Chicago White Sox 2008/2009 Offseason Thread

[Jestor]

Just off the top of my head, I'd say we could use one more SP so we can throw Javier Vazquez's ass out. We also need more bullpen help for sure. Bobby can't do it all himself.

In terms of the lineup, who do we have at 2B since it appears Alexei Ramirez is shifting to SS once Cabrera goes bye bye?

Just some real quick thoughts off the top of my head. Feel free to chime in with other insights that are probably better than mine.

[Unoriginal Name]

I don't know how they would be able to get rid of the old slow guys but I would gladly give up some homeruns to see a team that could actually take more than one base at a time.

As far as second base...what about Getz? I guess it depends on how his wrist heals. I don't know too much about him but is he a viable candidate?

[Goodsox]

Originally Posted by Unoriginal Name

I don't know how they would be able to get rid of the old slow guys but I would gladly give up some homeruns to see a team that could actually take more than one base at a time.

As far as second base...what about Getz? I guess it depends on how his wrist heals. I don't know too much about him but is he a viable candidate?

Yes, Getz will most likely play second next year. I remember Williams talking about that earlier this year. He should be a good player and it was a shame he got hurt this year when he had a chance.

[Unoriginal Name]

I heard on the radio the other day they are thinking of switching Beckham to third base. Does this mean Fields is going to join Crede as third basemen who are done with our team?

[Goodsox]

Originally Posted by Unoriginal Name

I heard on the radio the other day they are thinking of switching Beckham to third base. Does this mean Fields is going to join Crede as third basemen who are done with our team?

Unless they are looking long term and thinking of using Fields as a DH or 1B in the event that Thome or Konerko are gone.

[bear]

Originally Posted by Goodsox

Yes, Getz will most likely play second next year. I remember Williams talking about that earlier this year. He should be a good player and it was a shame he got hurt this year when he had a chance.

A bit of an unknown especially since the broken wrist took away playing time. (Like that fact that he didn't realize it was broken for several days.) Had heard him compared to the Twin piranah type of players.

[bear]

I think they will seriously pursue Figgins this off season to fill the third base hole and pick up some speed with one move.

[eriqjaffe]

Thus endeth the Dewon Day era, as he was claimed by the Red Sox, who proceeded to not win the pennant. COINCIDENCE? I THINK SO!

Best.eulogy.ever.

Also, the Sox outrighted LHP Andrew Sisco, INF Jason Bourgeois, C Paul Phillips and C Donny Lucy to Charlotte. Lucy is the only one who didn't opt for free agency instead of accepting the assignment. Lucy may become more important if the Sox don't excercise their $2.25M option on Toby Hall. Other than that, no great shakes, although I'd rather Bourgeios stayed around. Not only does his name roll off the tongue, but he'd have been a nice utility infielder insurance policy. But them's the breaks.

[eriqjaffe]

The Sox have signed Jayson Nix to a minor-league deal. Essentially, he becomes the new Jason Bourgeois, although his name isn't quite as fun to say.

Also, SI is reporting that Griffey won't be back.

While Griffey played well enough to keep Nick Swisher on the bench for most of the playoffs (that may be more a reflection on Swisher than Griffey), the White Sox seem to have decided they have enough lumbering power hitters already.

[golander40]

I just can't give up on Vazquez--he's got such great "Stuff"---Lots of pitchers have finally learned to "Pitch" later than others.

[bear]

Originally Posted by golander40

I just can't give up on Vazquez--he's got such great "Stuff"---Lots of pitchers have finally learned to "Pitch" later than others.

He suffers from the Bo Rather disease.
Annually he is just one year away from greatness. He has just enough talent to tease us into hoping he'll put it all together for a full season. His act has grown tiresome.

[Goodsox]

Originally Posted by bear

He suffers from the Bo Rather disease.
Annually he is just one year away from greatness. He has just enough talent to tease us into hoping he'll put it all together for a full season. His act has grown tiresome.

Well, his excuse for his inconsistencies in Arizona was that he was too far away from his family. Maybe he should just go home and play ball there

[bear]

Originally Posted by Goodsox

Well, his excuse for his inconsistencies in Arizona was that he was too far away from his family. Maybe he should just go home and play ball there

I've got an empty coffee can I can start putting pocket change in to help collect air fare for him.

[eriqjaffe]

The Griffey era is officially over, and the Sox also declined their option on Toby Hall.

linky

[Goodsox]

Is anyone else a little excited about this Jayson Nix signing? He seems to be a very versatile player with good potential. Given KW's history with players like this, I am hoping he comes here and lives up to it

Also, I hope this is the end of the Uribe era finally. He did a very respectable job at third this year, but I am glad to see him file for free agency. I just can't watch him at the plate anymore. I'm kind of surprised at the buyout of Toby Hall. He did a good job behind AJ and I'm not sure there is anything better at AAA.

[bear]

Originally Posted by Goodsox

Is anyone else a little excited about this Jayson Nix signing? He seems to be a very versatile player with good potential. Given KW's history with players like this, I am hoping he comes here and lives up to it

Also, I hope this is the end of the Uribe era finally. He did a very respectable job at third this year, but I am glad to see him file for free agency. I just can't watch him at the plate anymore. I'm kind of surprised at the buyout of Toby Hall. He did a good job behind AJ and I'm not sure there is anything better at AAA.

I think they just want to re-work Hall's deal. or try to, over the next two weeks. They outrighted one of their catching prospects.
I've been tired of Uribe for a while, but have to admit he shocked me filling in at 3rd when Crede went down.

I still see them targetting Figgins. Solves third base and lead off needs with one guy.

[eriqjaffe]

Originally Posted by Goodsox

Also, I hope this is the end of the Uribe era finally. He did a very respectable job at third this year, but I am glad to see him file for free agency.

I have to admit, I was a bit surprised to see that he had filed. I have zero problems with him as a utility / injury fill-in guy. Ah, well. The third base job is going to wind up being Josh Fields' by attrition.

[eriqjaffe]

The overhaul of the Sox farm system continues.

Sweeping changes in White Sox's minor league system | Hardball

The major moves - new managers all around! Chris Chambliss (AAA Charlotte), Ever Magallanes (AA Birmingham), Joe McEwing (A Winston-Salem), and Ernie Young (A Kannapolis). Chris Cron, however, keeps his job at class A Great Falls (GF won the Pioneer League title, mind you).

Ron Oester replaces Manny Trillo as the infield instructor, and Manny Trillo shifts from that job to the bunting/baserunning instructor.

For the record, I had no idea the Sox employed Manny Trillo.

Now, if only these guys had some talent to work with down there...ah, well.

[Goodsox]

There are rumors the Mets are interested in Vazquez! Please take him!!!! If I were Kenny, I would just give him to the Mets. Poreda is doing fantastic in the Fall League and might be ready to make the rotation next year.

[eriqjaffe]

Well, history was made today, as a White Sox fan was elected President.



Maybe he can be our fifth starter!