maybe crazy but we have more outfield youth then 1b.

Maybe I'm screaming into the wind, but if PK goes away, I think Frank HAS to be given first crack at the everyday 1B job.

 

The offensive benefits are well-documented, and cannot be discounted. WHY would you refuse to give one of your most dangerous hitters the best opportunity to succeed? I really think that Manuel stubbornly returning Frank to DHing after that HOT streak he had while playing 1B was a real indication that JM had an agenda that was unrelated to winning baseball games.

 

PLUS I think he's not as bad as he's being made out to be. He's certainly not as bad over there as Fred McWhiff. A good point was made earlier in another thread - how many KEY plays are made by 1Bs on ground balls? Frank is better than most people think at digging out low throws, and he has average footwork around the bag, so the 'defensive liabilities" must boil down to grounders. I just don't think it's THAT huge of a problem.

Just don't expect Frank to throw anywhere and I think he'd be great for next year.

I don't think Frank wants to play there everyday. I think it was as much him as Manuel.

 

That said, if FT is not your everyday firstbaseman and Konerko is moved, I think JT Snow would be a good addition. He would solve all defensive questions and would be a nice veteran addition.

I think Carlos will eventually end up at 1B. Don't expect a smooth transition, because his footwork will need lots of work.

He had improved so much in left field that I'd hate to move him again unless we had to. I'll bet he could do it since he has played 3rd in the minors. Can C Lee be our backup to Crede?

Why the hell would you put Thomas at 1b? The last time he played SUCCESSFULLY in the position was 1997. That was about 7 years ago. Now look, that leaves a whole if THOMAS plays 1b because who will DH, and I do know that they will bunt towards 1st every time. Lee for DH and 1b? Please. I'd rather have him in the outfield because of his skills in the Outfield!

Why the hell would you put Thomas at 1b?

 

Because it is a statistical fact that FT hits 50 points higher when playing 1B rather than DHing.

Because it is a statistical fact that FT hits 50 points higher when playing 1B rather than DHing.

details..

No way Carlos can back up Crede at third. Like Rex said his footwork is awful, that's why he was moved to left. I think He'll end up as a DH part time 1stbaseman down the road. But not now

It's been a while since Carlos has been playing on the infield. It took him a long time to get to being the more-than-acceptable left fielder that he has become. I don't want him to be moved elsewhere on the field, since it will take another period of time for him to get used to his new position. He's improved on his play in left field every year, so he should be allowed to continue improving and being the great player that he is.

It's been a while since Carlos has been playing on the infield.  It took him a long time to get to being the more-than-acceptable left fielder that he has become.  I don't want him to be moved elsewhere on the field, since it will take another period of time for him to get used to his new position.  He's improved on his play in left field every year, so he should be allowed to continue improving and being the great player that he is.

True, and a Position change might hurt his hitting too. The position i would switch him to is DH

True, and  a Position change might hurt his hitting too. The position i would switch him to is DH

Are you saying that he's inadequate on the field? If that's the case, haven't you seen how greatly he's improved out there?

Are you saying that he's inadequate on the field?  If that's the case, haven't you seen how greatly he's improved out there?

he is doing well in outfield i agree but do you think he covers has much ground has reed and borchard???

Are you saying that he's inadequate on the field?  If that's the case, haven't you seen how greatly he's improved out there?

I'm saying to leave him in Left. If he has to be changed it would be to DH so he doesn't have to learn another Position

The only way I would move CLee out of left field is if we were signing Shannon Stewart, or someone like that.

The only way I would move CLee out of left field is if we were signing Shannon Stewart, or someone like that.

And we all know that won't happen......I'm pretty happy w/ Lee in left....He improved a great deal this past season. He made some outstanding plays.

Agreed.

 

When he first started playing left field, it was almost like watching a really bad bloopers film. However, I give him a ton of credit. He has worked his ass off to become better defensively, and all that hard work on defense hasn't affected his hitting at all. He's a good player, who could potentially be a great player. He's not Jacque Jones or Barry Bonds in terms of defense, but he's not bad.

 

His defense is the least of our problems, IMO.

Exactly, our defense as a whole wasn't bad at all last year. Didn't we end up 3rd best in the AL?

I can't find the numbers at the moment, but we were a lot better than in seasons past.

 

I know the lineup won't be as "explosive" as last year, but the Cubs (GAG!) showed that if you have really solid defense and good pitching, you can win even with a marginal offense.

I can't find the numbers at the moment, but we were a lot better than in seasons past. 

 

I know the lineup won't be as "explosive" as last year, but the Cubs (GAG!) showed that if you have really solid defense and good pitching, you can win even with a marginal offense.

Very true, the past 3 WS champions haven't really had THAT much pop in their lineups. If we just bolster that rotation and bring in a guy or two to the pen. I think we'll be fine next year. Minnesota already seems to be handing us the division.

Maybe the Sox should just change their philosphy. Instead of trying to outscore the opponent every game in slugfests, maybe they should just try to shut the other team's offense down to a minimum and "grind" out enough runs to win. Hey, it's not exciting to watch sometimes, but I'll take ANYTHING that will help the team win.

Maybe the Sox should just change their philosphy.  Instead of trying to outscore the opponent every game in slugfests, maybe they should just try to shut the other team's offense down to a minimum and "grind" out enough runs to win. Hey, it's not exciting to watch sometimes, but I'll take ANYTHING that will help the team win.

Amen on that one. They always say good pitching always beats good hitting.

Maybe the Sox should just change their philosphy.  Instead of trying to outscore the opponent every game in slugfests, maybe they should just try to shut the other team's offense down to a minimum and "grind" out enough runs to win. Hey, it's not exciting to watch sometimes, but I'll take ANYTHING that will help the team win.

To me that is very exciting baseball, if a little nerve-wracking at times.

If we can acquire Colon/Ponson/?? and shore up the bullpen, I think we'll have enough offense. Plus, we play in a really horrid division that is certainly winnable with possibly 85-88 wins.

 

Detroit? Well. they're Detroit. Cleveland? Not ready for prime time yet. Kansas City? They fell back to Earth, and they won't have that hot start again - it happens once in a blue moon. Minnesota? Roster depletion just keep on comin'. And their pitching staff is really iffy.