State of the White Sox Address a Position

[ChiSox59]

I didn't get to watch Montas. How did he look? Statistically seemed decent.

 

Really? You spend an awful lot of time posting on a White Sox message board for a guy that didn't happen to catch any of Montas' outings this season...You think you'd tune in just to see that.

[COACH612]

The way the front office has been working for a few years I would not be surprised if they signed another aging veteran like Jose Conseco again.

[southsider2k5]

The way the front office has been working for a few years I would not be surprised if they signed another aging veteran like Jose Conseco again.

 

[oldsox]

What's your beef with Latos? The fact he had one bad year? That's exactly what makes him attractive, low acquisition cost but with big upside. He very well might suck again, but he's exactly the type of pitcher we should be targeting. There is no reason to sign a starter for more than one or two years given our pitching depth in the minors.

You're right. Latos had one bad year, a really bad year, and it was last year. Four teams bad. Dodgers cut him in their stretch drive. I saw him pitch a few games, and he got hit very hard. Plus he's fat and got paid $9 Large last year.

[Bigsoxhurt35]

Really? You spend an awful lot of time posting on a White Sox message board for a guy that didn't happen to catch any of Montas' outings this season...You think you'd tune in just to see that.

I had enough of s***ty baseball. I just checked his box scores.

[Bigsoxhurt35]

You're right. Latos had one bad year, a really bad year, and it was last year. Four teams bad. Dodgers cut him in their stretch drive. I saw him pitch a few games, and he got hit very hard. Plus he's fat and got paid $9 Large last year.

 

Id pitch like s*** too if I was only making 9 dollars

Edited October 28, 2015 by SouthSideSale

[spiderman]

I think it would be cool to hear everyone give their own "State of the Union" address about each position.

 

Speak to your knowledge and give your thoughts on the current players, potential additions, bench & minor league depth, theory or anything really.

 

What would you do in 2016? Who would you keep? Who would you trade? How much would you eat on a trade? Expected trade return? Cut candidates?

 

Let's start with Starting Pitching.

 

Quintana is the wildcard, but it's a highly safe assumption that Chris Sale, Carlos Rodon and John Danks will be in the rotation. Erik Johnson enters camp (or the off-season) as the favorite to fill out the rotation assuming no trades.

 

Quintana could be seen as the quickest way to filling 2 holes on offense; he has been a #2-#3 type of quality starter now for about 3 seasons, and has a team friendly contract for another 3-4 seasons. This should result, if traded, in 2 high end prospects coming back, and we know the White Sox are looking for MLB ready type of talent.

 

With holes at C, 3B, and potential area's of concern at SS, 2B,and DH (although it's fair to assume that La Roche, Sanchez and probably Ramirez enter next year as significant contributors).

 

They shouldn't limit any trade return to specific positions outside of maybe 1B, so they could add 2 higher end prospects this way.

 

They could also keep Quintana and move Johnson; obviously the return will pale in return, but they could get a usable player in return while ensuring the rotation (top end) stays a strength.

 

In either case, move a starting pitcher is the best bet for young offensive talent, and it's hard to expect that the White Sox will be major players again in free agency to fill these holes.

[OmarComing25]

Quintana is the wildcard, but it's a highly safe assumption that Chris Sale, Carlos Rodon and John Danks will be in the rotation. Erik Johnson enters camp (or the off-season) as the favorite to fill out the rotation assuming no trades.

 

Quintana could be seen as the quickest way to filling 2 holes on offense; he has been a #2-#3 type of quality starter now for about 3 seasons, and has a team friendly contract for another 3-4 seasons. This should result, if traded, in 2 high end prospects coming back, and we know the White Sox are looking for MLB ready type of talent.

 

With holes at C, 3B, and potential area's of concern at SS, 2B,and DH (although it's fair to assume that La Roche, Sanchez and probably Ramirez enter next year as significant contributors).

 

They shouldn't limit any trade return to specific positions outside of maybe 1B, so they could add 2 higher end prospects this way.

 

They could also keep Quintana and move Johnson; obviously the return will pale in return, but they could get a usable player in return while ensuring the rotation (top end) stays a strength.

 

In either case, move a starting pitcher is the best bet for young offensive talent, and it's hard to expect that the White Sox will be major players again in free agency to fill these holes.

This will never stop bugging me, especially when said by White Sox fans, who should know better than anyone. By any metric you want to use, Quintana has been a top 15-20 starter in the MLB for the past 3 seasons. Far better than #3 quality.

[Jerksticks]

Haha OP i'm an idiot- sorry for the SS post.

 

I think the only reason Montas was brought up to the big leagues was to beef up his value. I think the Sox put him in the pen to highlight his fastball amd mask his longevity issues- but now I bet plenty of GMs are salivating over that build and velocity. Methinks the Sox see something with him that is no bueno. He gone.

[Bigsoxhurt35]

Haha OP i'm an idiot- sorry for the SS post.

 

I think the only reason Montas was brought up to the big leagues was to beef up his value. I think the Sox put him in the pen to highlight his fastball amd mask his longevity issues- but now I bet plenty of GMs are salivating over that build and velocity. Methinks the Sox see something with him that is no bueno. He gone.

 

 

You're basing this off of what exactly? Season was lost. Why not give him a taste?

[Jerksticks]

Just guessing man. Seemed a bit premature bringing him up. I get the reasons why they brought him up if you believe he's staying in our organization...just brainstorming the other angle to be thorough. Feel free not to acknowledgw that side of the GM game.

[Bigsoxhurt35]

Just guessing man. Seemed a bit premature bringing him up. I get the reasons why they brought him up if you believe he's staying in our organization...just brainstorming the other angle to be thorough. Feel free not to acknowledgw that side of the GM game.

I'm not ripping at you. I was just asking.

[OmarComing25]

Haha OP i'm an idiot- sorry for the SS post.

 

I think the only reason Montas was brought up to the big leagues was to beef up his value. I think the Sox put him in the pen to highlight his fastball amd mask his longevity issues- but now I bet plenty of GMs are salivating over that build and velocity. Methinks the Sox see something with him that is no bueno. He gone.

They didn't just stick him in the bullpen though, he started a couple games. And it's still way too early to write off any future with him as a SP. He's clearly an unfinished product right now.

[CaliSoxFanViaSWside]

They didn't just stick him in the bullpen though, he started a couple games. And it's still way too early to write off any future with him as a SP. He's clearly an unfinished product right now.

 

I have a feeling Montas is going to surprise a lot of people who keep penciling him into the bullpen. The dude is 22 . He could spend 2-3 more years refining the things he needs to work on . His stuff is excellent . Just needs a little more movement on the fastball. But I really like his slider. He'll build up stamina and his command will get better. I see him as having a high ceiling and a high floor as a starter.

If the Sox move him I'd hope it would be for some teams' #1 position prospect.

Edited November 3, 2015 by CaliSoxFanViaSWside

[VAfan]

First off, I'm not for trading any of our current top 3 -- Sale, Quintana, or Rodon. Too much value there. Wouldn't get a fair return. And can't really replace any of them from our minor league depth or free agency.

 

Second, I'm starting Erik Johnson. My offseason theme is for the Sox to do everything they can to increase the value of players they have, to either keep them or move them once they are more valuable. So, I wouldn't trade Johnson this offseason, because he only has AAA value. With a year in the majors, he's likely to be worth a lot more. (If he tanks, he could be worth less, but I think his September tryout showed he's unlikely to fail like he did before.)

 

Third, I'm not wasting money or resources on any fill-in starters. It's okay if we get some major league minimum kind of guys for insurance in case of injury. But I would save all of our money to devote to the hitting side of the team.

 

The Sox are really not going to be ready to compete next year. 2015 proved how many of us were deluded into thinking a few shiny new free agents and one new starting pitcher was going to vaunt us into the playoff hunt. We have far too many holes on this team.

 

So, to increase value, I'm starting Johnson. Trading Robertson. Moving Montas into the pen to become a closer.

 

I'm also keeping LaRoche and Alexei, and hoping they rebound and can be dealt at the trade deadline. Giving Avisail one more shot (as a platoon DH player), starting Thompson in the OF, and letting Sanchez and Micah see if one of them can be a legitimate 2B.

[he gone.]

Starting pitching! Woo, one of the bright spots.

I mean so much of this response is based on what the Sox believe they are. As frustrating as this team was, I think if you look around baseball a lot of the teams that made the playoffs this year were rebound teams. Sure, they were young, talented teams (Mets, Cubs) -- but you also had the Astros and Rangers make it too. Based on that and managements inabiltiy to judge the team, I feel like we will push to win now again and stay on the 3 year plan. Because of that? I am making my plan based on this. For me personally? I'd trade one of our top 3 for some proven AAA/MLB bats.

 

Sale, Q, Rodon - pencil them all in. Each will be great. Rodon did beyond what I expected and believe he will do that again barring injury.

Danks - people give him a lot of gruff. And I'm in that boat. Or at least was. Take away our past expectations and the salary next to his name? And what you have a is a very solid 5, borderline 4. I think he had something like a quality start or gave us a chance in like 20 of his 30 games. (I had the actual stat in a post months ago, but it was surprising if you go through his game log. Basically he had an awful July or June and everyhting else was decent. Problem is when he blows up? He blows up. 7 runs over 3 innings Johnny Danks comes out and gives us no chance.

 

5th spot - Again, this is in the "win now" GM mode. Not necessarily what I agree with. I think you bring in veteran 5th starter. I.e. Justin Masterson of last year. You try someone out like that and hope they bounce back and have a season like Gallardo had with the Rangers. it works? You look like a genius and really solidfy your rotation. You have Johnson waiting in the wings for any DL starts. It doesn't work? You cut bait, and move Johnson into the rotation.

 

I think having a rotation that can go 5 deep AND having Johnson ready to go? That's money in the bank.

 

For those saying get Buehrle? I say no. I love the guy to death. But hes a contact pitcher. Our defense is not made for that. They're made for watching Sale strike out 15 a game. Buehrle would have so many singles get through the infield, or line drives fall in front of Melky and Garcia. It'd be horrific.

[CaliSoxFanViaSWside]

First off, I'm not for trading any of our current top 3 -- Sale, Quintana, or Rodon. Too much value there. Wouldn't get a fair return. And can't really replace any of them from our minor league depth or free agency.

 

Second, I'm starting Erik Johnson. My offseason theme is for the Sox to do everything they can to increase the value of players they have, to either keep them or move them once they are more valuable. So, I wouldn't trade Johnson this offseason, because he only has AAA value. With a year in the majors, he's likely to be worth a lot more. (If he tanks, he could be worth less, but I think his September tryout showed he's unlikely to fail like he did before.)

 

Third, I'm not wasting money or resources on any fill-in starters. It's okay if we get some major league minimum kind of guys for insurance in case of injury. But I would save all of our money to devote to the hitting side of the team.

 

The Sox are really not going to be ready to compete next year. 2015 proved how many of us were deluded into thinking a few shiny new free agents and one new starting pitcher was going to vaunt us into the playoff hunt. We have far too many holes on this team.

 

So, to increase value, I'm starting Johnson. Trading Robertson. Moving Montas into the pen to become a closer.

 

I'm also keeping LaRoche and Alexei, and hoping they rebound and can be dealt at the trade deadline. Giving Avisail one more shot (as a platoon DH player), starting Thompson in the OF, and letting Sanchez and Micah see if one of them can be a legitimate 2B.

 

Overall very sound thinking, however you talk about increasing value then devalue the future of Montas putting him in the pen and set him up for failure making him the closer when he isn't ready for the big leagues let alone a closer's role .

 

Come on people where's your patience with the prospects ? The kid should have at least another 3 years to make it as a starter.

[BlackSox13]

Just my .02 cents but I think the SOX called up Montas because they see something in him and wanted him to work with Cooper on some things. Agree with those that say its way too early to write off a 22 year old with that kind of stuff.

[SCCWS]

Quintana is the wildcard, but it's a highly safe assumption that Chris Sale, Carlos Rodon and John Danks will be in the rotation. Erik Johnson enters camp (or the off-season) as the favorite to fill out the rotation assuming no trades.

 

Quintana could be seen as the quickest way to filling 2 holes on offense; he has been a #2-#3 type of quality starter now for about 3 seasons, and has a team friendly contract for another 3-4 seasons. This should result, if traded, in 2 high end prospects coming back, and we know the White Sox are looking for MLB ready type of talent.

 

With holes at C, 3B, and potential area's of concern at SS, 2B,and DH (although it's fair to assume that La Roche, Sanchez and probably Ramirez enter next year as significant contributors).

 

They shouldn't limit any trade return to specific positions outside of maybe 1B, so they could add 2 higher end prospects this way.

 

They could also keep Quintana and move Johnson; obviously the return will pale in return, but they could get a usable player in return while ensuring the rotation (top end) stays a strength.

 

In either case, move a starting pitcher is the best bet for young offensive talent, and it's hard to expect that the White Sox will be major players again in free agency to fill these holes.

 

I agree with your thinking only I think Q is better than a 2-3 starter. I think he is closer to a 1-2 and w his contract a top 15 in all of baseball. I think he should bring back 2 MLB ready players and a high rated prospect.

 

[Dick Allen]

I read something yesterday that the White Sox have no intention of using Q to acquire hitting. They want to use their minor leaguers.

[OmarComing25]

I read something yesterday that the White Sox have no intention of using Q to acquire hitting. They want to use their minor leaguers.

Was that in the papers? A quote by Hahn?

[Dick Allen]

Was that in the papers? A quote by Hahn?

It was on the internet. I think Dan Hayes but can't remember. Doesn't mean they won't, but that, and probably correctly, isn't the plan.

[BlackSox13]

It was on the internet. I think Dan Hayes but can't remember. Doesn't mean they won't, but that, and probably correctly, isn't the plan.

Is this it DA?

 

"Trade assets: Quintana's name frequently gets brought up in the "you have to give up something excellent to get something excellent in return" scenario. But the White Sox seem more inclined to trade some of their younger Minor League hurlers as opposed to breaking down their Major League strong suit."

 

http://m.whitesox.mlb.com/news/article/156...-roster-upgrade