Kenny's going young

The phrase "going young" in the world of Major League Baseball usually translates into "rebuilding" to fans following that particular team.

Judging by comments made by White Sox general manager Ken Williams to MLB.com on Thursday, White Sox supporters just might have to grow accustomed to that youthful approach in 2009. In the mind of the aggressive White Sox GM, though, this change doesn't mean giving up on the goal he sets every year for his team.

"There's nothing wrong with going young if you are good," Williams said. "If there's one thing that I hope doesn't get lost in translation, it's that we still expect to compete for a championship. We might be doing it to a younger degree, with a team that's more athletic and potentially more exciting."

8 months ago The Wizard Comment 19 comments 0 recs |

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That, and a dollar, will get you a cup of coffee

I have no issue with that plan – I’d actually be happy to see some excitement in the field

Don't look back because we are going forward!

by Brush Back on Oct 30, 2008 9:50 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

this is a bit scary though

As for the search for a leadoff man, that job also might be filled from within in the person of Jerry Owens.

“I had one scout tell me, one who saw a lot of Jerry Owens, that ‘If you didn’t have Owens, you would be out looking for Owens,’” said Williams with a laugh. "We went into last year with Owens slated to be our leadoff guy and only an injury derailed that. It’s not the worst thing if that’s how we end up.

“Al I can say right now is, as I sit here today, that’s what we are looking at,” said Williams, referring to the entire group of young players moving up to greater responsibilities. “In terms of looking elsewhere, there are certainly sexier names, and I mean by that more popular names. But I’m not sure there are better fits.”

The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.

by The Wizard on Oct 30, 2008 10:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't think that qualifies as youth... unless your going by big league play time

Scared me too when I read that – maybe he’s trying to build him up for a trade

Don't look back because we are going forward!

by Brush Back on Oct 30, 2008 10:08 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

KW only has 50 cents; what does that get him?

he's stubborn. and lacks discipline. and i hope he drowns in front of his children. but I’ll have to document all that when I see him next year, assuming he stays here, which he probably will. i don’t wanna be dissin’ without substance.

by larry on Oct 31, 2008 11:06 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

exactly one dollar

two if you’re dealing with jon daniels

although I have to wonder if the Q and Danks vending machine malfunctions have been fixed. but 50 cents still goes a hell of a way with Cuban defects.

by Daniel Berlyn on Oct 31, 2008 8:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and Fields is your starting third baseman

And late Thursday afternoon, Williams confirmed that Alexei Ramirez is moving from second base to shortstop, meaning Orlando Cabrera’s stormy stay on the South Side is over after one year.

In a surprising development, Williams said Josh Fields is going to be the White Sox’ starting third baseman next season.

“When a guy can play, he can play,” Williams said. “Josh Fields can play. He showed the year before (2007) he was ready to play third base in the major leagues. I’m not looking for another third baseman.”

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=246870

The greatest trick the White Sox ever pulled was convincing their fan base that "Ozzieball" ever existed.

by The Wizard on Oct 30, 2008 11:30 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm ready to play CF - was KW watching the same Josh that I saw in 07

Don't look back because we are going forward!

by Brush Back on Oct 31, 2008 9:30 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What was wrong with his 101 OPS+ in almost 400 at-bats?

by CWSKeith on Oct 31, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

aboslutely nothing. What IS wrong is anyone taking KennyGM's comments

seriously. Owens, Fields, younger, older… I think we’ve learned that the proof will be in the pudding, and that the pudding won’t be done until spring training is over. I know that reporters have to fill space/time with ‘news’ and analysis, and that (perhaps) the majority of fans hang on every word as gospel, but SSS knows or should know better.
(Not pointing fingers at anyone, just a generalized comment.)

"God created [Republicans] because He was disappointed in the monkey." -- Mark Twain.

by Chiburb on Oct 31, 2008 11:01 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

aboslutely? what am I, WU? Bally? wtf.

"God created [Republicans] because He was disappointed in the monkey." -- Mark Twain.

by Chiburb on Oct 31, 2008 11:02 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

well, i certainly concur with the above.

but the laudatory comments about getz and fields are encouraging for them, especially considering the rumors (not sure how those got started) that fields was out of favor and likely to be dumped. and it’s been a non-stop gushfest about getz for a few months now from KW and ozzie. as i wrote in my preliminary offseason plan, it’s going to be tough for KW to add the salary necessary to not go with at least one, if not both, of the above.

by larry on Oct 31, 2008 11:10 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs