ZionrulZ

That's my major problem...the team IS built for "win now", but they're not doing enough. Not yet, anyway. I know, it's only December.

But who were the additions/acquisitions? Mostly veterans, correct? Here are the players that were on the 2005 Sox that were NOT there in 2004. Pitchers Hermanson El Duque Jenks Brandon McCarthy David Sanders? Luis Vizcaino Kevin Walker? Catchers Raul Casanova AJ PIERZYNSKI Chris WIdger Infielders Geoff Blum Jamie Burke Iguchi Pedro Lopez? Ozuna Outfielders Brian Anderson DYE Everett Podsednik

I'd bet on AJ, but, I'm a bourbon guy.

I would like to see them use the $ to develop their farm system and/or get some international free agents. I'd be very cool with that. I want to clarify my positions...here's where I'm coming from: IMO, the "window" on the Sox contending is rapidly closing. The Tigers will be better, as will the Royals. Meanwhile, the tenures of Konerko and Dunn are coming towards their ends, Floyd will be a FA after 2013, and the minor league "cupboard" is bare. If the Sox are going into 2013 with thoughts of being SERIOUS contenders, moves have to be made, not necessarily today, but, prior to the season. I want to see the Sox win. I want another 2005. I'm sure Hahn/KW want this as well. Where I differ in opinion with them is that I don't think that you can "rebuild" and contend at the same time.

I didn't say that...I said I'd wait and see if/how the $7.5 million is re-allocated. The Sox of 12/27/2012 have some holes to fill; let's see if/how they're filled. BTW, on ESPN.COM baseball "power rankings", the Sox are currently ranked 23rd in MLB, 1 slot ahead of the Cubzzz. I guess I'm not the only one who hasn't seen much improvement on the South Side this off season.

I'll hold off any more criticism until I see if/how the $7.5 million is re-allocated

Right on!

I hope we're wrong, but, I agree 100%.

But AJ proved his value in MLB. Flowers has not done so as of yet.

Hasn't he struck out pretty often for the Sox (albeit in a small sample size) already?

Here are his minor league numbers...Flowers was a 33rd round draft choice in 2005. G PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB K BA OBP SLG OPS TB TB GDP HBP SF IBB 6 Seasons 535 2233 1852 307 510 133 7 80 315 18 12 324 519 .275 .391 .484 .876 897 40 38 4 15 10 These are serviceable (not spectacular) numbers. I really hope I'm wrong about him, and that he flourishes as a starter.

Flowers never put up great numbers as a full time player in the minors, did he?

I said "if"! I don't know who they could get; I don't know who they'd want. Again, the point of my postings is, that I believe an owner of a sports franchise owes it to his fan base to field the absolute best team possible, (present) and/or to put his team in position to do so (future). By not re-signing AJ when the "jury is still out" on Flowers does not do this, IMO. With re. Konerko, his (trade) value may never be higher than it is right now. If you don't think the Sox can contend with the Tigers, Jays, Yankees, Angels, Rangers, A's, etc., in 2013 (as the roster stands on 12/26/2012, I do not think they can!), it's most probable that Konerko won't be around when the Sox will be able to contend. Does this make any sense?

Maybe, maybe not! I only suggested trading PK IF the Sox could get good prospects for him. I like PK, but he can't play forever.

Letting a 35 year old catcher walk WHEN YOU DON'T HAVE ANYONE AS GOOD is being cheap and stupid.

How much power did PK display from August through the end of last season?

LaRoche is a gold glove 1b...PK never was!

You're absolutely right. PK is a fan favorite, and the Sox aren't gonna spend the money it would take to lock up LaRoche. The Sox do have to start looking for PK's replacement soon. He is 37, yes?

A previous poster mentioned Adam LaRoche...IF the Sox could find a taker for PK (prospects), I'd be all over LaRoche. He'd improve the Sox' defense tremendously, and is a solid bat.

Add Paul Konerko, and you have the perfect list.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! GO SOX!

Then why try? Might as well trade everybody? Lose 100+, get high draft picks and rebuild. What's the point of being a .500 team? It's better to win big OR lose big.

I want my team to win WHEN it can. I don't worry about 3-5 years from now; I'd trade every prospect we have if it would get me a Championship in 2013.

Wrong. Cuz you're confusing willingness to spend versus ability to spend.

Jaime Navarro???