Thomas' status creates roster problems...

[bjm676]

IMHO, bye bye Wilson Valdez. We hardly knew ye.

 

TUCSON, Ariz. -- As the White Sox ponder whether to keep an extra pitcher or an extra bench player on their Opening Day roster, it seems like a simple decision.

 

But looming heavily in their decision-making process is the return of slugger Frank Thomas, perhaps as soon as May 1.

 

If the Sox opt for an extra reliever and carry 12 pitchers on their 25-man roster, it could mean neither non-roster invitee Pablo Ozuna nor Wilson Valdez—both backup infielders—would make the roster.

 

That will make Willie Harris, who hasn't played shortstop on a part-time basis since 2000 at Class-A Delmarva, the primary backup to Juan Uribe and second baseman Tadahito Iguchi.

 

Valdez is out of options, meaning another team could claim him on waivers.

 

The Sox have one space open on their 40-man roster. That could allow them to purchase the contract of Ozuna and put him on the roster. Ozuna, 30, who has 65 games of major-league experience with Florida and Colorado, has received more work recently in the outfield. Ozuna and Valdez, 26, have more experience at third base than Harris.

 

But carrying either Ozuna or Valdez could create a roster logjam once Thomas is ready unless another player gets injured.

 

The Sox could put Ozuna on their roster and risk losing him to waivers if they use his spot to make room for Thomas.

 

Complicating matters is that the Sox's depth will be tested during a 30-day stretch starting May 3 because they have only one day off.

 

General manager Ken Williams has stressed he will let manager Ozzie Guillen and his coaching staff select the last roster spot, but Guillen's joke about leaving for Venezuela to let Williams choose the last player is understandable because of the ramifications.

 

"If you worry yourself with the numbers game, it's going to affect your mind when you go out there," said Jon Adkins, who has received an endorsement from Guillen but knows his chances hinge on whether the Sox carry 12 pitchers.

 

Carrying 12 pitchers could be a luxury, considering the Sox have two days off in the first nine days of the regular season.

 

The Sox started the 2004 season with 12 pitchers, and Adkins was grateful because he thought the odds were against him.

 

"Last year I thought there was no chance of making the team out of spring training, especially with Mike Jackson and his experience, especially in the playoffs," said Adkins, who made 50 appearances in his first full season as a reliever.

 

"To make that team, I was definitely surprised. I threw well except for the last month (a 7.94 ERA in September and October). I came in in shape and feel good right now, and that's the only thing you can control."

 

Adkins also has one minor-league option left and probably will revert to a starting role at Triple-A Charlotte if he doesn't make the roster.

 

The Sox also have taken an extended look at left-handed reliever Kevin Walker, who also has a minor-league option. But Walker was roughed up for six runs on seven hits in one inning covering two outings on Tuesday and Thursday.

 

If Opening Day ace Mark Buehrle suffers a setback in his rehabilitation from a left foot injury, his spot on the 40-man roster could go to 21-year-old Brandon McCarthy.

 

The Sox express no fear about McCarthy pitching in the majors although he hasn't pitched above Triple A and placing him on the major-league roster would start his service time ticking.

 

But the Sox are so confident about Buehrle being ready for the April 4 opener against Cleveland he is scheduled to pitch Tuesday against Colorado instead of in a B game, with Adkins relegated to the B game.

 

A finger injury to backup catcher Ben Davis nearly two weeks ago has allowed non-roster invitees Chris Widger and Jamie Burke to get more work.

 

Davis is scheduled to earn $1 million this season. Widger has played catcher most of his career. Burke can play first and third, although Williams would like Burke to improve his defense at third.

 

Colorado is looking for catching help but wants someone who is younger with a bigger upside than either Widger or Burke, both 33.

 

Williams has stressed throughout this spring that he's more inclined to finalize the 25-man roster from within the organization. Players out of options who are not expected to make their respected teams will be placed on waivers this week, but the Sox don't seem to be in a shopping mode.

 

Outfielder Joe Borchard has received a long look and has displayed glimpses of promise with four home runs. But Borchard also has struck out nine times in his first 36 at-bats and seems destined for Triple-A Charlotte unless the Sox trade him.

 

The organization was encouraged by the play of outfield prospects Brian Anderson and Ryan Sweeney, who could reach the majors next season.

 

That several players with a minor chance of making the team have options makes the Sox more likely to hold onto them as insurance policies.

 

Still, the return of Thomas is likely to create another tough decision unless there's another injury.

 

Thomas' return will cut into at-bats for current designated hitter Carl Everett and backup left-handed hitters Ross Gload and Timo Perez.

 

The Sox, however, have more pressing issues they must resolve by Saturday

[Jabroni]

Colorado is looking for catching help but wants someone who is younger with a bigger upside than either Widger or Burke, both 33.

I wonder why the Rockies need another catcher? They are probably going to trade or release Charles Johnson but they have prospect J.D. Closser and a decent backup in Todd Greene.

Edited March 27, 2005 by Jabroni

[AngelasDaddy0427]

Well hopefully they can move Harris to create room for Ozuna to have a regular spot.

[Al Lopez Ghost (old)]

Or move Borchard, as mentioned in the other post possibly to SF.

[southsider2k5]

I think we will see another Alex Escobar type trade in the next week. Someone will need a catcher or another IF and the Sox have extras.

[JUGGERNAUT]

I'm betting it's Davis. His experience & his age give him the edge over others despite the fact he's not accomplished much.

 

I can't find a legitimate reason for the ChiSox to go with 12 pitchers. They've spent $ to shore up experience both in the pen & the rotation. That should have bought them another bat on the bench. Going with 12 pitchers is like saying you don't believe in your experience in the pen. Makes no sense.

 

The 5 bench players when Thomas returns: Timo, Everett, Burke, Gload, Ozuna.

 

The rest will either be playing at Charlotte or traded to another team.

[qwerty]

Well hopefully they can move Harris to create room for Ozuna to have a regular spot.

 

What you mean? He is making the team either way and as a utility infielder either way.

[Jabroni]

What you mean? He is making the team either way and as a utility infielder either way.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Agreed. I just assume that Ozuna's spot is guaranteed now.

[SoxFan1]

It better be. He is playing lights-out. I wouldn't doubt he hits .400 in April lol.