After playing alongside Ozzie Guillen on the left side of the White Sox infield for years, Robin Ventura now follows him in the dugout as skipper, starting with today’s contest against the defending American League champion Rangers.  Here’s a look at the roster with which he’ll be starting the 162 game grind.

Starting Pitchers

John Danks, Jake Peavy, Gavin Floyd, Chris Sale, Phil Humber

With Mark Buehrle gone, John Danks moves up to the top of the rotation, getting his first Opening Day start today.  Peavy looks to have his first injury-free season on the south side.  Chris Sale attempts to move from the bullpen to the rotation and fulfill the promise he showed in college.  Humber was a surprise success last season and hopefully can continue that success.

Relief Pitchers

Matt Thornton, Jesse Crain, Will Ohman, Addison Reed, Hector Santiago, Zach Stewart, Nate Jones

Thornton started last season as the closer and flamed out before being moved back to his familiar setup role.  Crain has been battling injury during spring training, but should be ready to go now that the games count.  Rookies Addison Reed, Hector Santiago, and Nate Jones join holdovers Zach Stewart and Will Ohman in rounding out the pen.

Catchers

A.J. Pierzynski, Tyler Flowers

When Ramon Castro went down with an injury last year, Tyler Flowers finally got his shot in the big leagues and did enough to earn the backup job this year.  Pierzynski, one of only 2 remaining players from the ’05 World Champions, is in the last year of his contract.

Infielders

Paul Konerko, Adam Dunn, Gordon Beckham, Alexei Ramirez, Brent Morel, Eduardo Escobar

The starting infield remains the same as last year.  Rookie Eduardo Escobar takes over for Omar Vizquel as the main backup.

Outfielders

Dayan Viciedo, Alejandro De Aza, Alex Rios, Brent Lillibridge, Kosuke Fukudome

With Juan Pierre and Carlos Quentin toiling in the National League, Dayan Viciedo and Alejandro De Aza get their shots to shine.  Rios moves back to right field, where the hope is his comfort level on defense will help his woeful offense.  Brent Lillibridge had a breakout season last year, and should see time in both the infield and outfield.  Former Cub Kosuke Fukudome joins the team as the fourth outfielder.