NWINFan

CaliSox, I don't know how you can guarantee anything, but I hope you're right. The Sox cannot use the excuse of rebuilding to sit on their hands this off season. I don't expect the team to spend megabucks on a stud free agent, but I'd like to see some moves to make this team better right now. The recent play is encouraging, but the club will have six consecutive losing seasons. It's time to do something to supplement the rebuild. During the history of the AL Central, the Sox have finished second several times only not to be that close to a title. Outside of the Indians, the division reeks. At least make some sort of effort to challenge in 2019. I don't like the idea of finishing second next year with a losing record. I have been skeptical of the rebuild, but not with the idea of starting over with young talent. I have wondered if the organization can complete the job when needed. It's pointless to make it half way up the mountain just to climb back down.

Yes, this would be a saner approach. But many fans want to see the rebuild work so badly they want immediate results from the young players. Some expect these players to explode on the scene and change things immediately. Things are improving, but real change is still not going happen just yet. As for Moncada, all I want is a solid middle infielder. I am not expecting a superstar. And those expectations shouldn't be forced on him just because he was an important part of a large trade.

I will never be one to complain about a starter giving up one run in six innings especially with a young pitcher in his second major league start. But the Tigers started taking some real healthy cuts starting with the second time around. That sixth saw real hard hit balls. Even the double play was hit hard. And, at times, the young pitcher was losing his composure. I'm sure Kopech will develop into a great pitcher. He has the stuff. My point is that fans are being somewhat unrealistic. They're expecting these young players to come up and dominate immediately. It didn't happen with Moncada and it won't with Kopech. I do agree the worst is over with this rebuild, but also think this team still has a ways to go. Growing pains are still ahead.

One hopeful sign I see is that the Sox are starting to do better against the AL Central. Obviously, a team won't go far if it loses in its own division, which the Sox have done in recent years. And I don't see big things for the Twins, Royals and Tigers. Regarding Harper: I know this guy is a great talent, but he is also an incredible hot head. The Sox will need to add some veteran talent if they are really going to win. I just don't know if Harper is the kind of veteran presence that the team needs.

Shows how desperate we Sox fans have become when a heated debate rages over one player being called up from the minors.

What doesn't change the fact, that outside of Rodon, you don't have a major leaguer in the rotation right now.

Lack of durability would be the only reason so trade Rodon. But if the Sox would have such worries, other teams might, too. So what kind of marketability would Rodon have? The teardown is complete. If these prospects are so damned good, promote a few in 2019 and see what they can do. In the meantime, you can't keep trading away the few major league caliber players you have. As far as when the White Sox will be good? I don't think anyone can answer that.

I have no idea of what is being told to Moncada by the Sox coaching staff. But I would tell him two things. First, forget the hype and don't be concerned about being a superstar. Learning to be a major league baseball player is damned hard. He should give himself some time and worry about accolades later. In the meantime his focus should be on developing into a solid middle infielder. Secondly, be more aggressive with two strikes. Established major league hitters will get the benefit of the doubt from an umpire. Rookies will not. Putting the ball in play should be a top priority right now. His average may go up a tad if some bleeding grounders make it through the infield or a shallow flyball drops in the outfield. Taking a third strike and walking back to the dugout gives him no chance especially when he does it four times in a game. It is too early go give up on the guy. It is not too early to be concerned.