If the Twins win 94-95 games again next year it is going to be tough for us to catch up with that, no matter what we do in the offseason. We might end up with 87-88 wins this yearand if you would've told me that at the beginning of this year I would've taken it in a heartbeat. The Twins were just too good. It'll be interesting to see what they do in the offseason, as well as us obviously.

He hasn't hit 200 innings since 2007 though. His injuries may be freak ones...but those are starting to add up.

 

Freak injuries are the essence of being injury prone. Players that are not injury prone do not get injured covering first base and such.

You mean other than the fact that everything reported so far has him ready for Spring Training?

 

I mean, obviously, with an obscure injury like this, you never really know. But everything said about the nature of the injury and the surgery, and rehab so far, indicates things are as good as can be expected. So yeah, I'll stick with probable.

 

That's exactly what I mean. To say that a pitcher is probable to come back from an injury that never happens to pitchers is, I believe, just pretty hopeful.

That's exactly what I mean. To say that a pitcher is probable to come back from an injury that never happens to pitchers is, I believe, just pretty hopeful.

That's why I listen to the people who seem to actually know something about it, which is not me. We've had ptatc talk about it here, we've seen quotes from his doctors, we've seen other information derived from experts. They all indicate a likely positive outcome.

 

Probable does not mean definite.

 

the simple addition of a real dh should improve this team significantly, whether that be manny again for another year or KW trading for one. I dont see one being brought in via FA unless PK is let go which IMO offsets the addition of the FA. With the depth of our starting pitching, Peavy, Buehrle, Jackson, Danks, Floyd, Sale, Freddy(hes ozzies boy so i see him being brought back), Pena, and even Harrell all looking like they could contribute if needed, I wouldnt be surprised to see someone moved for that DH and im hoping its Floyd and pieces for prince fielder.

 

Lead off LF Juan Pierre, no questions here, I wish he'd walk more but only signing carl crawford changes my mind here.

 

Batting 2nd 2B Gordon Beckham, I think getting him back in the 2 spot and him performing like we know/hope/has shown he's capable of hitting I think will be another huge plus for this team.

 

3rd DH/1B Prince Fielder, oh how I'd love for this to happen, I assume with all the speculation there has been on here through out the year that he would be available and I think the sox would have the the best SP to give up in Floyd/Danks to get a deal done.

 

Cleanup DH/1B Paul Konerko

 

5th CF Alex Rios

 

6th C AJP

 

7th RF CQ

 

8th SS Lexi

 

9th 3b Brent Morel

 

if PK isnt brought back id like to see Manny resigned and you still do the prince deal and bat Manny in front of Fielder. That looks pretty damn good to me and you couple that with

 

Buehrle

Peavy

Danks (im hoping its floyd that gets traded not johnny)

Ejax

Garcia/Sale/Pena

 

and your lookin at a team id be very excited to watch

When KW was on ESPN1000 a few days ago with Bruce Levine he brought up the possibility of rebuilding in the near future. With the attendance down and the Economy still uncertain, I can see two things happen.

1. KW will work with his 'set payroll'. He doesn't know the number yet based on next year's revenue projection. But he has done this the past 3 seasons. Trying to win and get younger on the fly. It worked in 2008, the problem now is Minnesota- with their new stadium and higher payroll, it will be hard to compete with that.

 

2. Complete roster overhaul. Making trades. Letting veterans like PK, Jenks and AJ walk. Give guys like Viciedo, Morel and Flowers a chance to have a full season of MLB work. Rebuild the farm by trading guys like Buerhle and Quentin. Perhaps even trading Peavy at the trade deadline after he proves he is healthy to a team like New York or Boston.

 

I honestly wouldn't be too upset with option number 2. But I highly expect KW to give it one last crack and it if it doesn't work by June, blow it up.

When KW was on ESPN1000 a few days ago with Bruce Levine he brought up the possibility of rebuilding in the near future. With the attendance down and the Economy still uncertain, I can see two things happen.

1. KW will work with his 'set payroll'. He doesn't know the number yet based on next year's revenue projection. But he has done this the past 3 seasons. Trying to win and get younger on the fly. It worked in 2008, the problem now is Minnesota- with their new stadium and higher payroll, it will be hard to compete with that.

 

2. Complete roster overhaul. Making trades. Letting veterans like PK, Jenks and AJ walk. Give guys like Viciedo, Morel and Flowers a chance to have a full season of MLB work. Rebuild the farm by trading guys like Buerhle and Quentin. Perhaps even trading Peavy at the trade deadline after he proves he is healthy to a team like New York or Boston.

 

I honestly wouldn't be too upset with option number 2. But I highly expect KW to give it one last crack and it if it doesn't work by June, blow it up.

I highly doubt that KW ever indicated rebuilding was coming up. He has never said that, and in fact has always said that its something he and the Sox just don't do. I'd like to see this quote.

 

I highly doubt that KW ever indicated rebuilding was coming up. He has never said that, and in fact has always said that its something he and the Sox just don't do. I'd like to see this quote.

 

Cowley said that they are making an all out run at it next year and then they will go from there.

 

He felt that AJ, Jenks and Konerko would be let go but the money would be reinvested into the team.

Cowley said that they are making an all out run at it next year and then they will go from there.

 

He felt that AJ, Jenks and Konerko would be let go but the money would be reinvested into the team.

I put zero stock in what Cowley "feels", he's wrong more often than not.

 

Jenks is almost certainly gone, but I've seen pretty strong indications that AJ has very little demand around the league, and I doubt the Sox would turn down a chance to get him for one more year on the cheap. They are not convinced that Flowers is ready.

 

Konerko, well, that's a tough one. Certainly they want him back, but, the money just might not work.

 

Cowley said that they are making an all out run at it next year and then they will go from there.

I can't remember a single season where KW hasn't thought he was going for it coming into the year.

Players I don't see returning (not tendered a contract or traded):

 

Konerko

AJ

Jones

Kotsay

Quentin

Putz

Jenks

Pena

Garcia

and one of Buehrle, Danks, Floyd (my bet is on Buehrle)

I can't remember a single season where KW hasn't thought he was going for it coming into the year.

It's a bit of a double-edged sword too. He's unwilling to invest in the future when it stands to risk the immediate present. Personally, i kind of love that philosophy. Although, i will admit their has to be a time where we cut our losses and start building towards the long-term.

It's a bit of a double-edged sword too. He's unwilling to invest in the future when it stands to risk the immediate present. Personally, i kind of love that philosophy. Although, i will admit their has to be a time where we cut our losses and start building towards the long-term.

The amazing thing is though...we've been both competitive the last 3 years for the division, and at the same time...our system may be somewhat bare, but it's better than it was at the start of the 2008 season by a long shot. KW has pulled off to some extent the trick of keeping the immediate present at competitive levels while gradually improving the minors to the point that it's producing a legitimate piece or two every year.

Players I don't see returning (not tendered a contract or traded):

 

Konerko

AJ

Jones

Kotsay

Quentin

Putz

Jenks

Pena

Garcia

and one of Buehrle, Danks, Floyd (my bet is on Buehrle)

 

I actually think you will see the Sox look to retain a few more than that, because it will take an enormous amount of creativity to put together a contender while losing so many guys, and the Sox almost have to try and win next year.

• Attempt to retain Konerko, but he may have priced himself out
• Re-sign AJ to 1 year deal with an option
• Look into keeping Jones because he is pretty much a perfect 4th outfielder
• Kotsay is gone
• Quentin will atleast be tendered a contract. I don't believe you are going to find a player of Quentin's potential for a similar price on the open market, and thus, I think he will be kept.
• They'll look into keeping Putz, but I agree that he's gone
• There is no doubt Jenks is non-tendered, but I could see the Sox resigning him to a much lesser deal.
• Pena is tricky, because he's been terrible, but he's still going to be pretty cheap and he's got a good arm. I think he's back.
• I agree that Garcia is gone, unless he wants to come back on a very similar deal. I think he can get $5 mill, and the Sox can't afford that.
• It's possible a starter could be dealt, but I see it happening only in the perfect scenario. Money definitely needs to be freed up, but I don't know how they will go about it exactly

 

My prediction for the opening day lineup

 

Pierre - LF

Beckham - 2B

Rios - CF

Konerko - 1B

Quentin - DH

Pierzynski - C

Ramirez - SS

Teahen - RF

Morel - 3B

 

I would be more excited for the Sox in 2011 if we had a "The Kids Can Play" season. Id rather watch a bunch of prospects grow than an awesome looking roster disappoint me for another year still pumped we won the BP cup though

My prediction for the opening day lineup

 

Pierre - LF

Beckham - 2B

Rios - CF

Konerko - 1B

Quentin - DH

Pierzynski - C

Ramirez - SS

Teahen - RF

Morel - 3B

Man, I would be so uninspired if that was the OD line up next year.

 

KW always tries to make at least one big splash/impact acquisition, so I'm sure a line up like that won't be Plan A. But, due to payroll restrictions, lack of acquire-able players and a poor farm system, this might be the one offseason KW doesn't come away with anything new, and that line up you have there is entirely possible. Bleh.

 

My prediction for the opening day lineup

 

Pierre - LF

Beckham - 2B

Rios - CF

Konerko - 1B

Quentin - DH

Pierzynski - C

Ramirez - SS

Teahen - RF

Morel - 3B

 

I guess I could see all those guys staying, but knowing KW I have a hard time believing he doesn't make at least one move to the lineup. It would be disappointing to have all the same players as 2010, but that lineup wouldn't be the worst thing in the world, although I do like Pierre more than most around here do. My biggest concerns would be which CQ shows up and whether Teahen's defense in the outfield makes up for whatever he does or doesnt bring hitting wise. Also, I wonder who would be on the bench with this lineup as well.

• It's possible a starter could be dealt, but I see it happening only in the perfect scenario. Money definitely needs to be freed up, but I don't know how they will go about it exactly

 

Seeing as we are going to have about $50 million dollars invested into our starting rotation (out of about $85 million total going into the off season), I don't see how you could free it up from anywhere else.

I actually think you will see the Sox look to retain a few more than that, because it will take an enormous amount of creativity to put together a contender while losing so many guys, and the Sox almost have to try and win next year.

• Attempt to retain Konerko, but he may have priced himself out
• Re-sign AJ to 1 year deal with an option
• Look into keeping Jones because he is pretty much a perfect 4th outfielder
• Kotsay is gone
• Quentin will atleast be tendered a contract. I don't believe you are going to find a player of Quentin's potential for a similar price on the open market, and thus, I think he will be kept.
• They'll look into keeping Putz, but I agree that he's gone
• There is no doubt Jenks is non-tendered, but I could see the Sox resigning him to a much lesser deal.
• Pena is tricky, because he's been terrible, but he's still going to be pretty cheap and he's got a good arm. I think he's back.
• I agree that Garcia is gone, unless he wants to come back on a very similar deal. I think he can get $5 mill, and the Sox can't afford that.
• It's possible a starter could be dealt, but I see it happening only in the perfect scenario. Money definitely needs to be freed up, but I don't know how they will go about it exactly

 

My prediction for the opening day lineup

 

Pierre - LF

Beckham - 2B

Rios - CF

Konerko - 1B

Quentin - DH

Pierzynski - C

Ramirez - SS

Teahen - RF

Morel - 3B

 

I wouldnt be surprised at all to see the Sox go in a different direction at catcher. I think Quentin is traded for a decent prospect, but one that probably is 2-3 years away still.

 

I see the Sox trying to shed salary big time and then going after some marquee players like Crawford. I just have a feeling about that. Losing Konerko but gaining Crawford would be a positive still in terms of PR, and I think they would move Quentin(no idea on his defense there though, just trying to be creative)/Teahen/Flowers/Viciedo there or find a cheap replacement externally.

 

One starter will be traded, for a decent players to fill voids and to give flexibility in the payroll.

I wouldnt be surprised at all to see the Sox go in a different direction at catcher. I think Quentin is traded for a decent prospect, but one that probably is 2-3 years away still.

 

I see the Sox trying to shed salary big time and then going after some marquee players like Crawford. I just have a feeling about that. Losing Konerko but gaining Crawford would be a positive still in terms of PR, and I think they would move Quentin(no idea on his defense there though, just trying to be creative)/Teahen/Flowers/Viciedo there or find a cheap replacement externally.

 

One starter will be traded, for a decent players to fill voids and to give flexibility in the payroll.

 

 

A Crawford-Pierre-Rios top of the order and OF would be all kinds of entertaining

 

 

is....

 

Crawford CF

Pierre LF

Rios RF

CQ DH

AJP C

Gordo 2b

Viciedo 1b

Lexi SS

Morel 3b

 

... possible??

 

or to make it more LH/RH how about...

 

Pierre

Lexi (anyone got the stats on him in the 2 hole this year, i know hes been there quite a bit this year)

Rios

CQ

Crawford

Gordo

AJP

Dayan

Morel

 

I really like that 2nd one its almost like you got the top of the order twice with juan,lexi,rios,CQ then again with carl, becks, aj, and dayan then you got the D specialist morel over there holdin it down.

 

A LOT is riding on CQ though if he has a season like he had a few years back this team could be really really good... A CQ and/or DAnks/Floyd for a proven middle of the order hitter (Prince Fielder is the only name that comes to mind) would be ideal though

 

I could see Crawford getting a 7/$120 (or maybe more) deal this offseason. I don't think that's in the cards for the White Sox. If they signed him, I obviously wouldn't be upset because I think Crawford will become a better and more powerful hitter as he gets a bit older. If they did that, it would also be at the expense of Pierre. I believe in the past Crawford says that he prefers playing LF (and since he's signing somewhere, he's going to get his wish or you will have a disgruntled player), and you obviously can't put Pierre in CF, since Rios is better, or RF, and he's making way too much money to be a bench player, and he is good enough that someone would trade for him.

 

I just want to point out that the only moves Williams really made during this past offseason to add to the everyday lineup was trading for Mark Teahen and Juan Pierre. He acquired Rios and Peavy during the year, but we are talking exclusively the offseason. Williams is going to have to aim a bit higher if he wants to make any type of changes to the lineup.

I could see Crawford getting a 7/$120 (or maybe more) deal this offseason. I don't think that's in the cards for the White Sox. If they signed him, I obviously wouldn't be upset because I think Crawford will become a better and more powerful hitter as he gets a bit older. If they did that, it would also be at the expense of Pierre. I believe in the past Crawford says that he prefers playing LF (and since he's signing somewhere, he's going to get his wish or you will have a disgruntled player), and you obviously can't put Pierre in CF, since Rios is better, or RF, and he's making way too much money to be a bench player, and he is good enough that someone would trade for him.

 

I just want to point out that the only moves Williams really made during this past offseason to add to the everyday lineup was trading for Mark Teahen and Juan Pierre. He acquired Rios and Peavy during the year, but we are talking exclusively the offseason. Williams is going to have to aim a bit higher if he wants to make any type of changes to the lineup.

I agree that Pierre would have to go, but then again I hate his style of play so I would love that.

 

I doubt the Sox actually get Crawford, but my guess is that they will court him heavily this offseason.

I agree that Pierre would have to go, but then again I hate his style of play so I would love that.

 

I don't think words can describe my love or enthusiasm for not only myself, but this franchise if Juan Pierre was gone in any way, shape or form next season.

I don't get the heavy dislike that Pierre gets by some. I think he's an okay lead-off guy, has got good speed, and has shown some pretty good defense this year. However, I agree that he is way overpaid. And if that's the only source of the dislike, I can understand that.

I agree that Pierre would have to go, but then again I hate his style of play so I would love that.

 

I doubt the Sox actually get Crawford, but my guess is that they will court him heavily this offseason.

 

The Sox courting a big free agent, only to have him sign somewhere else for more money? I don't believe it.