Sorting through the Sox Drawer<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />....
Soxman’s White Sox Whims ....
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In addition to posting answers to my mailbag, I figure I’d try to quench diehard fans undying thirst for the White Sox 411 by posting a blog discussing the latest hot stove boiling and baking’s. ....
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Most of you who have written to me during my sabbatical have expressed concern that our roster is no better than a 3rd or 4th place team in the AL Central as the Tigers and Indians have made good additions to their rosters and you can NEVER count out the Minnesota Twins.....
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My opinion? It’s too early to tell because the MLB Holiday clearance sale is yet to begin. You know, the time of year where spring training is about to begin and the music in the game of free agent musical chairs slowly starts to fade, forcing players to scurry for a seat. For thrifty GMs like Kenny Williams? It’s the equivalent of most stores 50 to 75% off Christmas clearance sales.....
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Over arching props go out to all MLB teams with the exception of the New York Yankees. Whether by intention or chance, it is awesome to see so many Scott Boras clients unsigned. Read into it what you will, but how many times do you get stung by a bee before you stop trying to get the honey directly from the hive?....
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Have I set a new blog record for analogies yet? ....
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Ok now for the rumors:....
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Jermaine Dye and Aaron Poreda to the Texas Rangers for Michael Young and cash.
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As a pure Bridgeport Soxpranno would say: “Fo Get A bout It.”....
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Williams policy that he will listen to any offer for any player generates more tasteful and romantic fantasy than teenage girls have had brooding over Edward in Twilight (if you don’t get the analogy, you likely are not female or know any female with a pulse between the ages of 13-28).
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The bottom line: Would Williams free $35 million in payroll to take on $60 million and give up his top-pitching prospect for an aging shortstop, who batted 16 points below his lifetime average and got on base 7% less in 2008? ....
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Well he did say he wanted to “go young.”
As the Rangers have a need at third base, perhaps Josh Fields would make more sense if they were desperate to appease Young’s wishes? It just does not fit the Kenny plan to me. When I find out what the Kenny plan is, I’ll let you know.
..Was this what Kenny Williams meant by wanting to "go young" in 2009?..
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Jermaine Dye to the Angles for Chone Figgins....
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Six points why this makes sense:....
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1. The Angels and the White Sox have had a history of trading free agents to be.....
2. Kenny Williams never gives up on a fantasy even if it takes a few years to happen (Ken Griffey Jr., Darin Erstad), and he’s had a man-crush on Figgins since 2006.....
3. Despite having a crowded outfield, the Angles want protection for Vlad Guerrero. Dye could answer that call, although a position change might be in order.....
4. Figgins has no position if the Angles are committed to giving top-prospect Brandon Wood the full-time job at third base.....
5. Figgins solves the Sox leadoff and speed needs, allowing Jerry Owens and Brian Anderson to further develop at a more comfortable 9-hole.....
6. Figgins adds tremendous versatility as he can play 2B, SS, 3B, LF, CF, RF, giving the Sox 3-4 players capable of playing multiple positions, which bodes well in the event rookies falter or sophomores slump.
Is it me or does JD's name appear to be coming up a lot lately?
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..Figgins would bring the bunt back to the south side. Ozzie Ball anyone?..
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The Sox negotiating with Jon Garland and Freddy Garcia....
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Bottom Line: We need starting pitching insurance.....
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Reality? Either player returning to the South side would create some level of excitement for any Sox fan that remembers 2005. ....
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Still, Garland’s likely salary demands would limit the likelihood of his return unless he were to offer a substantial discount. I think Garland is more likely to end up on the LA Dodgers.....
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Freddy Garcia? Now there is a possibility. First, he’s family with Ozzie Guillen. Second, Garcia would be a classic reclamation, low-cost Williams like signing. He offers a veteran presence, yet opportunity for the youngsters to compete as he’s an injury risk.
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Could Sweaty Freddy return the Southside? ....
Nick Swisher....
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Sure he’s not with the White Sox anymore, but isn’t it amazing how much interest he’s drawing from other teams even though he was sliced from the Sox plans faster than “the worm” was removed from the teams 2009 advertising plans?....
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Yes, “no market for Swisher” appears accurate if you count the Braves, Brewers, Pirates, Padres, and Nationals all salivating over him. Good luck Dirty 30.
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Spring Training Invites....
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The White Sox released their initial list if invitees to spring training today and announced a few minor league signings.....
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Aaron Poreda and 2008 first-round pick Gordon Beckem lead the list.....
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Poreda who posted a 2.69 ERA in 39 minor league games (207 IP) games is favored to challenge Clayton Richard and Jeff Marquez for a spot in the rotation, or a long relief role. ....
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While Beckham hit .394 in the Arizona Fall League, he’s likely 1-2 years away from the majors and really without a position at this point.....
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In the Cactus league, we’ll also get a chance to see catcher Tyler Flowers, the key return in the Javy Vasquez trade develop, and likely be shipped to AAA as Jim Thome or Paul Konerko’s heir apparent until he’s ready to bloom. ....
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Thirteen other players agreed to Minor League deals with the White Sox and received non-roster invites. They are infielders Javier Castillo, Bryan Myrow, Sergio Santos and Eider Torres, catchers Corky Miller and Chris Stewart, outfielders Josh Kroeger and Michael Restovich, right-handed pitchers Ryan Braun, Franklyn German, Brad Salmon and Jon Van Benschoten and left-handed pitcher Randy Williams. ....
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Most of these players will be injury insurance at AAA. However, as Toby Hall’s option was declined in the off-season, there will be a wide-open back-up catcher slot open, that will likely come down to Corky Miller and Chris Stewart. ....
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However, don’t count out rookie Cole Armstrong, who emerged at AAA last year, batting .275, 2HR, 17 RBI in 138 Abs.....
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The only other real names of interest out of this list are Franklin German and Michael Restovich.....
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German has a Roberto Hernandez type build, and was once believed to be Detroit’s future closer. He has a career ERA of 4.25.....
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Restovich is a journeyman utility player, who saw his best years with the Minnesota Twins.....
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Well, I hope you found this stimulating, cause I’m out of time. Until next time, don’t stop believing in your Sox, and may your swagger be better than the Rock’s.
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Much Respect,....
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SM ....