So, Gillaspie batting third and Lindstrom closing games struck me at least somewhat surprising form yesterday. Granted I know its Opening Day and well probably see many lineups, but I can't help but to think about Hahn's impact here.
Matt Davidson is the third basemen of the future (technically could be of the present as well), Hahn has made that quite clear. All the beat reports indicate that Nate Jones, Daniel Webb, and now even Maikel Cleto have the potential to be closers. Arbitration statuses of both Jones and Davidson clearly play a role, but I'm thinking more than that. I would say that most believe that Davidson will get significant playing time this year, and I subscribe to this thought process. I believe Gillaspie will be given every opportunity to succeed in the White Sox lineup by batting third, with Eaton getting on and Abreu as protection. I think Hahn is fluffing Gillaspie, if he is competent he should have at least 30-40 RBI by the deadling, in hopes of an overpay and vacating the third baseman duties.
I see the same situation with Matt Lindstrom. We saw in the offseason, people overpay for saves. If Lindstrom succeeds in the closer role, his stock skyrockets and the Sox continue collecting young players at the deadline.
It may be wishful thinking, but if the Sox do intend to trade Gillaspie and Lindstrom at their peaks of value (using generic stats), we could have another very productive deadline. Alexei and Beckham could be on the move with the middle infielder depth in the Sox system.
Thoughts?