $42-43.5 million deal to replace Dayan Viciedo, who now has more than 3,000 pro plate appearances in the United States that tell us he's just not a very good hitter.