IMHO I think with the current state of our farm system and player contracts, without a drastic increase in team payroll, we are 4-5 years away from winning another AL central title (if we draft well/develop some talent/sign the right FA). The tigers, indians, and twins all arguably have brighter futures and better upper management than the White Sox. This sounds awfully depressing but somewhat true.

Oh, it's gonna be a while.

Good thing the Sox took care of business in the postseason 2 years ago.

The Sox are like the 85 Bears; one and done.

But at least we got the one.

Good topic. I'm genuinely intersted in the opinions of our fellow Soxtalkians. Especially those who consider themselves optimists (cough, jphat).

 

While it's impossible to predict, I'd conservatively say 2010 at the earliest. One reason for this date, opposed to others listed, is based upon the current state of our farm system.

 

If you believe conventional wisdom that it takes several years for good talent to emerge through the minor leagues, then any low-level prospects wouldn't be up until 2009/2010. However, aside from Carter, De Los Santos, and maybe Shelby, there's not a lot to look forward to. Not much above A-level ball either if you're looking for blue-chip status. Anything from this draft, which may be good or bad, won't be known until 2010.

 

The strength of divisional opponents is an issue which may push us past 2010. You look at the lineups and pitching staffs (both in the minors and majors), and among Detroit, Minnesota, and Cleveland, we're behind in all both categories.

 

It's not going to be a fun several years. One wildcard though is our payroll. Even at mediocrity we're likely to be around 75 million. Hardly chump change. We'll be more than able to sign several free agents if capable minor leaguers are filling positions for the league minimum. Problem is, watching Anderson, Sweeney, Fields I don't get the impression that's likely. More than Gio Gonzalez and Danks will be needed in the rotation as well.

Edited June 9, 200718 yr by Flash Tizzle

And I thought you were talking about the banner for the web site. I think that it's going to be a while, but I would love to see myself proved wrong.

It is hard to say at this point, because the way this current team is constructed, they will never sniff the postseason.

 

However, depending on what KW does in the offseason, this team could be back in the hunt next year. If the Sox resign Buehrle, they will still have a solid pitching staff. The work for KW will be in the OF, bullpen, and left side of the infield.

At the way things are going now, we could be waiting a while. Almost impossible to predict but I think it will be after 2012.

I like the current banner... Rolling Rock. Thank you for your support Rolling Rock. Click it! I'll say 2009. KW is aggressive and he will work something out.

a year ago, we all thought a dynasty was in place, cannot believe how quickly the castle could crumble?

 

the only positive I hang onto these days is at least they didn't get to the first WS in almost 50 yrs and lose the damn thing. I'll always have a WS win in my lifetime and the memory of being at games 1 (with friends) and 2 (with father), can never be taken away....imagine being an Astro fan, or even an Indians fan.

 

The sting of the 2005 Illini still lingers, the Sox loss would have been 1000X worse.....

2012 World Champions