2015 Offseason

[Chisoxfn]

I wonder if Hahn would look / consider someone like Callaspo as a potential platoon guy who can play 3B against LHP and also play elsewhere in the infield. I presume not, given the glut of infielders we have, but in general, he could be a nice value signing.

[cabiness42]

I wonder if Hahn would look / consider someone like Callaspo as a potential platoon guy who can play 3B against LHP and also play elsewhere in the infield. I presume not, given the glut of infielders we have, but in general, he could be a nice value signing.

 

I don't think position should be a primary concern for the Sox. Acquire the two best hitters they can within their budget, and then figure out where everybody plays. Gillaspie can move from 3B to DH, Semien can play any IF position plus possibly LF, and Garcia could potentially move to DH, all depending on what positions the two new guys play.

[Balta1701]

I don't think position should be a primary concern for the Sox. Acquire the two best hitters they can within their budget, and then figure out where everybody plays. Gillaspie can move from 3B to DH, Semien can play any IF position plus possibly LF, and Garcia could potentially move to DH, all depending on what positions the two new guys play.

I think position has to figure into some moves because I see a major need at corner OF and a glut in the IF. If you add an infielder you're making one problem worse and forcing a guy to learn a new position. If you add an OF, you solve a problem and then you can worry about the best fit you can find.

 

I am generally not a huge fan of the concept of a permanent position switch for these Ifs we have. I could see us getting away with Semien moving to a corner OF spot permanently and being a decent hitter, but the other guys don't seem like good fits especially if you take the team's word that "Micah will not be moving". If you're finding a "good hitter" at a position we already have that compels a guy to learn a new position...the guy you're picking up better be a real steal because the guy you're moving will have been working on different stuff all winter.

[LDF]

I wonder if Hahn would look / consider someone like Callaspo as a potential platoon guy who can play 3B against LHP and also play elsewhere in the infield. I presume not, given the glut of infielders we have, but in general, he could be a nice value signing.

 

why not, great idea and he really fills a hole that the sox have.

[cabiness42]

I think position has to figure into some moves because I see a major need at corner OF and a glut in the IF. If you add an infielder you're making one problem worse and forcing a guy to learn a new position. If you add an OF, you solve a problem and then you can worry about the best fit you can find.

 

I am generally not a huge fan of the concept of a permanent position switch for these Ifs we have. I could see us getting away with Semien moving to a corner OF spot permanently and being a decent hitter, but the other guys don't seem like good fits especially if you take the team's word that "Micah will not be moving". If you're finding a "good hitter" at a position we already have that compels a guy to learn a new position...the guy you're picking up better be a real steal because the guy you're moving will have been working on different stuff all winter.

 

Yes, ideally you want one outfielder and one infielder, but if you get two OF you can move Garcia to DH and if you get two IF you can move Semien to LF and Gillaspie to DH, so you aren't talking about high stress position changes here.

[Chisoxfn]

I look at things from the perspective we have average to below average defenders at 3B, LF, and RF. We don't know who is playing 2B yet. That is quite a few guys that are below average in an era where defense is being far more critical as in lower run producing era, the benefit of a saved hit / saved run is more important then back in the steroid era. Unless we have elite pitching to overcome it or a well above average offense, you are going to have struggle overcoming poor defensive performances.

 

I think we should not have poor or below average defenders unless they can prove that their offensive production is worth it or we think they can develop into that type of player. I also have no idea if some of our middle infielders will be utilized as chips to upgrade other positions either. Bottom line, if you see value in moving one of our guys we don't necessarily see as a long-term starter, and can sign someone like Callaspo for cheap who can have steady production and fit a niche, might be a solid move.

 

Again, not one of those moves you make right away as the focus should be finding two outfielders who can hit, and ideally one can play above average defense while the other is at least average defensively so you can be flexible). We also have to absolutely fix the bullpen. Whether that is via FA or trading for pieces, I don't know, but I think it probably involves a bit of both (as well as some existing parts we have). You absolutely have zero shot at contending with a bullpen constructed like ours was last year.

[Balta1701]

Yes, ideally you want one outfielder and one infielder, but if you get two OF you can move Garcia to DH and if you get two IF you can move Semien to LF and Gillaspie to DH, so you aren't talking about high stress position changes here.

I don't see why the White Sox have need of any more infielders on their current roster as opposed to just "filling" the DH slot with whatever. Ideally I feel like we need an OF and a DH. Maybe you could convince me we need a 2nd backup IF, but with Semien and Sanchez both available that's probably already demand for more at bats than we have available barring injury.

[cabiness42]

I don't see why the White Sox have need of any more infielders on their current roster as opposed to just "filling" the DH slot with whatever. Ideally I feel like we need an OF and a DH. Maybe you could convince me we need a 2nd backup IF, but with Semien and Sanchez both available that's probably already demand for more at bats than we have available barring injury.

 

If one of the two best available bats is a 2B or 3B, there's no reason not to pursue those guys. Sanchez is not yet a proven commodity and Gillaspie can easily slide to DH. The only position it really makes sense to stay away from is SS, unless there is a good trade offer for Alexei.

[2nd_city_saint787]

I wonder if Hahn would look / consider someone like Callaspo as a potential platoon guy who can play 3B against LHP and also play elsewhere in the infield. I presume not, given the glut of infielders we have, but in general, he could be a nice value signing.

 

You know who "raked" against LHP this year? Carlos Sanchez.

 

I know Semien has looked awful at 3B, but that can of course improve, I think Semien at 3B and Sanchez at 2B vs LHP could be a good plan of attack.

 

 

[LittleHurt05]

I wonder if Hahn would look / consider someone like Callaspo as a potential platoon guy who can play 3B against LHP and also play elsewhere in the infield. I presume not, given the glut of infielders we have, but in general, he could be a nice value signing.

 

I don't see what the difference is between him & Semien. Not to mention, Callaspo was awful in 2014. You better hope that was a fluke, and not a rapid post-30 decline.

[LDF]

Yes, ideally you want one outfielder and one infielder, but if you get two OF you can move Garcia to DH and if you get two IF you can move Semien to LF and Gillaspie to DH, so you aren't talking about high stress position changes here.

 

not factoring DV in this opinion, Garcia defense works out great for at DH. plus less likely to

get hurt.

[LDF]

I don't see what the difference is between him & Semien. Not to mention, Callaspo was awful in 2014. You better hope that was a fluke, and not a rapid post-30 decline.

 

good point but I would look at 2013 and before stats.

[Balta1701]

not factoring DV in this opinion, Garcia defense works out great for at DH. plus less likely to

get hurt.

He hasn't shown it yet but he is young so that's not surprising...with coaching and practice, Garcia still has the tools to become a tolerable OF. Whether he will or not no idea, but he's not a lumbering blob out there, he just needs to get the skills down.

[bmags]

Starting to become depressed. What I'm gathering is that all of our young talent are only a good hitter if platooned for their respective handedness and are not capable of playing defense.

 

Sounds like we are close.

[Balta1701]

Starting to become depressed. What I'm gathering is that all of our young talent are only a good hitter if platooned for their respective handedness and are not capable of playing defense.

 

Sounds like we are close.

That's actually not bad as long as you have a couple key cogs to make things work. We do. You stick a bunch of platoons around Abreu and it will still look decent. WE just need our corner OF's to be much less terrible than last year, and maybe even count on a bit of an upgrade at 2b. Plus getting rid of the terrible bench will help as well.

[greg775]

So I havent been here as long as most of you, but is greg an elaborate troll or just kinda baseball stupid?

I can assure you I'm not baseball stupid or a troll. I see a guy like DeAza make so many mistakes for the Sox and mental and physical errors and then see him excel for another team, yes I ask questions about that. Doesn't mean I'm a troll.

 

 

hey Greg as you said, or implied, the problem with DeAza was not his offensive numbers. I think

the sox brass had a problem with his defensive mental lapse.

 

I mean using DeAza and DV in the outfield was not an idea that I would like to think about.

I agree. I'm just confused why he's cleaned all that up with the O's.

 

he has been on this site for a long time. so what if his point of view may conflict with others,

he help stimulate conversation. this kind of discussion brings out point of views that others

may not have thought about.

 

but then again, what the hell do I know

Thanks.

Edited October 3, 2014 by greg775

[LDF]

That's actually not bad as long as you have a couple key cogs to make things work. We do. You stick a bunch of platoons around Abreu and it will still look decent. WE just need our corner OF's to be much less terrible than last year, and maybe even count on a bit of an upgrade at 2b. Plus getting rid of the terrible bench will help as well.

 

I hate to say this, but with the way the advance stats, isn't that what the future holds?

use advance stats for every situation and needing specialist as players?

[Balta1701]

I hate to say this, but with the way the advance stats, isn't that what the future holds?

use advance stats for every situation and needing specialist as players?

The problem with doing that is roster size. Especially with a backup catcher and 12 man pitching staff there are only so many match ups you can do with a 25 man roster.

 

For us right now if both Sanchez and Semien can at least be non-terrible contributors, we can rotate those 2 through the IF positions along with Gillaspie (and maybe soon, Micah) and be able to play match ups there pretty well, but Alexei and Abreu aren't likely to be moved for match ups. So we have some ability to do that, but you still need solid regulars.

[RockRaines]

Starting to become depressed. What I'm gathering is that all of our young talent are only a good hitter if platooned for their respective handedness and are not capable of playing defense.

 

Sounds like we are close.

Lots of things to be excited about. Already hear there is movement in the front office which is good. I believe they have a plan.

[Balta1701]

Lots of things to be excited about. Already hear there is movement in the front office which is good. I believe they have a plan.

I feel like if they can solve one of these major issues through trade they can pull of the rest in a sensible way (and don't have to lose their 1st round pick if they sign someone), but the key step is they need a major trade to fill 1+ of these holes.

[RockRaines]

Hoping to at least have some nuggets to share this month.

[Chicago White Sox]

I feel like if they can solve one of these major issues through trade they can pull of the rest in a sensible way (and don't have to lose their 1st round pick if they sign someone), but the key step is they need a major trade to fill 1+ of these holes.

Call me confused. First, our 1st round pick is protected. Second, how is filling a major need by trade going to be more sensible than losing a 2nd round draft pick? We're talking about giving up partially developed prospects or even major league players vs. an unknown commodity years away from contributing. Unless of course you're talking about taking on a big contract that doesn't require much of a return.

 

I agree that filling all our needs in free agency is unrealistic, but all else being equal, I'd much rather use our cash to fill needs than our limited minor league talent.

Edited October 4, 2014 by Chicago White Sox

[RockRaines]

I feel like if they can solve one of these major issues through trade they can pull of the rest in a sensible way (and don't have to lose their 1st round pick if they sign someone), but the key step is they need a major trade to fill 1+ of these holes.

Depending on what starts to shake loose they can also spend some money.

 

First up is figure out who will be on the coaching staff.

Edited October 4, 2014 by RockRaines

[LDF]

Call me confused. First, our 1st round pick is protected. Second, how is filling a major need by trade going to be more sensible than losing a 2nd round draft pick? We're talking about giving up partially developed prospects or even major league players vs. an unknown commodity years away from contributing. Unless of course you're talking about taking on a big contract that doesn't require much of a return.

 

I agree that filling all our needs in free agency is unrealistic, but all else being equal, I'd much rather use our cash to fill needs than our limited minor league talent.

 

for this discussion only and this is an example.

would you be willing to add either David Robertson - closer or Andrew

Miller - a nice lh rp that the sox need to make the bullpen better. now

that price will be a 1-second rounder. I think the cost factor is getting the

final pieces now instead of waiting 4-6 yrs is a good trade off.

[LDF]

The problem with doing that is roster size. Especially with a backup catcher and 12 man pitching staff there are only so many match ups you can do with a 25 man roster.

 

For us right now if both Sanchez and Semien can at least be non-terrible contributors, we can rotate those 2 through the IF positions along with Gillaspie (and maybe soon, Micah) and be able to play match ups there pretty well, but Alexei and Abreu aren't likely to be moved for match ups. So we have some ability to do that, but you still need solid regulars.

 

I think I didn't explain this the right way. I was trying to point out, in every situation are the

coaches suppose to use advance stats? what happen to the gut feeling that sometimes works.