Chicago White Sox

Last season’s club very much underachieved, as the White Sox collapsed in the second half of the season and went from Wild Card leaders to left out of the playoffs.  The White Sox did little to improve the team and seemed to be entering a rebuilding mode, as Kenny Williams has traded Freddy Garcia and Brandon McCarthy in exchange for prospects, hoping to protect against the rising market of starting pitching.  This decision will make or break his career in Chicago, as if the prospects all bust or are nothing less than solid starters, Williams will be blamed to dismantling a contending team that could have won another World Series.

Starting Rotation

1. Jose Contreras (RHP) – Contreras was lights out at the beginning of the season, but after the All-Star break, he seemed to have settled back into the form of a solid, but not elite pitcher.  Contreras is on the books for another couple of years and now appears to have shaken off all of the hell and inconsistency that plagued him when he was in New York.
2. Jon Garland (RHP) – Garland was the White Sox’s second half ace and was nothing but dominant.  Garland will likely be the second man in the rotation, where he and Contreras should be a solid one-two punch in the lineup.  Garland’s ability to induce groundballs is also a plus.
3. Mark Buehrle (LHP) – Buehrle has fallen hard in the past years, with the ERA skyrocketing and his win totals and effectiveness beginning to drop as well.  With Buehrle also entering his walk year, it’s also becoming more and more apparent that Williams no longer wants the lefty around, which came out during a snipe-fest during a press conference.  No matter what happens, the White Sox need Buehrle to return to his old self if they want to win.
4. Javier Vasquez (RHP) – So much talent, so little to show for it.  For all of Vasquez talents, he’s below .500 for his career and has been far less than what the White Sox hoped he would be when they acquired him for prospect Chris Young, who would now look great in White Sox pinstripes.  Vasquez is entering the last year of a four year contract signed with the Yankees, so he had better step up if he’s to get another team to give him a shot.
5. Gavin Floyd (RHP) – Obtained in the Freddy Garcia trade, Floyd was a first round pick in 2001 by the Phillies and thrived in the minors.  But upon hitting the majors, Floyd was hit hard and had become persona non grata to the Phillies after a poor 2006 engagement.  Floyd does have quality stuff, as his fastball is good and his breaking balls are fine, but he seems to have no confidence when he struggles.  It’s likely that he could become a serviceable middle of the rotation guy if the White Sox are able to get his confidence back.  With the lack of any solid options in Chicago, Floyd will likely start in the fifth starters role.

Bullpen

• Bobby Jenks (RHP) – Jenks is electric, with his fastball and he’s got one of the better breaking balls in the majors.  His biggest problem is his size, but Jenks has been rumored to have dropped weight in order to improve his durability.  Even if he doesn’t drop pounds, Jenks should be a solid closer again t his year.
• Mike MacDougal (Setup Man) – The foerm Royals closer proved to be a solid bridge to Jenks after the White Sox acquired him.  MacDougal still has that great fastball/slider combination, and as long as he stay’s healthy, the Sox will have a solid eighth-nineth inning combination for another year.  MacDougal can also spot close, in the event Jenk’s gets hurt.
• Matt Thornton (LHP) – Thornton has great velocity for a lefty and should make for a solid 7th inning relief option. 
• Nick Masset (RHP) – A possible closer, Masset has a great fastball that hits in the upper 90’s and a hard curveball that hits the mid 80’s at times.  The downside to Masset is his command comes and goes, though I think the White Sox will be able to get him right.
• David Aardsma (RHP) – Obtained from the Cubs for Neil Cotts, Aardsma also fits in with the new White Sox bullpen plan, as he too is capable of dialing it up in the high 90’s with good movement.  Aardsma, however, may be a one trick pony, as his changeup and slider aren’t great pitches.  If he can refine one of them, he’ll be a steal. 
• Andy Sisco (LHP) – Obtained from the Royals, Sisco struggled with his command and despite his occasions of success, his occasions of failure promoted the Royals to get rid of him.  Sisco is more of a reclamation prospect, as he projects to be a reliever, but it’s a good gamble considering that the White Sox got him for a bench player.

Starting Lineup

1. Tadahito Iguchi (2B) – With Scott Podsednik out for the near future, Iguchi is the best option to lead off, where his speed and plate discipline work well.
2. Rob Mackowiak (LF) –Mackowiak will be the starting left fielder and will be hitting in the second spot until Pods returns from the DL.  Mackowiak is solid enough where he won’t kill you for a short period of time and should provide roughly what Podsednik gave the Sox last season, minus the steals, until Pods returns.
3. Paul Konerko (1B) – Konerko had a solid season, hitting for power, average and playing first base well.  Even better, Konerko now began to get some pitches to see, courtesy of the big bat behind him.
4. Jim Thome (DH) – Thome proved that the White Sox were wise to gamble on him, as he took to being a DH like a duck to water.  Not only did Thome hit for power and production, but he was able to draw his share of the walks and take the pressure off of Paul Konerko, who was under protected in the lineup last year.  Thome should continue to raise hell in the lineup and should easily get to number 500 before the end of the season, adding to a potential Hall of Fame resume.
5. Jermaine Dye (RF) – Dye is entering free agency this season and it doesn’t look like Williams will try to extend him, as Dye is 33 and will likely cash in after a MVP caliber season, with 44 homers and 120 RBI in 146 games.  There's no reason to think he can't have another great year, and already there have been several teams, Texas included, that have expressed interest in Dye if he hits the market.  I think that Williams will give a good faith offer, but Dye is likely history after this year, leaving a huge hole in the lineup that’s not going to be easy to fill.
6. Joe Crede (3B) – Crede is one of the best third baseman in the league, but it’s clear that the White Sox are not really enamored with him, partially because of his agent, Sox Nemesis Scott Boras.  Crede is a solid hitter with power, plus is capable on defense, as he’s got great range, soft hands and an accurate arm.  While many would say it’s a no brainer to lock him up, the Sox also have Josh Fields lurking in the minors and have made it clear that they would rather play him sooner than later.   Hence, Crede’s name is bound to come up at the trade deadline again, unless Fields proves that he’s not ready for the big club yet.
7. A.J. Pierzynski (C) – Pierzynski has always been a fiery competitor, but one thing that’s often overlooked is how well he manages his pitchers.  That’s valuable, no matter how bad he hits.  As for the bat, Pierzynski doesn’t hit for power, but he’s solid enough to be hit around .290 with some power. 
8. Juan Uribe (SS) – Still solid defensively, Uribe’s bat is slowly starting to die and it’s unknown if he’ll be able to contribute anything defensively, thanks to all the issues he’s having off the field.  Williams had actually tried to trade Uribe for Texas shortstop Michael Young this past off-season.  Still no word if the Rangers have stopped laughing. 
9. Brian Anderson (CF) – Time is running out for Anderson to prove himself, as the White Sox are starting to wonder if he’ll be anything more than a fourth outfielder.  A slow start to the year could banish him to the bench.

Bench

• Darin Erstad (INF/OF) – Jim Rome’s Man Crush, Erstad could be a productive player off the bench, but to be honest, he’s been in decline to years and at this point might not be able to contribute much.  He should have accepted a minor league deal with the Angels to retire with the team.
• Toby Hall (C) – Solid defensively, but he’s got a rotten bat to match his attitude.  Can you believe this happy #### wanted the Dodgers to bench Russell Martin in favor of himself?
• Alex Cintron (INF) – Cintron is a capable backup that could take the starting job if Uribe isn’t able to hack it.
• Luis Terreo (OF) – Fourth outfielder will be on the roster until Podsednik is back.
• Pablo Ozuma (INF) – Capable utilityman finishes the bench.

Disabled List

• Scott Podsednik (LF) – Despite the fact that Pods will be back before the end of Spring Training, he will likely be out the first couple of weeks to allow him time to prepare for the season.  Pods was exposed last season, showing that he was merely a average player, not a great one.  He’s got speed and can slap the ball as well as bunt, but he’s far from a sure thing at the top of the lineup.  Unfortunately, there’s a lack of leadoff guys on this team, with Iguchi being a better fit at the two spot, so this team needs him to come back quickly.

Down On The Farm…

• John Danks (LHP) – The White Sox had to import their top prospect from Texas, who acquired the talented young right hander Brandon McCarthy.  The more and more I think about that trade, the more and more I think it was Garland that Williams wanted to move, but Texas was unwilling to give up Danks for a two year pitcher.  Williams then must have then thought about how much he wanted Danks before deciding he had to have him and offering up his youngest pitcher.  Danks has got solid stuff, with a good fastball that clocks in the low 90’s and a filthy curve and a great changeup that give him three great pitches to work with.  The only problem is that Danks is very prone to give up the long ball, but he’s still going to be a very good major league lefty.  Danks’ presence also means that Mark Buehrle is a goner.
• Ryan Sweeney (OF) – Sweeney has good size and good swing, some power potential and a strong arm in the outfield.  He’s got great range and enough speed to which he can play center.  The problem is that he hasn’t shown any of his power potential and is overaggressive at the plate.  Still, Brian Anderson is in the big club at the moment and it looks like the White Sox in the short term will keep him to allow Sweeney more time to develop.
• Charlie Haeger (RHP) – This knuckleballer still has a good shot to become the next Tim Wakefield if only the White Sox would give him a shot.  Unfortunately, he’s on Williams’ #### list and was mentioned in some trade opportunities.  He could get a start here and there, but he’s more than likely going to rot in Triple A.
• Josh Fields (3B) – Fields is a slightly younger and much cheaper version of Joe Crede.  Both are offensive monsters with great power and the ability to hit for average.  However, Fields has a long swing that will result in a lot of strikeouts in the majors, and despite a strong arm, he’s a poor defender.  Still, Fields will be a very good pro and depending on what happens with Joe Crede, he’ll be in the majors sooner or later, whether it’s with the White Sox or not.
• Gio Gonzalez (LHP) – Gonzalez is making his second run with the White Sox, for whom he was a first rounder in 2004.  Gonzalez has good velocity, hitting the mid 90’s and has a hard curveball and a developing changeup as well.  He is a strikeout machine that gets results, but at 5”11”, he’s small for a starter.  That hasn’t stopped some pitchers, but the stigma remains.  It’s likely that Gonzalez will stay at Triple A, where he and Danks should be one of the more talented lefty tandems in the minors, unless Chicago chooses to use him in the bullpen, of which he can do so now.

In Conclusion

Kenny Williams did what he set out to do when he said he wanted to add depth to the system to prepare for the departure of the staff in the future.  Most of the arms have great upside and Danks and Gonzalez should be future stars in the rotation.  The only problem is that none of this helps the White Sox in the short term and with the rotation now thin, and the flaws in the lineup starting to be exposed, plus the rise of the Tigers and Indians, Chicago is going to take a hard fall this year and miss the playoffs again, which may result in many White Sox fans questioning Williams’ judgment and criticizing his lack of action in improving the team.

Final Result:  Third Place in American League East

Tomorrow:  The Rangers Report Returns!!!

On The Block:  Ichiro Suzuki

I feel like causing some discussion today, partially because I'm pissed off about the pathetic events last night in Anahiem.  So, let's do this thang!

Why He’s On The Block: It seems a little hard to believe that Seattle would even dream of trading their superstar, but the possibility isn’t unthinkable.  This winter, we found out that Ichiro is unhappy.  He’s not getting any younger and Ichiro has felt unmotivated as Seattle currently is near the bottom of the American League.  He has stated that he wants to play in a World Series and that judging by Seattle’s roster moves, his current team is nowhere closer to contending.  Seattle has no need to trade him.  But if this continues, Ichiro could continue to get more and more unhappy and the result would be a detriment to the team. 

Asking Price:  High.  Seattle is in no hurry to trade their most valuable asset, but Ichiro would bring in a boatload of young talent or a pair of established talent that would help now.

Negotiable:  No.  Seattle is in no obligation to trade him, but would probably be better off by silently shopping him.  If they really want to go with dumping salary, Ichiro would provide the perfect contract to package with the remainder of Adrian Beltre’s deal.

What He Offers:  Ichiro offers the following:

·          Plus:  Top leadoff hitter in the game.

·          Plus:  An excellent fielder.

·          Plus:  Superstar appeal.

·          Plus:  Can contribute immediately.

·          Plus:  High On Base Percentage

·          Minus: Large contract.

·          Minus:  Is not a young player.

·          Minus:  Not a power hitter

Long Term Future:  Not good.  Ichiro is quietly getting more and more discouraged.  He’s two years into a four million dollar extension, signed in 2004.  However, the Mariners aren’t the same team that they were when he signed in 2004.  He doesn’t have a no trade clause, so he could be shipped anywhere if the price is right.  Again, while the Mariners have no need to trade, if his performance in the WBC results in a increasing desire to go somewhere competitive, he could be trouble. 

He Stay Or Will He Go:  30%-70% on him staying.  However, if the right offer comes along, the Mariners would be stupid not to listen.  But here’s who will make a pitch:

·          Boston Red Sox – 50%.  Boston could make an inquiry about Ichiro if Coco Crisp fails to produce as a lead off hitter.  Ichiro would slide into the leadoff spot with Crisp behind him and the New Millennium’s version of the Bash Brothers (Ramirez and Ortiz) behind him.  They would likely package Trot Nixon along with a couple of promising minor leaguers for him. 

·          New York Yankees – 26%.  The Yankees did discuss a trade with Seattle during the off-season, hoping to move Ichiro to Centerfield.  Even though Damon now patrols center, adding Ichiro would the dual effect of improving the outfield defense and improving the lineup further by allowing Gary Sheffield to move to the DH, a role he prefers.  The problem with this deal is that adding Ichiro would kick Damon from leadoff to eighth.  Also, the Yankees have no prospects on the verge of immediately helping Seattle to make a trade, though if Seattle inquiries about Carl Pavano, I’d be immediately accommodating.

·          New York Mets – 24%.   The Mets could make a run for him if Xavier Nady dies as the left fielder.  They would likely have to part ways with top prospect Lastings Milledge, but Ichiro would make the Mets an instant contender.

End Result – Ichiro will likely stay.  However, Boston could make an inquiry if they suddenly find themselves in the hunt. 

Friday Morning Closer

Here are my thoughts on Major League Baseball this week:

If I were in Beantown, I’d be very very afraid.  Keith Foulke looks good physically, but he’s still walking around getting artifical fluid injected into his knees, Mike Lowell looks like he’s done, but the Red Sox don’t want to move Kevin Youkilis because JT Snow is even worse, plus there is a large backup at second base that doesn’t look like it’s going to be solved anytime soon.  Along with questions about Manny Ramirez’s mood of the week and that Curt Schilling isn’t what he used to be, it looks like the Yankees and the Blue Jays will be fighting it out for the division title this year.  The lone bright spot:  Alex Gonzalez should be lots of fun to watch on the field this year.

I know that Spring Training is meant to be just that, but the Brewers looked really bad when I saw them play. 

How in Gods Name Did Team USA lose the WBC?!?!?!?!   I think the next time this comes around, we really have to evaluate who exactly is the best fit to form a competitive team.  We can just rely on stars to just volunteer and take the field.  We need to make the best fit available, even if it means telling legends like A-Rod or Griffey that they can’t take the field.  Sorry, but a USA Basketball approach needs to be taken on this to ensure that in 2009, the title goes to the United States, where it rightfully belongs.

Still, despite this, The WBC looks like it’ll be a success after all.  Interest is good in the US and high worldwide.  I think this little event will make it after all.

Here’s one more WBC nugget to ponder over:  Now that the action is moving stateside, how many members of the Cuban National Team do you think are planning of defecting?  Is it possible that we could see two players sprint off the field and jump into the stands asking for asylum?

Bobby Jenks has apparently lost 10 mph on his fastball.  10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  How much does Chicago’s chances of repeating drop if their lights out closer isn’t lights out.

Another Barry Bonds book coming out?  At this rate, Rachael Ray from the Food Network will be releasing a book by May.