So far most of the talk on how to improve the Sox during the off season involve creating one hole (trading Lee or Kong) to fill another.

 

Anyone see a scenario where we actually upgrade a position without slipping back in another?

 

Frank coming back healthy is the only only that seems assured.

So far most of the talk on how to improve the Sox during the off season involve creating one hole (trading Lee or Kong) to fill another.

 

Anyone see a scenario where we actually upgrade a position without slipping back in another?

 

Frank coming back healthy is the only only that seems assured.

Actually I am not sure where lots of the speculation is coming from. KW himself has said he doesn't want to trade his powerhitters. To me that means Frank, Carlos, and PK are safe. Just by listening to what has been said, the guys who should be packing their bags are Crede, Valentin, and Garland. If those two offensive guys get moved, it will give the Sox the flexibility in the line up to reshape the hitters to the form that Oz is looking for.

So far most of the talk on how to improve the Sox during the off season involve creating one hole (trading Lee or Kong) to fill another.

 

Anyone see a scenario where we actually upgrade a position without slipping back in another?

 

Frank coming back healthy is the only only that seems assured.

Tex, yours is an excellent point.

 

Let's face it, both Carlos Lee and Konerko have their faults but they're both pretty damn good ballplayers. In addition to being very good offensively, they're both above average defensively.

 

The other factor to consider is most teams are not looking to add $8 million per year players. Conversely, they're looking for young and cheap, or a veteran who's coming off a contract and needs a chance to revitalize his career (kind of like Loaiza was).

 

That's not to say other teams wouldn't want Lee or Konerko due to their salaries. They very well could.

 

I think the market is much greater for guys like Mike mentioned ... Crede, Garland, etc. Neither have had great years but both could bring good returns. They are fairly cheap, young, and have some productive major league service under their belts.

 

In answer to your question, I really think we'll see a change at SS. I also think Crede will get traded for pitching and we'll see a free agent come in at 3B, a veteran guy. Despite what Guillen says, I do not see Juan Uribe getting a starting job outright. The 2B position is critical for the White Sox, it's one of the few positions they can put a proficient small ball player. It would not surprise me to see Crede and one of the bullpen lefthanders get traded for a higher profile reliever and a 2B.

 

If the Sox can land Beltran (I doubt it), their OF is set, Rowand slides over to RF.

Barring that, I can see Jacque Jones in RF.

 

If they're serious about reshaping the team, they'll need to be serious about making one fairly big trade and adding two free agents.

Speaking of small ball...does anyone know if Chone Figgins will be a free agent? He is exactly the kind of guy I want on the Sox. NOt only can he play all the infield positions, but he can also play CF. He has 15 triples and 32 stolen bases and I don't think he was starting full time until Glaus went down. He's also batting .289, I believe. Maybe Crede for Figgins? That is IF the Angels give up on their hot 3B prospect (Dallas McPherson?). Or maybe a Kong for Figgins and Kotchman deal.

Speaking of small ball...does anyone know if Chone Figgins will be a free agent?  He is exactly the kind of guy I want on the Sox.  NOt only can he play all the infield positions, but he can also play CF.  He has 15 triples and 32 stolen bases and I don't think he was starting full time until Glaus went down.  He's also batting .289, I believe.  Maybe Crede for Figgins?  That is IF the Angels give up on their hot 3B prospect (Dallas McPherson?). Or maybe a Kong for Figgins and Kotchman deal.

He is not a free agent and crede is not nearly as valuable as figgins so they would laugh. Hard. Mcpherson will be starting at third for the angels for years to come so no need for crede at all.

Speaking of small ball...does anyone know if Chone Figgins will be a free agent?  He is exactly the kind of guy I want on the Sox.  NOt only can he play all the infield positions, but he can also play CF.  He has 15 triples and 32 stolen bases and I don't think he was starting full time until Glaus went down.  He's also batting .289, I believe.  Maybe Crede for Figgins?  That is IF the Angels give up on their hot 3B prospect (Dallas McPherson?). Or maybe a Kong for Figgins and Kotchman deal.

The angels wouldn't do either of those deals and figgins isn't a free agent.