I'm optimistic that 2008 will turn out better than 2007. The 2007 season was marred by nagging and/or freak injuries, career lows and misfortune. All of these created a perfect storm to sink the Sox into a battle for last place. At least that honor still goes to Kansas City, but I suspect not for too much longer. Kenny Williams always seems to have a few tricks up his sleeve. I look for him to address the majority of the clubs needs. A return to speed and defense is high on the list, but bullpen help will probably be #1. A lot of the plans depend on Joe Crede. If he is healthy, they can move Josh Fields into left and say goodbye to the injury prone Podsednik. He's a nice guy and a great player when he's healthy, but too unreliable to be counted on everyday. I think a position player that can steal at least 50 bases and does not have a history of injuries would be a welcome addition. I see either Torii Hunter or Aaron Rowand in center. Which means Brian Anderson will probably be dealt for bullpen help. I see Uribe staying at shortstop, unless the Sox can get a shortstop with more production and adequate defense. There were a couple bright spots in the 2007 season. Mainly Buehrle's no hitter and Thome's 500 home run, but the team lacked that special something that made 2005 such fun. Here's hoping that 2008 sees the Sox going back to the postseason. We all know that if you make it there, it's a brand new season.
I agree. The 2008 season looks promising. I'm a little concerned about the team getting older though. I would like to see more young players on the way up.
I think the minor league system is being completely overhauled right now. That began with the hiring of Buddy Bell as Director of Minor League Instruction. This is the same position he held with the White Sox in the early to mid 90's. He helped develop players such as Magglio Ordonez, Mike Cameron & Ray Durham.
Plus, the battle for pitching spots include John Danks, Charlie Haeger, Gavin Floyd and Lance Broadway. If Haeger and Broadway pan out, the Sox shouldn't have to rely on veterans as much. The basics are there with all four of those pitchers. The trick is getting consistency out of them. I've seen flashes of brilliance with each of them in 2007. I've also seen varying degrees of meltdowns with each of them.
I like the versatility in Andy Gonzalez and Josh Fields. Donny Lucy and Danny Richar only stand to get better the more they play with the Sox. Ehren Wassermann probably secured a spot in the bullpen for next season with his pitching being the lone bright spot for the middle relief in 2007. Who knows where Ryan Sweeney and Jerry Owens will fit in. It depends on what Kenny Williams can get done this off-season. There's enough young players on this team that I think "The Kids Can Play" slogan means more to the 2007 team than it did the 2000 squad.
Man id love to see tori Hunter in center robbing homers from other than Jim Thome. I really think the White Sox will be a lot better next season, with young promising players like richar, fields, owens, broadway and others. If they can solidify the bullpen, believe me this team can be very dangerous. Solid starting pitching and defense and a balance offense between veterans and youngster, will spell success for the white sox this upcoming season.
)
)
