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A New SS for the Sox on Wed?


beck72

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    * Plugging a Hole: With shortstop Jose Valentin opting for free agency, the White Sox are left with a hole on the left side of the infield. Fortunately, shortstop happens to be one of the more well-stocked positions in the free-agent market.

 

          o Orlando Cabrera (.264/.305/.383): Famously acquired for Nomar Garciaparra at the trade deadline, largely for his defense, Cabrera failed to build on a solid season in 2003, struggling mightily with the bat and in the field. He’s never posted good OBPs, and his back problems have limited his range in the field. Three years ago he would have been quite a catch; now, he’s mediocre at best, replacement level at worst. The Sox would be well advised to stay away.

 

          o Nomar Garciaparra (.308/.364/.477): Garciaparra appeared to find new life with the White Sox’s cross-town neighbors after the July deal. When healthy, he continues to show good pop and a solid batting average complimented by enough walks to keep his OBP a respectable distance above it. His defense, however, is horrendous, and with a staff that has a slightly higher than league average GB/FB ratio, that is a concern. Garciaparra's health is the main issue, so a one-year, incentive-laden contract with an option would work best here.

 

          o Craig Counsell (.241/.330/.315): The Anti-Garciaparra, Counsell proved himself an excellent defensive shortstop this season, but his batting average was well south of acceptable for the second year in a row. He keeps his OBP decent with a healthy number of walks, but Counsell’s bat leaves much to be desired. Maybe a short-term deal on the cheap, but most likely this would not be a great option.

 

          o Rich Aurilia (.246/.309/.353): Yuck. Aurilia’s 2001 season is starting to take on Brady Anderson-like qualities as he continues to struggle with both the bat and the glove. Though he played well in limited duty with San Diego, Aurilia should not be regarded as an option.

 

          o Edgar Renteria (.287/.324/.401): The Cardinals’ shortstop had a good 2002, an amazing 2003, and a disappointing 2004. There’s not much power to be found from Renteria or much in the way of defense, but he gets on base, which is more than can be said of a lot of players out there. He’s looking for a longer-term deal than he deserves, so unless the Sox can sign him to a short-term contract, they’ll probably end up overpaying.

 

          o Pokey Reese (.221/.265/.303): Reese got by on his defensive reputation for as long as he could before finally settling into the one-year contract, late-inning replacement role. The Red Sox did what they could with him and, had it not been for Reese's injuries, looked to be working things out between him and Mark Bellhorn pretty well. He doesn’t have the bat to be an everyday player, but he still flashes a great glove and wouldn’t be a bad idea as that aforementioned one-year contract, late-inning replacement player.

 

          o Jose Valentin (.216/.287/.473): Valentin’s batting average slipped for the fifth year in a row and, despite hitting 30 home runs, he finished just behind Cristian Guzman on the BP VORP lists. At 35, Valentin is either leaning out over the precipice or already free falling behind it, depending on how you look at things. A one-year contract is the most that the White Sox should offer.

 

          o Juan Uribe (.283/.327/.506): Wait a minute, what about this guy? Uribe had a solid year as the White Sox second baseman, but he came up as a shortstop and filled in for Valentin when he was injured. He’s only been in the league for four seasons, so he’s still in just his second arbitration year, making him a cheap commodity. The White Sox would likely be best served by sliding Uribe to the other side of second and letting him prove that 2004 was a real step forward.

 

      The White Sox’s main issue is not that they need a shortstop, but that they need a longer-term solution at short than is available in the market. With the possible exception of Renteria, none of these players fits the profile of a player whom a smart team would sign to a long-term contract. There was some hope that Robert Valido, a fourth-round pick in 2003, could be ready in a couple of years, but he had a tough time at Kannapolis this year and is no longer a realistic option. So for now the Sox should either slide Uribe over and see what they’ve got in-house or pick a name out of a hat for a one-year contract. It’s not an easy choice.

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For anyone that has concerns abotu Finley's age, just google him to find his workout regimen. It is very impressive and innovative. I think others should try spinal strength techniques. Players are afraid if they don't lift a weight over 25 pounds that they will lose strength. Steve has 36 homers that suggest otherwise. $8 million is a lot though.

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For anyone that has concerns abotu Finley's age, just google him to find his workout regimen. It is very impressive and innovative. I think others should try spinal strength techniques. Players are afraid if they don't lift a weight over 25 pounds that they will lose strength. Steve has 36 homers that suggest otherwise. $8 million is a lot though.

Finley will not be leaving the West coast. You guys are barking up the wrong tree on this one.

 

He refused a trade last year at the deadline to anywhere but the West coast. His family lives in San Deigo and he wants to stay close to home.

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Finley will not be leaving the West coast.  You guys are barking up the wrong tree on this one.

 

He refused a trade last year at the deadline to anywhere but the West coast.  His family lives in San Deigo and he wants to stay close to home.

Which is fine by me, Finley is not the answer for our OF problems.

 

Esp at 8 mil a year.

:puke

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