Lillian

I assume that the front office had the following set of priorities, among perhaps others, going into the off season: Fix the middle of the order, which was a disaster last season Find a high OBP lead off hitter Improve the defense, especially the outfield Add a potent LH middle of the order bat Find a catcher who can handle the staff and hit respectably Add a LH bullpen arm Abreu was a big step toward addressing the first priority Eaton is their attempt to satisfy the second item on that list Two down, and four to go, on my list.

My remarks were based upon the following scouting report: http://baseballprospectnation.com/2012/08/...-adam-eaton-of/ Does anyone disagree with this assessment, and why? I like the kid, but was hoping for more.

QUOTE (scs787 @ Dec 10, 2013 -> 02:15 PM) Kid looks to have a gun....(another thing Lillian seems to be wrong about in the other thread) This scouting report, plus the injury to his throwing arm, last season seemed to indicate that his arm was not good enough to profile in RF: http://baseballprospectnation.com/2012/08/...-adam-eaton-of/ It should be fine in CF.

The scouting report on Eaton suggests that his best skill is getting on base. However, he has yet to prove that at the MLB level. If is not successful at that, he is nothing more than a fourth outfielder. He lacks the speed and skill to stick in CF. He lacks the power to be a corner outfielder, and he also does not have the arm for RF. Even if he can get on base, he is not a real threat to steal, to make him an ideal lead off hitter. With his skill set, if he were a proven player in the big leagues, he might be worth Santiago. But, he is still only a prospect. Please don't tell me that he is all the Sox are going to get for Santiago, plus a prospect!!! The fact that he bats left handed is not significant, in that our need is for a LH hitting, middle of the order guy.

QUOTE (TheFutureIsNear @ Dec 9, 2013 -> 03:05 PM) Kolek is a high school kid so anytime soon is probably out of the question. Hoffman? Ehh who knows. From what I've seen he would probably have to improve his change up a lot, or just add a new 3rd pitch all together. His fastball and command seem to be there and his curve ball seems legit, but he doesn't use much else at this point. Rondon is the guy you want if you're looking for immediate big impact. Unfortunately he's more than likely not falling to 3rd. I can't believe Rondon would still be there, when the Sox pick. I would want that middle of the order, left handed bat, who was "can't miss", to be included in any trade for Sale.

Does Hoffman, Kolek, or anyone else the Sox might have the chance to pick in the Draft, have "Ace" potential, anytime soon? I'd be OK with dealing Sale for the right package, if the Sox could get Tanaka, and that potential stud, with the #3 pick. However, everything about that scenario is a real long shot.

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Dec 8, 2013 -> 09:41 AM) One day Lillian will realize that the dream is over "It ain't over, til it's over"

A few things to remember about Choo: He is terrible vs. left handed pitching. He was hit by pitches a league leading 26 times last year, and that's not a good way to generate a high OBP. One of those pitches is likely to land him on the DL. He is not a good defensive outfielder, especially in CF. And of course, he will cost way too much money, and want too long of a contract. I'd still like to see a one year deal, at a reasonable price, for a certain other former Indian, left handed, center fielder. Dare I mention his name? With these crazy contracts, that gamble is looking better every day. He's the same age as Choo, and is a better outfielder, even after the knee surgery. He's also better suited to bat in the middle of the order, if he's really healthy, of course. He will probably be much more interested in guaranteed playing time, than a long term deal, as he will want to prove he is healthy, in order to re-establish his value. The Sox are in a position to take that gamble, as he would not be blocking anyone, and would not cost a draft pick, as I mentioned one of the several times that I brought it up. I know some will attack me for belaboring the point, but these ridiculous contracts provide a new perspective on the idea. What would the Sox have to lose?

Although I am one of the strongest advocates of a left handed hitting addition to the lineup, I don't see the need for a left handed hitting catcher. Any solid defensive back stop, who can get on base at a respectable rate would be fine. It's in the middle of the order that this team needs that left handed presence

QUOTE (beck72 @ Nov 3, 2013 -> 07:13 AM) LF-De Aza SS- Alexei RF-Avisail Garcia DH-Dunn 1b-Jose Abreu 3b-Gillaspie/ Keppinger [trade for Garin Cecchini with Boston, for Hector Santiago: will start in AAA, should be ready by end of year to take over at 3b] 2b-Semien [beckham traded] C-Bryan Pena/ Phegley CF-Adam Eaton [trade with Dbacks, Dayan Vicideo part of the deal, as the Dbacks need more power, have AJ Pollock in CF] Eaton would be a nice piece to add, with his ability to get on base. However, it appears that he is not a solution for CF: http://baseballprospectnation.com/2012/08/...-adam-eaton-of/

QUOTE (ChiSox59 @ Oct 31, 2013 -> 08:12 PM) Did Lillian hack your account? All kidding aside, I totally agree. Reading this thread put a big smile on my face. Thanks Jake. It's nice to hear someone else make the argument. I'd wager that the next big acquisition will be that middle of the order left handed bat, not Khris Davis. Hahn seems to know what he's doing and has a good plan.

QUOTE (scs787 @ Oct 28, 2013 -> 07:01 AM) I suspect that yes Hahn is looking for a LHH but you don't limit yourself to that. I like how you mention Granderson as a potent left handed bat but yet you apparently don't think Adam Dunn is that guy. They are virtually the same hitter. Like it or not Adam Dunn is a middle of the lineup bat, he still makes managers "burn through their bullpen". By "potent" I meant that he is a power hitter. However, as I said, he isn't all that great. I don't like either Granderson or Dunn in the middle of the order. Unfortunately, that might be the best that we'll be able to come up with.

Several of you make good points regarding the need for good hitters, regardless of from which side of the plate they bat. And it is true that there are some rare right handed hitters who actually hit righties better than lefties. Moreover, the whole issue is less important at the top and bottom of the order. However, when focusing upon the middle of the order, it is just not nearly as advantageous to have all right handed hitters. We have discussed that in previous threads. Pitchers can much more easily get into a groove, when facing a lineup consisting of so many guys hitting from the same side of the box. Managers do not have to burn through the bullpen by trying to match relievers to hitters, late in the game. And then, as one of you reiterated one of my previous points, there just aren't that many tough lefties in the American League, especially in our division. Yes, the Sox won it all in '05, with only A. J. and Everett in the middle of the order, and neither of them were that good vs. RHP. However, that team did not win because of its offense. Can any of you honestly argue that it is not important to find at least one potent left handed hitter for the middle of the line up? I suspect that Hahn agrees with my thinking, and that rumors of acquisitions such as Granderson or McCann are precisely based upon the obvious need for a good left handed, middle of the order hitter. Unfortunately, I don't think that either of those guys would be worth the money, or be all that great. Now, if you're talking about giving up your #2 starter, who is cost controlled for a few years, I don't think you do it unless you can get that potent left handed bat.

QUOTE (Jordan4life @ Oct 27, 2013 -> 08:49 PM) I'm sorry "Jordan", I just can't help myself. Apparently, a good left handed hitter seems to be the most rare and elusive commodity around here. Everyone on this board just keeps clamoring for this guy, or that guy, and they are almost always right handed. Geez!!! It's just frustrating. Garcia, Abreu, Viciedo, Thompson, Hawkins, and they'll probably draft Gatewood (I hope so) If they trade Quintana, it better be for a good left handed bat. Ok. Now I'll "stop already".

QUOTE (Joshua Strong @ Oct 26, 2013 -> 05:23 PM) If you could have one of them, who would it be. I am torn between Bryant and Almora. Bryant can be that monster in the middle of the order, who can play 3B for the White Sox and be that middle of the order bat for the next 10+ years. And Almora could be the White Sox version of Derek Jeter, and a dynamic and versatile #2 hitter. Once again, I wish we could come up with a middle of the order left handed bat. Bryant is another right handed hitter. What a strange circumstance, in which the Sox find themselves; too many lefties in the starting rotation, and no left handed hitters in sight. The only potential impact, left handed bat appears to be Barnum, if he flops, where will they find one?

While I generally agree that it makes sense to pick the best player, how can management justify picking short stops with their number one picks, in two consecutive drafts? What would picking Turner, with the #3 pick, say about their choice of T. Anderson, in last year's draft? After all, they both appear to have pretty much the same skill sets. Anderson is currently ranked as their #3 prospect. The other issue is how much of an asset a good fielding, speedster at short is, compared to a middle of the order hitter like Gatewood or Jackson could be. I'll take the middle of the order hitter. They are the ones who cost the most in trades and free agency. My pick is Gatewood. He has the most upside, and just happens to be a perfect candidate to fill the organization's long term need for a third baseman.

With the several promising infielders and the likely signing of Trea Turner, perhaps a short term solution at third would be reasonable. Between Gillaspie, Semien, Tim Anderson, Trea Turner Carlos Sanchez and Micah Johnson they might not need to spend on a long term solution at third. One or two years might be just perfect, and require less of a price in both money and players.

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Oct 23, 2013 -> 06:34 AM) Yet you made a line up recently with Grady Sizemore batting clean up. Headley could be the left handed power bat with a high OBP you are looking for. He plays in a pitchers park and was hurt most of last year. If Headley could duplicate his 2012 production, I agree. If his performance last year was adversely affected by injuries, perhaps he could be the guy. The more we all grapple with this question, the more you can appreciate my wishful thinking regarding a Sizemore return to stardom, in a Sox uniform. I know it was a desperate suggestion. I just don't see many options that would be affordable, and available. If we are stuck with Dunn in the clean up spot, it is not only going to be difficult to compete, but it will likely not do much to help Abreu and Garcia, who could both use some effective protection in the lineup.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Oct 23, 2013 -> 05:56 AM) Any suggestions? That is the question we should all be addressing. You can be pretty certain that is what Hahn is contemplating. I don't have the answer, but I'm pretty convinced that it's the right question. What do you think?

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Oct 23, 2013 -> 05:56 AM) Any suggestions? That is the question we should all be addressing. You can be pretty certain that is what Hahn is contemplating. I don't have the answer, but I'm pretty convinced that it's the right question. What do you think?

QUOTE (bbilek1 @ Oct 22, 2013 -> 10:12 PM) It's not like our DH from last year is left handed and batted fourth. I'm sorry, but I don't understand your point. To clarify mine; Adam Dunn may still be on the team, but our offense is not going to be competitive with him putting up last year's numbers, in the clean up spot. As many of you have argued, he needs to bat further down in the order. The number one priority now should be to find a decent left handed, clean up hitter, to replace him.

I don't think he is capable of hitting clean up. The Sox are probably targeting a left handed clean up hitter. If they acquired Headley, that still leaves a hole at that spot in the lineup.

QUOTE (Tex @ Oct 20, 2013 -> 11:12 AM) At what level do you place Cuba ball? MLB? AAA+? AAA? AA? A? That will determine how confident someone should be about the likelihood of his success. That is the big question. However, while we don't know exactly what level to compare to Cuban baseball, we do know that Abreu was clearly the best hitter there. Since we know that there are other Cuban players, who have performed pretty well, that should provide a good indication that he will be productive. It will be interesting and fun, to discover just how productive. I can't wait!!!

Abreu was the best hitter in Cuba He will be in his prime during the entire 6 year deal, at age 27 through 32. He won't be blocking anybody on the farm. Konerko's contract is over, and Dunn's will be, at the end of the year. They didn't have to give up a draft pick: "this is the only mega deal the White Sox could strike (at least for a position player) that wouldn't cost them: 1) a chunk of their international budget, or 2) a draft pick. Abreu is older than 23 and has logged more than three years of Serie Nacional play, so he's exempt from the pool rules." Look, I don't care where he played, A ball, college, Japan, Cuba, or anywhere else. When you hit a home run every other game, and put up average and OBP numbers so far above the rest of the league, you have exceptional talent. At $11.3 million per year, he doesn't have to be Miguel Cabrera. If he hits close to .300 with an OBP above .360, with 30 or more homers, he'll be worth every penny, and likely our best hitter. Whether he lives up to his hype, or not, it is a gamble Hahn had to take.

QUOTE (Eminor3rd @ Oct 18, 2013 -> 08:31 AM) I think you did just fine and you're right -- since you didn't suggest Grady Sizemore Hey, not that I wasn't tempted!!! Man, I would've really taken flack for that.