I can’t really see the White Sox doing bad again next year. They might not win the World Series, but its hard to see a team with as much talent as it has playing last place baseball for a 2nd year. Not being a Sox fan, I don’t know what off season moves might actually benefit them, but they seem to have competent management.
As far as the Cubs, its really kind of open in my opinion. There’s really no one position that begs for an upgrade. As long as Soto can produce as a catcher, that will suit them fine. Personally I see the whole infield as set. In the outfield, it would be great if Pie could finally become an everyday player. I can’t remember if Jones contract is up this year, but personally I would keep him. I have always been a big fan of his, and don’t understand why Cubs fans dog him so much. The starting pitching was decent. Though a lot of the guys struggled down the stretch. I think a lot of that can be remedied by experience of pitching 200+ major league innings. Though Marquis might just not have a big enough gas tank to make it through a whole season. He seems to slow down at the end every year. Long story short, I am hoping that this years experience will allow the young pitchers to be better next year. The bullpen is always a crap shoot unless you have guys named Trevor Hoffman or Mariano Rivera. I have never really saw Dempster as a fear inspiring closer, but he gets the job done most of the time. Marmol and Wood looked good for the most part. Eyre recovered from a terrible first month or two and pitched well. Personally, Howry scares me every time he comes in. I think overall the bullpen is OK though as with any position, if they want to spend big bucks to bring in a top notch player, I am sure it won’t hurt.
The biggest factor will be the sale of the team. I don’t think that impacts the players as much, but certainly management as they try and build a team for the next season and beyond.
- Ravenswood Right Winger - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 9:54 am:
As for my White Sox-problem is that this team consists of players who are either too old or too young. They are a poor hitting team and while I don’t think 2008 will be as bad as 2007, I don’t see them winning the division either. Kenny Williams must go. Great job trading Chris Young to Arizona!!!
If the Red Sox got bleached, and became the White Sox, there might actually be talent on a White Sox team next year.
In all seriousness, I don’t think they will have a worst-to-first turnaround like the Cubs, though. There just isn’t a talent base, or a drive, to do it.
The Sox need to break-up their glut of power-hitting, slow-footed hitters and drastically improve the top of their batting order. Here’s how: Trade Konerko to the Angels for Chone Figgins (and one of their solid relief pitchers,) and sign free agent David Eckstein.
Figgins and Eckstein at the top of the order will enable the Sox to manufacture runs the way they did in ‘05 when Podsednik was healthy. And Figgins will give them an insurance policy against Crede because he can play third. Here’s how the line-up could look:
Figgins RF
Eckstein SS
Dye 1B
Thome DH
Crede 3B
A.J. C
Rowand CF
Fields LF
Richar/Ozuna 2B
With Konerko’s salary gone, they can add Rowand too without drastically raising the payroll. Of course, if they are willing to run the payroll up to 115 -120 mil, Torii Hunter would be better than Rowand.
The AL Central is an exceptionally tough division, the polar opposite of the NL Central. The Indians won 96 and the Tigers 88 but still finished six games out of the wildcard. The Twins could come back in ‘08, too. I see the Sox winning in the mid 80s next year. Not bad, but still far from the playoffs.
Get rid of Konerko? No way. Dye at first base? He is awesome in right field. Pitching is the issue. Other than Buerhle and Jenks it is all up for grabs. Is Crede going to be able to come back at the level he was in ‘05?
Leigh, I love Konerko too, but you have to trade something to get something. Besides, getting sentimentally attached to players is so Cubbie. I have season tickets in Right Field and can report Dye’s defense has steadily declined — he gets poor jumps and is often handcuffed by balls hit directly in front of him. Besides, he’s injury-prone and playing 1B should keep him healthy.
And while the Sox’ pitching is anything but great (especially in the bullpen,) their offense is much worse. They finished last in the AL in runs scored and last in all of baseball in batting average — and that’s in a hitter friendly ballpark. Only Thome hit over .270! This ain’t 1968, you have to hit to contend in the AL. Besides, their stronger 1 - 3 in the rotation than 80 percent of the League, the bullpen settled somewhat late in the season, and the few promising prospects they have are pitchers. That’s why Kenny needs to concentrate on offense this winter.
Look for detroit to continue its slide back into mediocrity. Their pitching staff looks like they may be injury prone, and Kenny Rogers isn’t getting any younger.
If Cleveland makes the World Series this year, look for them to resemble the White Sox in 2006, and Tigers in 2007. Completely burnt out during the stretch run.
Minnesota looks weaker on paper, and may be completely done if Santana continues with his trade demands.
Look for the White Sox starting pitchers to stay strong, with or without Jon Garland. Kenny needs to upgrade the Bullpen, Center Field and Shortstop. Hopefully Crede comes back healthy and Josh Fields is the real deal.
In other words, I think that the AL Central is up for grabs, and the White Sox definately have an outside shot of making a run.
The Pale Hose need to get rid of Jon Garland for some young talent and bring Aaron Rowand back. If Rowand signs with St. Louis or another team, trade Konerko and bring in Torii Hunter. Hunter would add energy, excitement and leadership to the team.
I’ll admit that I don’t know a lot about the Sox and their farm team. But there is going to be a lack of quality starting pitching this offseason, and the Sox will need to either sign a bunch of mediocre arms or trade some of the more expensive talent for young pitching.
I think the Angels and possibly even the Royals would love to have Konerko. He fits a need for each team and the Angels would be able to parlay Konerko into an excuse for not signing another big bat for the umpteenth consectutive offseason.
But what do I care? When my Red Sawx take the Series, I’ll be on cloud nine for the second time in four years.
- Veeck as in Wreck - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 11:59 am:
David Eckstein is not the answer for the Sox! I would rather have Hunter or Rowand than Andruw Jones (homerun or strikeout, comparable on defense) at center. Go after Miguel Tejada for SS. Keep Crede at third, Fields in Left, Dye in Right. Try and get Iguchi back to play 2nd. Pick up some good middle relief.
Kenny definitely has his hands full. Do not trade Pauly.
How about the Cards? They’re falling into that same mediocre range with the Sox. They’re stuck with declining Edmonds at 10mm and Rolen may never be fully healthy. At 12mm per through 2010 Rolen is probably untradeable. With Carpenter out until at least July and Mulder being shaky they need starting pitching badly. They should use Chris Duncan as a trading chip. He’s cheap and provides power, but is a natural 1B/DH who is out of place in LF. Since the free agent pitching market is thin they should trade him to an AL team for a competent starter. Let Eckstein walk and go after Rowand.
I think Alex Rodriguez will land with the Angels.
- lake county democrat - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 1:03 pm:
Sox could be much improved (a leadoff hitter would completely transform their offense and the relief pitching can’t help but improve), but with Detroit and Cleveland in the division it’ll be tough making the playoffs.
A few years ago in March I bought 3 Sox caps at Wal-Mart for 5 bucks apiece - that year they won it all. Next March I’m buying 3 more, and due to their recent season, I’ll probably get them for the same price. Good news coming to Chicago….
If the Sox can go back to playing the aggressive, unselfish brand of baseball that puts pressure on opposing pitchers and the defense, they will be in the hunt next season. That’s a big IF, however, if they do not add some speed to their lineup during the offseason.
They could also use two pitchers for the bullpen. Hopefully Ken Williams will end his love affair with power types and bring in a couple who can throw strikes and get batters out.
As for the Cubs, Mr. Zell and the Tribune need to start getting serious about the sale of the team. The new owners deserve the chance to put together a team in their image.
Interestingly, I was talking to a business associate from New York today. He said the hot topic in the media there is the possible return of Lou Piniella to manage the Yankees. The Cubs may be looking for a new field boss if that happens.
More importantly, our Governor will have to look for someone else he could channel when making those important decisions of his.
Everybody on the Sox had career years in 2005 — and career lows in 2007. Next year would be better if the Sox did nothing.
But there are things to do: Much as I like Hunter or Rowand, we have a nice outfield — and that’s assuming we get rid of Podsednik. I like Owens. If there’s a free agent or other available star at short, that’s where to put the money this year — get rid of Uribe.
Now: Is Crede going to recover? With Scott Boras as his agent does it make any difference? Fields put up some impressive numbers for a rookie — we just have to find out where he’s going to play. (Maybe we can go for Hunter or Rowand after all if Fields is going to stay at 3rd….)
We may have a fearsome 3-4-5 with Thome, Konerko and Dye… but they are s…l…o…w. They turn doubles into singles. We can live with that… if we get decent speed elsewhere in the lineup (which is another reason to get rid of Uribe — what was he — 0 for 2007 in stolen bases?)
GA Watcher - I had not heard those Piniella rumors, but as a Cubs fan, I wouldn’t be all too sad. I personally had hoped they would go with Girardi as a manager last year and swore off the Cubs when they picked sweet Lou. (Though their off season spending spree bought them back into my heart)
I have always felt manager for the most part bear too much importance. Especially in baseball where there is much less difference from one to another. I must admit though, Lou wasn’t as bad as I thought. I just recall during last years playoffs when he was an announcer he sounded like a drunken retarded sailor. More slurs than a jazz trombonist!
Sad to see so little Cubs talk. Though it seems that most of the Sox fans are pretty unhappy with the current players.
How about them Rockies last night? Maybe once they demolish the D-Backs we can quit hearing about how awesome they are!
Archer Daniels Midland buys Cubs.
Moves team to Decatur.
Builds Decatur ballpark (with corporate funds).
People come from all over to get a whiff of the new Cubs.
North siders shift their allegiance to the Sox.
Sox players are buoyed by their newfound fans.
Sox shine as the only game in town.
South Side finds out what they’ve been missing.
- Robbie - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 9:53 am:
I can’t really see the White Sox doing bad again next year. They might not win the World Series, but its hard to see a team with as much talent as it has playing last place baseball for a 2nd year. Not being a Sox fan, I don’t know what off season moves might actually benefit them, but they seem to have competent management.
As far as the Cubs, its really kind of open in my opinion. There’s really no one position that begs for an upgrade. As long as Soto can produce as a catcher, that will suit them fine. Personally I see the whole infield as set. In the outfield, it would be great if Pie could finally become an everyday player. I can’t remember if Jones contract is up this year, but personally I would keep him. I have always been a big fan of his, and don’t understand why Cubs fans dog him so much. The starting pitching was decent. Though a lot of the guys struggled down the stretch. I think a lot of that can be remedied by experience of pitching 200+ major league innings. Though Marquis might just not have a big enough gas tank to make it through a whole season. He seems to slow down at the end every year. Long story short, I am hoping that this years experience will allow the young pitchers to be better next year. The bullpen is always a crap shoot unless you have guys named Trevor Hoffman or Mariano Rivera. I have never really saw Dempster as a fear inspiring closer, but he gets the job done most of the time. Marmol and Wood looked good for the most part. Eyre recovered from a terrible first month or two and pitched well. Personally, Howry scares me every time he comes in. I think overall the bullpen is OK though as with any position, if they want to spend big bucks to bring in a top notch player, I am sure it won’t hurt.
The biggest factor will be the sale of the team. I don’t think that impacts the players as much, but certainly management as they try and build a team for the next season and beyond.
- Ravenswood Right Winger - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 9:54 am:
As for my White Sox-problem is that this team consists of players who are either too old or too young. They are a poor hitting team and while I don’t think 2008 will be as bad as 2007, I don’t see them winning the division either. Kenny Williams must go. Great job trading Chris Young to Arizona!!!
- GoBearsss - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 9:56 am:
If the Red Sox got bleached, and became the White Sox, there might actually be talent on a White Sox team next year.
In all seriousness, I don’t think they will have a worst-to-first turnaround like the Cubs, though. There just isn’t a talent base, or a drive, to do it.
- R.A. - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 9:57 am:
The Sox need to break-up their glut of power-hitting, slow-footed hitters and drastically improve the top of their batting order. Here’s how: Trade Konerko to the Angels for Chone Figgins (and one of their solid relief pitchers,) and sign free agent David Eckstein.
Figgins and Eckstein at the top of the order will enable the Sox to manufacture runs the way they did in ‘05 when Podsednik was healthy. And Figgins will give them an insurance policy against Crede because he can play third. Here’s how the line-up could look:
Figgins RF
Eckstein SS
Dye 1B
Thome DH
Crede 3B
A.J. C
Rowand CF
Fields LF
Richar/Ozuna 2B
With Konerko’s salary gone, they can add Rowand too without drastically raising the payroll. Of course, if they are willing to run the payroll up to 115 -120 mil, Torii Hunter would be better than Rowand.
- Independent - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 10:12 am:
The AL Central is an exceptionally tough division, the polar opposite of the NL Central. The Indians won 96 and the Tigers 88 but still finished six games out of the wildcard. The Twins could come back in ‘08, too. I see the Sox winning in the mid 80s next year. Not bad, but still far from the playoffs.
- babs - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 10:17 am:
Cubs hire G-Rod and the Sox hire MJM. There would be two really mad teams. Let’s really have at it.
- Leigh - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 10:22 am:
Get rid of Konerko? No way. Dye at first base? He is awesome in right field. Pitching is the issue. Other than Buerhle and Jenks it is all up for grabs. Is Crede going to be able to come back at the level he was in ‘05?
- R.A. - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 10:57 am:
Leigh, I love Konerko too, but you have to trade something to get something. Besides, getting sentimentally attached to players is so Cubbie. I have season tickets in Right Field and can report Dye’s defense has steadily declined — he gets poor jumps and is often handcuffed by balls hit directly in front of him. Besides, he’s injury-prone and playing 1B should keep him healthy.
And while the Sox’ pitching is anything but great (especially in the bullpen,) their offense is much worse. They finished last in the AL in runs scored and last in all of baseball in batting average — and that’s in a hitter friendly ballpark. Only Thome hit over .270! This ain’t 1968, you have to hit to contend in the AL. Besides, their stronger 1 - 3 in the rotation than 80 percent of the League, the bullpen settled somewhat late in the season, and the few promising prospects they have are pitchers. That’s why Kenny needs to concentrate on offense this winter.
- so-called "Austin Mayor" - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 10:58 am:
A Sox rebound? Compared to what?
Compared to their performance this year? Probably. Compared to other teams in the race for the division championship? Maybe not.
The AL Central is deep and strong enough that even if the Sox do step-up their game next season, it still might not be enough.
The Cubs’ post-season proved that a team’s divisional venue is just as important as the action on the field.
– SCAM
- Levois - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 11:25 am:
New ownership for the Cubs, that may not be the only thing but it’ll go a long way to killing the goat.
- Rich Miller - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 11:26 am:
Levois, the goat died years ago. The losing ways will never die.
- unbiased - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 11:35 am:
Look for detroit to continue its slide back into mediocrity. Their pitching staff looks like they may be injury prone, and Kenny Rogers isn’t getting any younger.
If Cleveland makes the World Series this year, look for them to resemble the White Sox in 2006, and Tigers in 2007. Completely burnt out during the stretch run.
Minnesota looks weaker on paper, and may be completely done if Santana continues with his trade demands.
Look for the White Sox starting pitchers to stay strong, with or without Jon Garland. Kenny needs to upgrade the Bullpen, Center Field and Shortstop. Hopefully Crede comes back healthy and Josh Fields is the real deal.
In other words, I think that the AL Central is up for grabs, and the White Sox definately have an outside shot of making a run.
- Team Sleep - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 11:52 am:
The Pale Hose need to get rid of Jon Garland for some young talent and bring Aaron Rowand back. If Rowand signs with St. Louis or another team, trade Konerko and bring in Torii Hunter. Hunter would add energy, excitement and leadership to the team.
I’ll admit that I don’t know a lot about the Sox and their farm team. But there is going to be a lack of quality starting pitching this offseason, and the Sox will need to either sign a bunch of mediocre arms or trade some of the more expensive talent for young pitching.
I think the Angels and possibly even the Royals would love to have Konerko. He fits a need for each team and the Angels would be able to parlay Konerko into an excuse for not signing another big bat for the umpteenth consectutive offseason.
But what do I care? When my Red Sawx take the Series, I’ll be on cloud nine for the second time in four years.
- Veeck as in Wreck - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 11:59 am:
David Eckstein is not the answer for the Sox! I would rather have Hunter or Rowand than Andruw Jones (homerun or strikeout, comparable on defense) at center. Go after Miguel Tejada for SS. Keep Crede at third, Fields in Left, Dye in Right. Try and get Iguchi back to play 2nd. Pick up some good middle relief.
Kenny definitely has his hands full. Do not trade Pauly.
- Independent - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 12:38 pm:
How about the Cards? They’re falling into that same mediocre range with the Sox. They’re stuck with declining Edmonds at 10mm and Rolen may never be fully healthy. At 12mm per through 2010 Rolen is probably untradeable. With Carpenter out until at least July and Mulder being shaky they need starting pitching badly. They should use Chris Duncan as a trading chip. He’s cheap and provides power, but is a natural 1B/DH who is out of place in LF. Since the free agent pitching market is thin they should trade him to an AL team for a competent starter. Let Eckstein walk and go after Rowand.
I think Alex Rodriguez will land with the Angels.
- lake county democrat - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 1:03 pm:
Sox could be much improved (a leadoff hitter would completely transform their offense and the relief pitching can’t help but improve), but with Detroit and Cleveland in the division it’ll be tough making the playoffs.
- Go Sox - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 1:09 pm:
A few years ago in March I bought 3 Sox caps at Wal-Mart for 5 bucks apiece - that year they won it all. Next March I’m buying 3 more, and due to their recent season, I’ll probably get them for the same price. Good news coming to Chicago….
- GA Watcher - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 1:31 pm:
If the Sox can go back to playing the aggressive, unselfish brand of baseball that puts pressure on opposing pitchers and the defense, they will be in the hunt next season. That’s a big IF, however, if they do not add some speed to their lineup during the offseason.
They could also use two pitchers for the bullpen. Hopefully Ken Williams will end his love affair with power types and bring in a couple who can throw strikes and get batters out.
As for the Cubs, Mr. Zell and the Tribune need to start getting serious about the sale of the team. The new owners deserve the chance to put together a team in their image.
Interestingly, I was talking to a business associate from New York today. He said the hot topic in the media there is the possible return of Lou Piniella to manage the Yankees. The Cubs may be looking for a new field boss if that happens.
More importantly, our Governor will have to look for someone else he could channel when making those important decisions of his.
- The Curmudgeon - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 3:12 pm:
Everybody on the Sox had career years in 2005 — and career lows in 2007. Next year would be better if the Sox did nothing.
But there are things to do: Much as I like Hunter or Rowand, we have a nice outfield — and that’s assuming we get rid of Podsednik. I like Owens. If there’s a free agent or other available star at short, that’s where to put the money this year — get rid of Uribe.
Now: Is Crede going to recover? With Scott Boras as his agent does it make any difference? Fields put up some impressive numbers for a rookie — we just have to find out where he’s going to play. (Maybe we can go for Hunter or Rowand after all if Fields is going to stay at 3rd….)
We may have a fearsome 3-4-5 with Thome, Konerko and Dye… but they are s…l…o…w. They turn doubles into singles. We can live with that… if we get decent speed elsewhere in the lineup (which is another reason to get rid of Uribe — what was he — 0 for 2007 in stolen bases?)
But it’s going to be OK next year. I hope.
- Robbie - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 3:12 pm:
GA Watcher - I had not heard those Piniella rumors, but as a Cubs fan, I wouldn’t be all too sad. I personally had hoped they would go with Girardi as a manager last year and swore off the Cubs when they picked sweet Lou. (Though their off season spending spree bought them back into my heart)
I have always felt manager for the most part bear too much importance. Especially in baseball where there is much less difference from one to another. I must admit though, Lou wasn’t as bad as I thought. I just recall during last years playoffs when he was an announcer he sounded like a drunken retarded sailor. More slurs than a jazz trombonist!
Sad to see so little Cubs talk. Though it seems that most of the Sox fans are pretty unhappy with the current players.
How about them Rockies last night? Maybe once they demolish the D-Backs we can quit hearing about how awesome they are!
- Marie - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 4:30 pm:
Archer Daniels Midland buys Cubs.
Moves team to Decatur.
Builds Decatur ballpark (with corporate funds).
People come from all over to get a whiff of the new Cubs.
North siders shift their allegiance to the Sox.
Sox players are buoyed by their newfound fans.
Sox shine as the only game in town.
South Side finds out what they’ve been missing.
Cubs and Sox meet in the World Series.
- Wumpus - Friday, Oct 12, 07 @ 4:48 pm:
THeriiot at leadoff, Lee at #2 if he won’t hit for pwower, Soriano, Ramirez, Soto, Jones, Floyd/Murton, DeRosa Pitcher.
Sox need to stay healthy, lose Uribe, get soem bullpen help.