FanPost

Am I the Only One Still Worried?

Everyone is saying the White Sox are all in with the acquisitions of Jeff Samardzija, David Robertson, Zach Duke, Dan Jennings, Adam LaRoche, et al. Are they better than they were last season? Absolutely. But even with a great One-Two punch at the top and three shiny new arms in the bullpen, I still see some glaring needs that don't fill me with a great deal of hope.

Let's look at the potential line up we may be seeing come opening day.

Adam Eaton (CF)

Alexei Ramirez (SS)

Jose Abreu (1B/DH)

Adam LaRoche (DH/1B)

Avisail Garcia (RF)

Dayan Viciedo (LF)

Conor Gillaspe / Matt Davidson (3B)

Carlos Sanchez / Micah Johnson (2B)

Tyler Flowers /Rob Brantley (C)

Does anyone else see a problem with the bottom third of that line up? Last I heard the Sox were looking at Gillaspe as the starter, which means that Davidson hasn't developed into the credible threat they thought he'd be after 2013. And Johnson's defense is not polished enough for the bigs, from what I've heard. For a team that just traded a bunch of players to get a one year rental on the Shark, doesn't it seem like an awful big risk to bank on unproven prospects and under-performers carrying the bottom third? When you factor in that Viciedo has failed to develop into what the Sox thought he could become, the bottom four guys are not really ready for a playoff push.

Is it too much to hope for another free agent signing at one of the bases? Maybe a trade for a veteran with a one year deal that could take some of the x's out of the equation? The push to compete shocked me this week, I will freely admit. I thought we were a year or two away from talking playoffs, but obviously Hahn has other ideas, and more power to him. But we can't win the race with a top of the line engine, three new tires and a donut spare as the fourth wheel, and that's what I see right now.

I'd have said sign Chase Headley twenty minutes ago, but I'm hearing now he's going to the Yankees (I have yet to be able to confirm that, however). Do we have the expendable pieces to trade for a decent middle of the order 2B or 3B without returning the farm system to it's barren state of the late 2000's? Would trading for Chase Utley be a terrible move (I don't know what's left on his contract)? I think the Phillies would be eager to be free of his salary, and shouldn't expect the farm for him at his age. I just don't see this lineup producing the runs (or playing the defense) to support the pitching staff.

My suggestions for a few choices to give the Sox a better chance in 2015:

A. Sign Chase Headley to play 3B. He's the biggest name out there, and can squeeze nicely into the middle of the lineup. His power would play GREAT at the Cell.

or

B. Trade a few prospects (within reason) for Chase Utley. He'd be a solid contributor, and could hit second, letting Alexei Ramirez move down to six.

or

C. Bring in someone, ANYONE, who will push Tyler Flowers. Everyone and their mother knows Flowers will be the starter this year, including Flowers, but if there is a veteran catcher who can put a little pressure on him, maybe he'll begin to live up to his potential that made him so prized in Atlanta.

or

D. Trade Viciedo to the Mariners for Dustin Ackley, just to see if they'd do it. I believe Ackley could still be a decent player, and even a decent 2B if he had the environment, and if the Mariners are interested in Viciedo, the Sox should jump on that. The Sox would need to sign another left fielder, though, so...

D1. Sign a free agent LF for a one or two year deal (de Aza's return?)

Any of these options would make the Sox better than they are at this moment.

What would YOU do?

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