So Teahen + 2 million for Getz and a free spot on the 40 man. Teahen could make this worth it, but it's kind of a "Walk will fix him" situation isn't it?

That's solid. Teahen could be a pretty valuable commodity at under $2M. That's also an acceptable salary for a bench player.

I'm liking this deal a lot more now. Don't love it, but I like what it does for the Sox and I do believe it gives the Sox a good deal of options.

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Sox Drawer: Infield Gets New Look

 

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Mark Teahen will play third base next year. (AP)

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Friday, November 6

 

When Kenny Williams hopped on a conference call Friday morning with the media, he didn’t just break news, he smashed it into many pieces. And yes, there were some surprises.

 

Let’s begin with Gordon Beckham. With Chris Getz going to Kansas City, Kenny said that his prized rookie from 2009 is now the White Sox new second baseman. Beckham’s experience there is limited. He played second in the Arizona Fall League two years ago, but compared to his previous time at third base before the Sox put him there last season (zero), he’s already got a head start. Williams said that moving Beckham to second was “a priority.” Interesting.

 

The move is a surprise since there are some who believe that Beckham should go back to his natural position (shortstop), and move Alexei Ramirez back to second base. But apparently, the White Sox are willing to give Ramirez another shot.

 

Mark Teahen becomes the Sox starting third baseman, a move which along with Beckham going to second, “makes us better defensively across the board,” said Williams. Teahen started at three different positions last year with the Royals, but made the most starts at third (99).

 

“It’s huge,” Teahen said. “The past three years I haven’t known what position I’d play, and over the past 24 hours I haven’t known what city I was going to play in, so it’s huge. I came through the minors as a third baseman, and it’s my No. 1 position.”

 

You might look at Teahen’s stats from last year (.271, 12 HR. 50 RBIs, 123 K’s), and not be impressed. But Williams said “you can’t evaluate the deal on raw numbers.” Teahen played last season with two jammed thumbs, a sore elbow, and “in our ballpark, he won’t be pitched around as much.” Williams added that he’s a “tough-nosed ballplayer” who the Sox kept their eye on for the last couple years. In fact, they inquired about Teahen last season. When you consider his numbers against the Sox (12 of his 59 career home runs have come vs. the Sox), it’s no surprise.

 

Using that logic, maybe Kenny should trade for Placido Polanco, Miguel Olivo, Nick Punto, Jason Kubel, and every single Minnesota Twin who has crushed the Sox over the years. At least they don’t have to worry about Carlos Gomez anymore. He was traded today to Milwaukee for J.J. Hardy. Wait until I tell Bill Melton. It’ll make his day.

 

Moving to the outfield, it seems like the Scott Podsednik sequel is over. When asked about Pods, who is a free agent, Williams said “we’ve already had talks. Some back-and-forth dialogue. I think [re-signing him] is not likely based on what he wants. We’ll have to keep getting after it in other areas.”

 

That means the White Sox need a leadoff hitter. Who might that be? Can you say the name Jordan Danks?

 

That’s right. John Danks’ younger brother has leaped into the conversation. He’s been tearing up the Arizona Fall League, batting close to .400, leading Williams to say on the conference call, “Jordan Danks is certainly making things interesting, and giving reason for us to pause as to whether we aggressively pursue a veteran-type guy or not [in the outfield].”

 

Danks is 6-foot-4, he’s considered the best athlete in the Sox farm system, as well as their top defensive outfielder. The lefty prefers to play center field, but has played all three outfield positions. He mainly batted second in the Fall League, but led off last season at Double-A Birmingham.

 

As for Jermaine Dye, the White Sox bought out the mutual option for 2010 for just under $1 million, making him a free agent. Williams said, “I spoke to Jermaine this morning. I played around with some deals to possibly create some space to fit J.D. at this point. Obviously, that didn’t happen, or couldn’t happen at this juncture.” But Kenny left open the possibility of re-signing Dye, saying, “I don’t think you can rule it out because it’s a long offseason.”

 

And finally, the other big surprise: Jim Thome. Many figured that he was not in the White Sox plans for 2010, but Williams said, “I have the ultimate respect for Jimmy, so we might have to revisit that at some point in time.”

 

Some might interpret that comment as a token nod from Williams to the future Hall of Famer, but I actually believe the feeling is genuine. Thome made $15 million last season, and saw his numbers drop in all categories. Not playing much with the Dodgers had a lot to do with it. Still, if the Sox can get him at a hometown discount, which could be in the cards, it’s a distinct possibility.

Very interesting article.

 

The three things that stood out to me were:

 

Jordan Danks - Great to see what the brass is saying about him. I'm a little concerned that we'd not puruse someone and rely completely on him starting next year. In fact, the only way I'd endorse that move is if the club picked up a big time impact middle of the order bat and strengthened the pen. I say that because it would take a ton of pressure off of Danks and allow him to develop slowly in the back of our order for a season or two.

 

Jermaine Dye - They've tried to do some things to create a spot for him, but haven't been able to do so yet and he's not writing off the possibility of him returning

 

Jim Thome - He's in the picture (I expected this, but its official)

So Teahen + 2 million for Getz and a free spot on the 40 man. Teahen could make this worth it, but it's kind of a "Walk will fix him" situation isn't it?

 

Teahen won't need much fixing if he plays half of his games at the Cell.

Wow, JorDanks is in the mix for the big club? Wow. Our OF defense would be alot better with him in CF and Rios in RF. Im not so sure about having him lead off though.

Wow, JorDanks is in the mix for the big club? Wow. Our OF defense would be alot better with him in CF and Rios in RF. Im not so sure about having him lead off though.

You can't have him leadoff. That would be a disaster this early in his career. Defensively though, that would be a great outfield. Offensively, not so much, so you'd have to make up for it with a really good DH. We'd also need big years from our catcher, 1st baseman, 3B, etc.

Are we now the whitest team in MLB?

WOW so that's KW's plan. He say's it improves defense across the board but that' s assuming Beckham is better then Getz and Teahan is better then Beckham at 3rd. It's possibly true and hopefully true but at this point it's just not true. So it's a fairly young infield with PK being the lone exception and power potential of 15-20+ per man.

 

It would be very hard for any team to take on Konerko's salary . So if he get's traded can't really expect much of anything but salary relief. Anyone think there's a chance of Paulie being non tendered ? Is that even possible and if it is, does that relieve the Sox of any contractual obligations to him ?

Edited November 6, 200916 yr by CaliSoxFanViaSWside

Are we now the whitest team in MLB?

 

I thought Boston still was.

WOW so that's KW's plan. He say's it improves defense across the board but that' s assuming Beckham is better then Getz and Teahan is better then Beckham at 3rd. It's possibly true and hopefully true but at this point it's just not true. So it's a fairly young infield with PK being the lone exception and power potential of 15-20+ per man.

 

It would be very hard for any team to take on Konerko's salary . So if he get's traded can't really expect much of anything but salary relief. Anyone think there's a chance of Paulie being non tendered ? Is that even possible and if it is, does that relieve the Sox of any contractual obligations to him ?

You can only non-tender players who require a contract be tendered to them (less than 6 years of service time), Konerko is a guaranteed salary player so no, you can't non-tender him. That $12M is guaranteed no matter what.

Wow, JorDanks is in the mix for the big club? Wow. Our OF defense would be alot better with him in CF and Rios in RF. Im not so sure about having him lead off though.

 

Rios should play CF he seems to want to play there and is a GG'er

Rios should play CF he seems to want to play there and is a GG'er

A go getter?

WOW so that's KW's plan. He say's it improves defense across the board but that' s assuming Beckham is better then Getz and Teahan is better then Beckham at 3rd. It's possibly true and hopefully true but at this point it's just not true. So it's a fairly young infield with PK being the lone exception and power potential of 15-20+ per man.

 

It would be very hard for any team to take on Konerko's salary . So if he get's traded can't really expect much of anything but salary relief. Anyone think there's a chance of Paulie being non tendered ? Is that even possible and if it is, does that relieve the Sox of any contractual obligations to him ?

 

Teahen isn't better than Gordon at 3B. Gordon improved dramatically at 3B last year. In fact, for the last two months, he played above average defense. Both in my eyes and with UZR.

A go getter?

 

gold glover....

I knew Josh was as gone but trading Getz really surprised me.

You can only non-tender players who require a contract be tendered to them (less than 6 years of service time), Konerko is a guaranteed salary player so no, you can't non-tender him. That $12M is guaranteed no matter what.

Thanx. So Konerko would have to waive his no trade clause and who would be willing to add that kind of salary AND give up a player ? Sure seems like KW has to be creative or Jerry raises the payroll to get other pieces to this puzzle. The only other huge salaries are Peavy, Buerhle, & Rios.

I hope this means Beckham moves to 2B. That's probably the only way I'd like the move. You will be missed Chris Getz.

 

That was the best scenario I wanted in the first place. Now we can watch Beckham turn into an all-star at a position he should win 9/10 times in the future.

Are we now the whitest team in MLB?

 

 

We traded two white guys for one. So wouldn't we be less white?

 

We traded two white guys for one. So wouldn't we be less white?

 

Was thinking about the subtraction of Dye and Wise.

A few things struck me reading that article.

 

1] Jordan Danks may be closer than most people think. But he still shouldn't be counted on for the top of the order. If he comes to Chi. in 2010, it will be to hit near the bottom of the order. Thus, the sox need to acquire a leadoff hitter, as they don't have one in the system.

 

2] Getting a guy like Orlando Hudson makes a lot of sense to play 2b and hit leadoff. I don't buy into the sox moving Beckham to 2b and learning another new position. Gordon's bat is going to be critical to the sox success on offense.

 

3] If Teahan is better at 3b than Gordon, then I could see Gordon moving back to his natural spot at SS.

 

4] Gordon at SS means Alexei could be dealt. Alexei could then bring back a key bat and pitching help.

 

IMO, the next big move is Alexei being dealt. That would pave the way for Gordon to move to SS. Then the sox could sign Hudson or less likely, Figgins. The sox would have to move a salary like Konerko's for them to afford Figgins.

 

 

Thanx. So Konerko would have to waive his no trade clause and who would be willing to add that kind of salary AND give up a player ? Sure seems like KW has to be creative or Jerry raises the payroll to get other pieces to this puzzle. The only other huge salaries are Peavy, Buerhle, & Rios.

Possible destinations: Angels, Mariners, Giants and I'd even say the A's. I'm pretty sure they all have money to spend, especially the Mariners. Mariners could definitely use the hitting. I'd take Lowe for Konerko straight up

A few things struck me reading that article.

 

1] Jordan Danks may be closer than most people think. But he still shouldn't be counted on for the top of the order. If he comes to Chi. in 2010, it will be to hit near the bottom of the order. Thus, the sox need to acquire a leadoff hitter, as they don't have one in the system.

 

2] Getting a guy like Orlando Hudson makes a lot of sense to play 2b and hit leadoff. I don't buy into the sox moving Beckham to 2b and learning another new position. Gordon's bat is going to be critical to the sox success on offense.

 

3] If Teahan is better at 3b than Gordon, then I could see Gordon moving back to his natural spot at SS.

 

4] Gordon at SS means Alexei could be dealt. Alexei could then bring back a key bat and pitching help.

 

IMO, the next big move is Alexei being dealt. That would pave the way for Gordon to move to SS. Then the sox could sign Hudson or less likely, Figgins. The sox would have to move a salary like Konerko's for them to afford Figgins.

 

No way do they trade Alexei.

Thanx. So Konerko would have to waive his no trade clause and who would be willing to add that kind of salary AND give up a player ? Sure seems like KW has to be creative or Jerry raises the payroll to get other pieces to this puzzle. The only other huge salaries are Peavy, Buerhle, & Rios.

The Giants would be a good fit for Konerko, as they were competitive this year and could use his power. I would think he'd waive his NTC to be closer to his AZ home. I wonder if Rowand would lobby him to go there?

I like the Teahen addition, but I'm a little worried about losing Getz's speed & if Pods doesn't come back we lose a lot of stolen bases-on top of speed(scoring with runners on).