Jose is still a productive player. He had a solid year and is a leader. However, he will be turning 35 next year and it is his last year under contract. A dropoff in production wouldn't be surprising at his age. It is widely assumed that he will be a White Sox for life.
If we see a dropoff in production, do the Sox keep him regardless, ala Paul Konerko? 1B/DH is out biggest log jam. It would be a shame if the Sox simply rolled with Jose despite having better options, if his production indeed drops off. Do you think the Sox would do the smart thing and relegate him to a bench/pinch hitter if his production falls off? Would he accept it? I'm honestly worried that the Sox will roll with him as the starer regardless of if there are better options, because Jerry Reinsdorf.