(late) Lunch time chatter edition 60

[Kingdom]

This week we witnessed the acquisition of outfielder Alexis Rios, via the always conventional waiver wire. The Toronto Blue Jays did not receive any players, just 60 million in cap relief. We quickly judge Toronto for this move, but in hindsight, they've cut a considerable amount of money by doing this as well as trading Scotty Rolen last month. They're going no where and it was pretty obvious they weren't getting talent for Rios, you can't really deny it's not a bad move. And as Saber pointed out in smarmy fashion, hey they have money to resign Roy Halladay!

So well with today's chatter, the other team involved, the Chicago Whitesox land a 20 something outfielder who has shown some power, some speed, and some capability of defending in the outfield here and there. Right away, you realize they have a productive outfield as is, Carlos Quentin back with the re-animation of Scott Podsednik and Jermaine Dye. But it's also worth pointing out that Dye, Podsednik and Jim Thome will be free agents, Quentin just came back from injury and Dye could always use a day off. Point is, you picked up a platoon/4th outfielder that's better than most platoon/4th outfielders. He could start for any outfielder on any given day. But next season, he's a candidate to start full time again.

Are the white sox really preparing for a run in 2010? They acquired Jake Peavy, who may start again this season but you don't figure he's going to be 100% until next season begins. Rios won't be a full time starter unless someone goes down, but next season, do you think Dewayne Wise is going to be in his way of a starting position? So as is, the white sox are still in contention to win the A.L. central and they very well could win it, let's face it, Detroit has issues (ever tried to watch Zumaya and Rodney this season close out a game?). Minnesota has issues (losing Slowey hurt). But it's not likely the white sox would be a world series contender, even with Peavy back. It's not unpossible by any means, but what about next season? Evolution of John Danks, a new year for Alexis Ramirez and Alexis Rios, Jake Peavy healthy, and experience gained for Gordon Beckham and Brent Lillibridge. Sure they compete now, but the way things are shaping up, the white sox might be the band wagon pick of 2010.

[Dam8610]

Are the white sox really preparing for a run in 2010? They acquired Jake Peavy, who may start again this season but you don't figure he's going to be 100% until next season begins. Rios won't be a full time starter unless someone goes down, but next season, do you think Dewayne Wise is going to be in his way of a starting position? So as is, the white sox are still in contention to win the A.L. central and they very well could win it, let's face it, Detroit has issues (ever tried to watch Zumaya and Rodney this season close out a game?). Minnesota has issues (losing Slowey hurt). But it's not likely the white sox would be a world series contender, even with Peavy back. It's not unpossible by any means, but what about next season? Evolution of John Danks, a new year for Alexis Ramirez and Alexis Rios, Jake Peavy healthy, and experience gained for Gordon Beckham and Brent Lillibridge. Sure they compete now, but the way things are shaping up, the white sox might be the band wagon pick of 2010.

Yes, yes, yes, that is EXACTLY what the Sox are doing. Next year (as well as a few years after), the White Sox will have the services of Jake Peavy, Mark Buehrle, John Danks, and Gavin Floyd in their starting rotation, with the 5th starter likely being a potential ROY candidate in Dan Hudson (who has pretty much lit up every level he's faced this year including producing a 1.60 ERA and a sub 1 WHIP in AA). By the start of next season, Gordon Beckham will be well acclimated to ML pitching, hopefully Carlos Quentin can find a way past the nagging injuries and return to 2008 MVP candidate form, Rios will be an excellent candidate to start in CF while Jordan Danks continues his development, or RF for Dye, who could still be brought back to DH as his bat is not the problem, then you have the possibility of Tyler Flowers being ready (a strong possibility since he's spent about 2 months in AAA), Konerko and Ramirez should provide some lineup stability, and if Getz can improve his numbers at the plate, he's an all-around solid starter at 2B. The Sox have $40 million coming off the books at the end of the season. considering they added Peavy and Rios, it's fair to assume about $24 million of that has been used, meaning the White Sox have $16 million to spend to find a OF (could be Podsednik or Dye), a DH (could be Dye), and maybe some bullpen help, all while remaining at the same payroll level. If those holes can be filled, 2010 could be a very good year on the South Side. That said, I wouldn't count the Sox out for 2009.

[catman]

It appears to me that the Sox are trying to talk Buehrle out of retiring when his current deal is over (he's talked about doing so). They are trying to put the pieces in place to get him another ring, and I applaud their efforts.
Frankly, I'd rather see Rios in right and have the Sox find another CF (Marlon Byrd or Gary Matthews, Jr might be available). This would allow the team to have a bit more athleticism in their outfield. Another option is to put Wise in center and Rios in right and get another couple of arms for their bullpen.