Disclaimer: All Jeremy Reed boosters, Kenny Williams haters, and White Sox baseball pessimists in general please check your negativity at the door and let's try to find some things to be positive about.

 

Here are my observations, in no particular order...

 

-Aaron Rowand

 

Aaron has developed into quite the grinder, something that most of us did not expect. He has shown that he can hit for average, use his speed, and play above average defense in all OF positions. He has been everything we have asked of him and more. I love this guy, I would expect the same numbers from Aaron next season...he will be starting somewhere in our OF.

 

-Freddy Garcia

 

We have Freddy Garcia locked up untill 06' people, thats awesome! He loves it here, he loves Ozzie (future father-in-law), and he will be fantastic at the top of the rotation with Buehrle.

 

-Juan Uribe

 

Although Juan came crashing back down to Earth with a thud after his amazing start, he is a definate upgrade in our IF. He has a great arm, above average range, and can play multiple positions. He will have his ups and downs, but that is just the type of hitter he will always be, don't expect different. When you have a swing that ugly, you have got to love the numbers he put up. Loads of potential.

 

-Shingo

 

Shingo has shown he can be very serviceable as a closer, but I am hoping he will be used as a set-up man next year for a free agent closer. He improves our bullpen, far-and-away our most consistent reliver last year.

 

PK/CLee

 

We should have at least one of these guys back next year. Two great Sox.

 

Alright everyone, have at it!

Surprisingly (not really!) I agree with all of the above assessments. I am not one of those "blow the team up" people. We can add a few pieces to the "puzzle", and be right in the thick of things, i.e. another starter or two, a 3B, and Beltran, or JD Drew, or another quality CF (Jacque Jones?). Maybe get a catcher too.

 

BTW, Addison, you have the best avatar, if you made it into a poster you'd sell tons!

Surprisingly (not really!) I agree with all of the above assessments. I am not one of those "blow the team up" people. We can add a few pieces to the "puzzle", and be right in the thick of things, i.e. another starter or two, a 3B, and Beltran, or JD Drew, or another quality CF (Jacque Jones?). Maybe get a catcher too.

 

BTW, Addison, you have the best avatar, if you made it into a poster you'd sell tons!

Jacque Jones is not a CF, he's a RF.

 

Beltran is represented by Boras.

 

So is JD Drew.

I will be more optimistic after the winter meetings and the Sox make a few moves. Right now the Sox have some key guys to build around but need more obviously.

I agree with your assesments. I thought all along Rowand would be a real good player. I'm also impressed with Jamie Burke. Both his hitting and catching. I think both Cotts and Adkins will improve with a full year in the Bigs under their belts. I also like to potential of Wilson Valdez, although I might be looking with my heart more than my eyes. Ross Gload was excellent this year. I'd be very happy if he was our starting 1st baseman next year. No knock against Konerko, I'm fine with him, but if trading him brings us pitching or another position player, i.e. fills some holes, then let's do it. And of course Mark Buerhle. I'm damn glad we have him signed. I'm looking forward to the off season to see what management comes up with. I hope I'm surprised like Steff says we will be.

Jacque Jones is not a CF, he's a RF.

 

Beltran is represented by Boras.

 

So is JD Drew.

Jones played CF before they got Torii, if I remember correctly.

 

He will be traded or released cuz he is arbitration eligible.

Jones played CF before they got Torii, if I remember correctly.

 

He will be traded or released cuz he is arbtitration eligible.

Like I said, he's a RF/LF.

 

What's your pipeline that says he'll be traded or non-tendered? Do you realize it's been eons since the White Sox and Minnesota traded with one another?

 

Maybe if you suggested something realistic, ... oops, I'll stop there.

Like I said, he's a RF/LF.

 

What's your pipeline that says he'll be traded or non-tendered?  Do you realize it's been eons since the White Sox and Minnesota traded with one another?

 

Maybe if you suggested something realistic, ... oops, I'll stop there.

It was in one of today's papers, I think the Trib.

Like I said, he's a RF/LF.

 

What's your pipeline that says he'll be traded or non-tendered?  Do you realize it's been eons since the White Sox and Minnesota traded with one another?

 

Maybe if you suggested something realistic, ... oops, I'll stop there.

Don't let that fool you, Jones was a good CF when he got called up. When you get a guy with Torii's glove get called up, you become a RF/LF. I see no reason that Jones couldn't go back to CF if needed. Granted here in Chicago he would be our RF.

he prolly won't be offered arbitration unless they can deal him to someone else.

Don't let that fool you, Jones was a good CF when he got called up.  When you get a guy with Torii's glove get called up, you become a RF/LF.  I see no reason that Jones couldn't go back to CF if needed.  Granted here in Chicago he would be our RF.

Mike, yes, that's the point ... he'd be a RF here.

 

Not saying Jones wouldn't be a good addition for just about any team, but he isn't a better CF than Rowand at this point in his (Jones') career.

 

If the Sox made a change in CF, it'd be for a true CF. They've said they want to be more athletic ... speed ... stolen bases ... a top of the order guy, etc. Jones is not really any of those at this point. Lots of nagging injuries.

 

100+ strikeouts in 4 of the last 5 years. 13 stolen bases his career high. OBP not stellar.

 

I don't know ... I could be wrong, doesn't sound like what they're seeking.

Don't let that fool you, Jones was a good CF when he got called up.  When you get a guy with Torii's glove get called up, you become a RF/LF.  I see no reason that Jones couldn't go back to CF if needed.  Granted here in Chicago he would be our RF.

Apology accepted, Jimbo!

Apology accepted, Jimbo!

What?

 

You have a very weird way of interpreting statements.

 

The last thing I'd do is apologize to someone who's wrong.

Apology accepted, Jimbo!

For what...?? Why in the hell would we put him in CF.. we already have a CF'er.

 

 

Which is exactly what Jim is communicating loud and clear to most of us.

Oh.. BTW... Freddy will be Ozzie's "cousin-in-law". Just wanted to clear that up...

 

 

Carry on.

What?

 

You have a very weird way of interpreting statements.

 

The last thing I'd do is apologize to someone who's wrong.

I said Jones has played CF, you said he never had. You = wrong, me = right.

I said Jones has played CF, you said he never had. You = wrong, me = right.

Ugggg.. you might want to re-read up there...

 

 

Oh.. BTW... Freddy will be Ozzie's "cousin-in-law". Just wanted to clear that up... 

 

 

Carry on. 

Steff, if we can step out of the melodrama and have a serious Q+A for a moment:

 

I still have a hunch that, as much as they like Rowand, they want somebody more athletic in CF. They'll obviously have the hole in RF, and A-Row would be a natural there. Borchard is a guy I believe they're disappointed in, but don't want to give up on yet. My guess is Joe B. starts at Charlotte again, and either comes on quick or at some point in 2006 they cut the cord.

 

They also have Anderson coming fairly quickly, although it's my personal belief he won't be ready until April 2006 earliest ... maybe even mid-season 2006.

 

I also believe the Sox are "going for it" in 2005. No reason to acquire and sign Freddy and trade for Contreras if they weren't.

 

What I'm getting at ... do you think they'll pursue a CF guy whom they can switch to another position for 2006? Or maybe a guy they can keep until Anderson is ready?

 

Also ... I believe they'll sign a starting pitcher on the FA market, do you concur?

 

Lastly, I think they've now decided to give Harris another shot, with Uribe getting lots of playing time at 2B, SS, and 3B - and a veteran SS brought in.

 

One more thing ... I believe they'll prioritize getting a young SS prospect in whatever trades they make for the next year or so.

 

Your thoughts?

Jacque Jones = Jose Valentin for the outfield...

 

Oh and ask Derek Jeter, he's got a noodle arm too.

I said Jones has played CF, you said he never had. You = wrong, me = right.

No, you=wrong ... yet again.

 

Go back and look what I said. I NEVER said he'd never played CF.

 

What was that you said about putting words in people's mouths? :rolly

I believe Aaron is moving. And I believe they will go after an ace.

 

 

I hope they take Willie out back and shoot him .. oops..

 

 

I don't know about the SS spot... let me get back to you on that one...

 

 

 

 

 

(dialing phone.. 1-900-HearAnyRumorsYet )

I believe Aaron is moving. And I believe they will go after an ace.

 

 

I hope they take Willie out back and shoot him  .. oops..

 

 

I don't know about the SS spot... let me get back to you on that one...

 

 

 

 

 

(dialing phone.. 1-900-HearAnyRumorsYet  )

substitute Maggs for Willie and I am happy with your list.

No, you=wrong ... yet again.

 

Go back and look what I said.  I NEVER said he'd never played CF.

 

What was that you said about putting words in people's mouths? :rolly

You said he's a RF, I said he's played CF. Who's wrong?

How about the Official 2005 JimH and IE4 battle it out in a room alone Thread?!?!?

Ok.. some more.

 

Borch, IMO and in agreemance with you Jim, will not start in Chicago. Definitely back in Charlotte.. and I think they are shopping him like crazy. Nothing solid.. just a hunch. The money is gone.. and it's simply too painful to make him pay it back on the field. His frame of mind is questionable.. and I know they are sick of it.

 

Crede.. While Kenny loves him, and he's been the "pet project" for what.. 4 years now.. I think the end of the rope is near for him also. He gets those little bursts.. but I don't think it's enough. All year long we said "he's a second half player...".. I don't know about the rest of you but I didn't mean the second half of the second half when I said that.. I think he'll be here, but I think if they can get a bag of balls for him.. they will, and move Uribe over, Willie Stupid Harris at 2b, and whatever SS they feel is suitable.