vilehoopster Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 So, after Lenyn Sosa had that great September, really seeming to have put it together (.373 - .398 OBP - .566 SLG - .964 OPS). I just thought that the White Sox would finally have a clear answer (or at least clear leading candidate) for 2B going into spring training. I thought things looked good, but I admit it was a small sample size, but I have to believe that's the best month the Sox have gotten from a 2nd basemen in a loooong time. Well, I'm not really seeing that on this board that people see him as the starting 2B next year, and I'm really not getting that from the Sox podcast I've been listening to: (Garfien, REKAP, and FutureSox). All three of the podcasts seem to think there's a strong possibility/ likelihood that Meidroth with his excellent OBP skills will leave spring training as the Sox starting 2B. These podcasts state that Meidroth did it for an entire AAA season and now he's ready for the majors. I just find this interesting. It seems to strike me as 2nd-String quarterback syndrome (that the unknown guy has to be better than who we have). Yes, the Sox need people who finally make pitchers work and can get on base, but don't they also need power. Yes, they absolutely need power, so why is one strength, taking walks, more valuable than what looks like (he had 4 in September) 15 to 20 home runs in 2025. I just don't get this. Is it defense? How is a year at AAA a more telling sign than a good month in the majors? Is Meidroth better than Sosa on D. Is he or is it that 2nd string quarterback thing again? Just curious what people think. I just want to be talking Sox baseball. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
waltwilliams Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 On 1/22/2025 at 6:39 PM, vilehoopster said: So, after Lenyn Sosa had that great September, really seeming to have put it together (.373 - .398 OBP - .566 SLG - .964 OPS). I just thought that the White Sox would finally have a clear answer (or at least clear leading candidate) for 2B going into spring training. I thought things looked good, but I admit it was a small sample size, but I have to believe that's the best month the Sox have gotten from a 2nd basemen in a loooong time. Well, I'm not really seeing that on this board that people see him as the starting 2B next year, and I'm really not getting that from the Sox podcast I've been listening to: (Garfien, REKAP, and FutureSox). All three of the podcasts seem to think there's a strong possibility/ likelihood that Meidroth with his excellent OBP skills will leave spring training as the Sox starting 2B. These podcasts state that Meidroth did it for an entire AAA season and now he's ready for the majors. I just find this interesting. It seems to strike me as 2nd-String quarterback syndrome (that the unknown guy has to be better than who we have). Yes, the Sox need people who finally make pitchers work and can get on base, but don't they also need power. Yes, they absolutely need power, so why is one strength, taking walks, more valuable than what looks like (he had 4 in September) 15 to 20 home runs in 2025. I just don't get this. Is it defense? How is a year at AAA a more telling sign than a good month in the majors? Is Meidroth better than Sosa on D. Is he or is it that 2nd string quarterback thing again? Just curious what people think. I just want to be talking Sox baseball. Expand He was by far the best-looking player on that sorry squad in September. I would have to think he'll get a shot in spring training Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Sacamano Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 To me, he should be the leading candidate for the spot since his service time has already started. And because he did play well at the end. We'll see how it goes in Spring Training. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balta1701 Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 Well, ask the White Sox. They had him playing 2b last year. This offseason they have since traded for a guy who also plays 2b and 3b who already spent a full year at AAA, and then signed a veteran who also plays, get this, 2b and 3b. That's on top of Vargas, who they tried to make into a 3b but who seems somewhat positionless. It sure seems like the people saying he doesn't deserve to start are the ones signing veterans at the same positions as him. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 Seems like a question for management who did everything to bury him instead of playing him to see what he had. 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Sacamano Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 On 1/22/2025 at 6:59 PM, Balta1701 said: Well, ask the White Sox. They had him playing 2b last year. This offseason they have since traded for a guy who also plays 2b and 3b who already spent a full year at AAA, and then signed a veteran who also plays, get this, 2b and 3b. That's on top of Vargas, who they tried to make into a 3b but who seems somewhat positionless. It sure seems like the people saying he doesn't deserve to start are the ones signing veterans at the same positions as him. Expand Still would have preferred that Keashcall trade. Has played up the middle in CF, SS, and 2B and has some time until he is needed on the 40-man so no immediate crunch to get him playing time. Vargas just really doesn't fit anywhere (also, why I thought they should move him to 1B while non-tendering Vaughn). 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestEddy Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 On 1/22/2025 at 7:30 PM, Bob Sacamano said: Still would have preferred that Keashcall trade. Has played up the middle in CF, SS, and 2B and has some time until he is needed on the 40-man so no immediate crunch to get him playing time. Vargas just really doesn't fit anywhere (also, why I thought they should move him to 1B while non-tendering Vaughn). Expand Sosa isn't an exceptionally thoughtful fielder. Fangraphs and UZR seem to like him more as a 3B than a 2B. Maybe his range is limited (he's considered a slightly below average base-runner). I think he definitely starts in the 3B/DH mix. I can't see a 99 RC+ Andrew Vaughn being asked back for 2026, so maybe Sosa gravitates towards 1B with Vargas? Between 2B, 3B and DH, there will be enough PAs for Vargas, Sosa, Meidroth and Rojas. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Balta1701 Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 On 1/22/2025 at 7:59 PM, WestEddy said: Sosa isn't an exceptionally thoughtful fielder. Fangraphs and UZR seem to like him more as a 3B than a 2B. Maybe his range is limited (he's considered a slightly below average base-runner). I think he definitely starts in the 3B/DH mix. I can't see a 99 RC+ Andrew Vaughn being asked back for 2026, so maybe Sosa gravitates towards 1B with Vargas? Between 2B, 3B and DH, there will be enough PAs for Vargas, Sosa, Meidroth and Rojas. Expand League wide, the average 2b in 2024 had an OPS of .678, while the average 1b was at .726, so the offensive requirements of 1b are a lot higher. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buehrle>Wood Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 He looked legitimately scared play MLB at times. Bizarre. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhiteSox2023 Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 (edited) No love for Sosa because he was good for one month. The rest of the time he has played, he has been weak in the field and corkscrews himself into the ground at the plate trying to hit 500 foot dongs like Juan “Tasmanian Devil” Uribe. But this roster is a giant suckfest so Sosa should get every opportunity to play a lot of games. Edited January 22 by WhiteSox2023 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chitownsportsfan Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 On 1/22/2025 at 8:47 PM, WhiteSox2023 said: No love for Sosa because he was good for one month. The rest of the time he has played, he has been weak in the field and corkscrews himself into the ground at the plate trying to hit 500 foot dongs like Juan “Tasmanian Devil” Uribe. But this roster is a giant suckfest so Sosa should get every opportunity to play a lot of games. Expand Torpedo boat! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hogan873 Posted January 22 Share Posted January 22 The Sox have about 17 guys for three positions (2B, 3B, SS) and a bench spot or two. It will be interesting to see who floats to the top. Sosa should have the inside track if he can prove that September wasn't a fluke. Spring training should be interesting, at least. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caulfield12 Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 https://www.fangraphs.com/players/lenyn-sosa/22896/stats?position=2B Three years of pretty consistently awful defense. You have to hit at least 750+ to overcome that. Low walk rate, paired with tons of Ks. Can definitely not be considered a legit candidate for everyday SS. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caulfield12 Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 SHORTSTOPS 1. Gunnar Henderson, BAL (Last year: No. 6 3B) 2. Corey Seager, TEX (1) 3. Francisco Lindor, NYM (2) 4. Bobby Witt Jr., KC (9) 5. Mookie Betts, LAD (No. 1 2B) 6. Dansby Swanson, CHC (4) 7. Carlos Correa, MIN (7) 8. Elly De La Cruz, CIN (NR) 9. Willy Adames, SF (8) 10. Trea Turner, PHI (5) Witt's like a 10 fWAR guy and not even Top 3...second in AL MVP voting, etc. White Sox have to at least aim for league average, which is still going to be at least a 3-4 fWAR guy. source: mlb.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quin Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 "Bold" prediction: Sosa knocks Vargas out of the lineup, or Venable is getting orders from Getz to make Vargas happen at all costs. Vargas spends most of the year at AAA. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmy U Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 On 1/23/2025 at 12:14 PM, caulfield12 said: SHORTSTOPS 1. Gunnar Henderson, BAL (Last year: No. 6 3B) 2. Corey Seager, TEX (1) 3. Francisco Lindor, NYM (2) 4. Bobby Witt Jr., KC (9) 5. Mookie Betts, LAD (No. 1 2B) 6. Dansby Swanson, CHC (4) 7. Carlos Correa, MIN (7) 8. Elly De La Cruz, CIN (NR) 9. Willy Adames, SF (8) 10. Trea Turner, PHI (5) Witt's like a 10 fWAR guy and not even Top 3...second in AL MVP voting, etc. White Sox have to at least aim for league average, which is still going to be at least a 3-4 fWAR guy. source: mlb.com Expand Swanson at 6 is a little crazy. I will note only Henderson and De La Cruz are not making a gazillion dollars, so I would keep expectations down about the Sox getting to league average any time soon. It’s Coldon or bust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmy U Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 On 1/23/2025 at 12:33 PM, Quin said: "Bold" prediction: Sosa knocks Vargas out of the lineup, or Venable is getting orders from Getz to make Vargas happen at all costs. Vargas spends most of the year at AAA. Expand I wish. He is out of options. I predict Ramos is the odd man out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caulfield12 Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 On 1/23/2025 at 12:36 PM, Timmy U said: I wish. He is out of options. I predict Ramos is the odd man out. Expand Definitely AAA unless he absolutely destroys Spring Training… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
caulfield12 Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 (edited) https://www.fangraphs.com/leaders/major-league?stats=bat&lg=all&qual=y&type=8&season=2024&month=0&season1=2024&ind=0&pos=ss Witt just toyed with MLB last year…can’t believe he’s 4th. 3.0 fWAR is right around average, Willi Castro/Josh Smith/Jeremy Pena territory. Edited January 23 by caulfield12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Quin Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 On 1/23/2025 at 12:36 PM, Timmy U said: I wish. He is out of options. I predict Ramos is the odd man out. Expand Oh, what a shame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buehrle>Wood Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 Also, the bitches love Sosa. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 On 1/22/2025 at 9:23 PM, hogan873 said: The Sox have about 17 guys for three positions (2B, 3B, SS) and a bench spot or two. It will be interesting to see who floats to the top. Sosa should have the inside track if he can prove that September wasn't a fluke. Spring training should be interesting, at least. Expand Again, this is why we shouldn't have wasted so many ABs on guys who weren't going to be here. Get rid of them and start to figure out who you have that could have value. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Sacamano Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 On 1/23/2025 at 3:18 PM, southsider2k5 said: Again, this is why we shouldn't have wasted so many ABs on guys who weren't going to be here. Get rid of them and start to figure out who you have that could have value. Expand And they will continue to do so with Rojas. I get it you are adding guys who can actually bring back something at the trade deadline, but a guy like Josh Rojas is going to have limited trade value. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southsider2k5 Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 On 1/23/2025 at 3:20 PM, Bob Sacamano said: And they will continue to do so with Rojas. I get it you are adding guys who can actually bring back something at the trade deadline, but a guy like Josh Rojas is going to have limited trade value. Expand JR: Don't you forget about my favorite acquisition, Mr Considerations. Cash Considerations. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snopek Posted January 23 Share Posted January 23 On 1/23/2025 at 3:22 PM, southsider2k5 said: JR: Don't you forget about my favorite acquisition, Mr Considerations. Cash Considerations. Expand I'm surprised there's not a statue of Cash Considerations on the concourse yet. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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