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Where do we most need an upgrade?


Where do we most need an upgrade?  

48 members have voted

  1. 1. Where do we most need an upgrade?

    • Third base
      3
    • Shortstop
      3
    • Starting pitcher
      26
    • Relief pitcher
      12


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I know I'm new so this could have already been discussed somewhere but I looked back a few pages and I didn't spot a similar thread. While the rumors about Jason Schmidt run wild and Jose Contreras slumps I think people have lost sight of the fact that the Sox have still allowed fewer runs to score than any other team in the AL while the offense has been middle of the pack. The Sox need some more offense more than they need more pitching and the weakest hitters in our lineup are Crede and Uribe.

 

I'm inclined to say the team would best benefit from acquiring a third baseman who can hit, perhaps Rob Mackowiak who is a lefty, even better. And I definitely would try and find a replacement for Crede before Uribe since its easier to find third basemen who can hit than shortstops and Uribe hit well last year whereas Crede's mediocre season is exactly in line with what he's done in the past.

 

As far as our rotation, at this point I'm mostly concerned with the playoffs and I have confidence either El Duque will be healthy or McCarthy will have established himself by then. Hell, Contreras could even put it together but I'm just about as big of a Contreras detractor as there is. So I think the talent is there for a four man playoff rotation but there really is no option other than Crede at third. In the pen, we have four good relievers, that should be enough. What do you guys think?

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We will need an outstanding reliever in the bullpen for the playoffs. I think we need a proven lefty specialist so that when we do make the playoffs we can get through the teams (Boston in particular) with all those explosive left handed bats.

 

Next in line is a starter but a lefty specialist is the most important for the playoffs and the World Series.

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QUOTE(Tony82087 @ Jul 4, 2005 -> 01:22 PM)
Over the last month, I for one have changed my view on Joe, and feel an upgrade is not needed. He has played great D of late, and I beleive in June he hit almost .280. If we can get that out of Joe for the rest of the year, get his average up to around .260, I will happy with Joe.

 

I am a big fan of Uribe, but he is starting to worry me. Has not yet found his swing yet, and it's already July. It scares me he is never going to find it. If he were to get hot, it would ignite the whole offense.

Ditto about Joe. Remember last year Juan struggled big time this part of the year, the difference is he wasn't nutso hot to start this year like he was last year. I'll take Joe and Juan hitting 8th and 9th because of their gloves, I have no problems with that. With Shingo back to form I don't think adding a bullpen arm is that big a need, a replacement of Viz should still happen if he continues to struggle but I think Baj or Jenks could do a fine job as the last guy out of the pen. All of this is with the bullpen is with the impression that Damaso returns healthy and strong, if not another lefty is a must. For me if there is an upgrade to be had it would probably be a starting pitcher, I'd love to have a guy who can be our 4th starter in a playoff series if we get there. I have no problem with Contreras as our 4th starter currently but I would not want him starting a playoff game, jmo.

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personally, i think joe is coming along and he is one of the if not the best fielder in the AL, and i would much rather see the sox find a replacement for uribe than crede. That being said, there are much better options out there for 3rd base(randa, possibly chavez) then there are for shortstoop(lugo???), and seeing as we need an upgrade at one of those positions much more than we do than in our bullpen or rotation i think randa is the best option right now

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QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jul 4, 2005 -> 02:45 PM)
We need 1 more piece; a backup first baseman, so that in late innings if Paulie gets on base we can afford to pinch run for him.

 

Otherwise, we need to fill any holes created by injuries.  That is all.

 

 

ross gload is hitting 388 in AAA he has to be almost healthy

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I would say a starter. We cant keep having Contreras walking people and giving up a bunch of runs in less than 4 innings. Contreras is duplicating what our 5th starter did last year (based on the last couple of starts.)

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QUOTE(Balta1701 @ Jul 4, 2005 -> 01:45 PM)
We need 1 more piece; a backup first baseman, so that in late innings if Paulie gets on base we can afford to pinch run for him.

 

Otherwise, we need to fill any holes created by injuries.  That is all.

 

 

Gload?

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:gosoxretro:

 

Upgrade the starting rotation.

 

Three-fifths are a lock with Garcia, Buerhle and (finally!) Garland.

 

However, Orlando and Jose, Los Dos Cubanos, are a little disappointing this year. Especially Jose. The guy seems, IMO, to have a track record of being stubborn in not throwing his fastball early and often to set up the forkball. That's exactly the reason why NYY finally gave up on him two years ago.

 

While Orlando has his moments (big games vs Minny for example), his recent two swings to the DL should put up an instant red flag, especially in the last couple of years given his recent history.

 

Therefore - don't wait Kenny. Strengthen up the rotation.

 

Instant rumor/suggestion from an Armchair GM - Your future White Sox pitcher just pitched against you guys Sunday. If Moneyball talks, see what you can do to get him, such as trading high and mid-level prospects. Having another lefty in the starting rotation will give you better balance anyway, while not sacrificing what you have now. Plus, the Pale Hose have been drafting a ton of pitchers within the last two years...the time is now.

 

Great job this year Kenny, keep it up!

 

:bringit

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QUOTE(wdson01 @ Jul 4, 2005 -> 03:05 PM)
ross gload is hitting 388 in AAA he has to be almost healthy

IF he's healthy...then he is the part I want. But I still worry about him, given that the last time he was almost healthy he threw a ball and reinjured his arm, delaying his return by a month.

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