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Sports

Opening Day: Chicago Baseball Jersey Guide

As March turns to April, get yourself ready for baseball season with Patch's guide on which Cubs and White Sox jerseys will be a big hit this season and beyond.

Sports fans love showing off their team colors. Whether it's buying hats, t-shirts or even those obnoxious Green Bay Packer cheeseheads, fans can't get enough team apparel. And with baseball’s Opening Day arriving, there’s no better time to add a new jersey to your sports wardrobe.

Still the hardest question in sports still needs to be answered: Whose jersey should you buy? And the bigger fan you are, the harder it is to choose. Do you go with the obvious superstar? What about a team’s most recent draft pick? Should you just choose the steady veteran?

While it's not a life-or-death situation, jerseys aren't exactly cheap. Before dropping a Benjamin on something you'll only wear on occasion, go through Patch’s guide on Chicago baseball jerseys and see which player fits you.

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WHITE SOX

3. Alex Rios #51: An unknown commodity coming into last year, Alex Rios is proving to be a great pickup from the Blue Jays in 2009. After only one full season, not many people have bought his jersey, but everyone knows about his contributions. Rios still has four years left on his contract and just turned 30 years old. His potential for a 30-30 season make him a solid jersey choice.

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2. Alexei Ramirez #10: Last April, Alexei was still a question mark in the eyes of many. A silver slugger award and gold glove-caliber season has changed all that. Three consistent offensive seasons got Ramirez a contract extension through 2015 and he now has job security as the White Sox starting shortstop. The Cuban Missile’s jersey is certainly worth a look.

1. John Danks #50: Danks has positioned himself as the present and future staff ace for the White Sox. While Mark Buehrle will start Opening Day, Danks is the best pitcher Chicago has. It's unlikely the White Sox will let him leave anytime soon and he’s still young (only 25 years old). That’s why he’s our top choice for a new White Sox jersey.

CUBS

3. Carlos Marmol #49: The Cubs gave Marmol a vote of confidence over the offseason when they signed him to a three-year contract extension to be their full-time closer. The enigmatic and energetic right-hander is still only 28 years old and will carry his electric fastball well past this year. If you don’t mind representing a pitcher who only throws one inning, Marmol is a solid jersey choice.

2. Carlos Zambrano #38: The emotional right-handed pitcher is entering his 10thfull season with the Cubs and is the last link to the 2003 team. Look for Zambrano to rebound in 2011 and have a Cy Young-caliber season. Just don’t take on his persona and throw a tantrum every time the Cubs lose.

1. Starlin Castro #13: While Zambrano may be the face of this year’s Cubs team, Castro represents its future. The 20-year-old shortstop had a banner rookie season and will be a stalwart at the top of the Cubs lineup for years to come. Jump on the bandwagon before the rest of Wrigley is sporting his #13 jersey this summer.

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