QUOTE(LoFiStew @ Nov 30, 2005 -> 04:01 PM)
This is great news. I don't think they need to make any more major moves -- this team is good enough to repeat. We don't need Juan Pierre. His offense isn't enough to overcome his defensive flaws, especially considering how much more money he'd cost over Brian Anderson.
Re: the batting order -- I think Thome should definitely hit 3rd, with Paulie remaining in the cleanup spot. Thome is an on-base machine (career .408 OBP), thus his productivity would maximized higher in the order.
And don't worry about Thome's lack of speed -- he's scored over 100 runs seven times in his career. Remember that Konerko -- despite being the slowest guy on the team -- led the Sox in runs scored (98) in 2005, largely because he led the team in OBP (.375). Speed is useless if you can't get on base consistently.
Here's my lineup:
1. Podsednik LF
2. Iguchi 2B
3. Thome DH
4. Konerko 1B
5. Dye RF
6. Pierzynski C
7. Crede 3B
8. Anderson CF
9. Uribe SS
Can't wait for the 2006 season!
It's either gonna be Dye-Thome-Konerko or Konerko-Thome-Dye. Going R-L-R with your biggest boppers makes the most sense to give the opposing manager matchup problems.