4 minutes ago, vilehoopster said:

You mean similar to how Vargas ended his 1st season with the Sox with a batting average of something like .093?

Seriously, Vargas’s average was something like that with the Sox in 2024.

I understand my take is a stretch, but the idea that it’s impossible that Acuna can/ will improve and become a quality centerfielder for the Sox for years, thinking that he can’t improve with his athletic ability, you’re just being silly.

Problem is he has already been relegated to the bench by Venable so it will be tough for him to get enough playing time to prove himself, unless more injuries occur. Meanwhile, both Peters and Kelenic are producing. You also have Grichuk and Hays sill eventually be back.

1 minute ago, WhiteSox2023 said:

Problem is he has already been relegated to the bench by Venable so it will be tough for him to get enough playing time to prove himself, unless more injuries occur. Meanwhile, both Peters and Kelenic are producing. You also have Grichuk and Hays sill eventually be back.

These are good points, plus if he becomes solid by next year, he’ll also have to compete with Brooks Baldwin and B. Montgomery. But still, with his speed, he could become the everyday Sox CF. I don’t think you can give up on him.

2 minutes ago, WhiteSox2023 said:

Problem is he has already been relegated to the bench by Venable so it will be tough for him to get enough playing time to prove himself, unless more injuries occur. Meanwhile, both Peters and Kelenic are producing. You also have Grichuk and Hays sill eventually be back.

Yeah, as this group of guys comes off the IL, I can't see Acuña surviving that. If Kelenic gets hot as the plate, I could see Ant, Pereira and Kelenic being the starters. Hays, Peters, Hill on the bench. The only thing saving Acuña right now is he's the only backup IF.

6 hours ago, Timmy U said:

Also, Shelton and Bonemer.

Can't believe I forgot these two, especially Bonemer.

17 minutes ago, vilehoopster said:

You mean similar to how Vargas ended his 1st season with the Sox with a batting average of something like .093?

Seriously, Vargas’s average was something like that with the Sox in 2024.

I understand my take is a stretch, but the idea that it’s impossible that Acuna can/ will improve and become a quality centerfielder for the Sox for years, thinking that he can’t improve with his athletic ability, you’re just being silly.

The massive, massive difference being that Vargas didn't have to compete with dudes for playing time and the Sox were horrendous enough they could let him play through it.

If they want to make the playoffs, that ain't happening with Acuna.

12 minutes ago, Quin said:

Can't believe I forgot these two, especially Bonemer.

The massive, massive difference being that Vargas didn't have to compete with dudes for playing time and the Sox were horrendous enough they could let him play through it.

If they want to make the playoffs, that ain't happening with Acuna.

I think the Sox have crossed over. They still have gaps in their depth where somebody can come in and get playing time if they pick up and produce, like Kelenic. But the days of letting a guy fester with a .453 OPS for months of at-bats are behind us.

4 minutes ago, WestEddy said:

I think the Sox have crossed over. They still have gaps in their depth where somebody can come in and get playing time if they pick up and produce, like Kelenic. But the days of letting a guy fester with a .453 OPS for months of at-bats are behind us.

Indeed.

Edgar Quero is the prime example. Dude is going through hell right now and not hitting remotely like he's shown he can in the past, but they need him up so he's on the roster. But Romo is out performing him, so now Quero is sitting on the bench and we know is getting sent down once Teel comes up.

Over the last two years, Quero is getting the reps. This year he's sitting until they can send him down.

I think things would be different if Acuna had options.