So let's hear some discussion here...

I voted for Rios.

 

Although I think the Konerko choice would also be a good one as well.

I could see several options happening but I think the most likely one is Chris Sale. He's a flat-out stud.

AJ and Konerko seem like the most obvious of choices.

Chris Sale. I just think they're going to get away with overusing him in his first season as a starter. It might catch up to him next year, but this year, I don't think so.

 

If he gets the run support, he may win 20 with only 30 starts.

I went with Paulie. He's a pro's pro.

Rios seemed a safe, middle of the road pick, considering relative heatlh and experience.

I went Rios. He seems locked and loaded.

I went with Rios as well. He's playing like a man possessed. I think the majority of his problems stem from confidence. Hopefully, he'll keep his swagger.

Alex Rios hitting like it is 2007

I think this is pretty likely

 

Jake Peavy pitching like it is 2007

Jake may very well be pitching as well as in 2007, but he's never going to put up 2007 numbers pitching at the Cell

 

Chris Sale pitching like a Cy Young winner

This was my vote

 

Jose Quintana pitching like a prime Mark Buehrle

I know Quintana doesn't have a super fastball, but I think comparing him to Buehrle is not doing justice to how good his stuff is.

 

Paul Konerko having the best all around year of his career

Best average-probably, best OBP-maybe, best SLG-doubtful

 

Addison Reed virtually untouchable as closer

Nope, I see some potholes along the way

 

Alejandro De Aza amongst the best lead offs in the game

No, there is a lot of talent in the #1 hole right now, but he's more than adequate

 

Aj having a career year offensively

Pretty likely

I cannot believe I'm saying this, but I believe the answer to be Rios.

I wouldn't describe Addison Reed as untouchable the first half, but he's been good. Regardless, I believe Rios is the safe answer here.

I went with De Aza, dude has been a stud.

I wouldn't describe Addison Reed as untouchable the first half, but he's been good. Regardless, I believe Rios is the safe answer here.

 

As a closer he has been.

Can I request all things? The baseball gods owe Sox fans more than they've paid so far.

Im going with Sale. Dude has been nasty so far. If they dont shut him down I fully expect it to continue.

All of the above... I wanna see an improved second half... not a sustained second half.

AJ for sure. He's already close to career highs as it is.

Edited July 6, 201213 yr by SoxAce

I went with Quintana.

I went with Quintana.

 

Me too, love this story so far, hope he continues kicking ass.

Sox win division by 10 games.

Hate to be the downer, but Dunn continues his performance over the past two weeks (.140, 19Ks in 43 ABs) ... his swing looking a lot like last year recently, especially last night - looked awful.

 

Boys still win it by 5 games ... Let's go SOX

Hate to be the downer, but Dunn continues his performance over the past two weeks (.140, 19Ks in 43 ABs) ... his swing looking a lot like last year recently, especially last night - looked awful.

 

Boys still win it by 5 games ... Let's go SOX

 

Dunn looked awful vs a lefty? Who would of thought that would happen.

Dunn looked awful vs a lefty? Who would of thought that would happen.

 

The Sox might benefit if they could add a right-handed bench bat in place of Hudson who could give Dunn some time off in the second half against lefties. You could go with Escobar more, with Youkilis at 1B and Konerko at DH, but that's not ideal. I have no idea who might be available.

Is it me or has A.J. gotten better at throwing out runners. I know people talk of his offense but he does seem to be getting the job done on defense.