Soxman’s White Sox Whims
In addition to posting answers to my mailbag, I figure I’d try to quench the undying thirst of White Sox die-hards for 411 by posting a blog discussing the latest hot stove boiling and bakings.
Most of you that have written to me during my sabbatical expressed concern that our roster is no better than a 3rd or 4th place team in the AL Central- as the Tigers and Indians have made good additions to their rosters and you can NEVER count out the Minnesota Twins.
My opinion? It’s too early to tell because the MLB Holiday clearance sale is yet to begin. You know, the time of year where spring training is about to begin and then the music in the game of free agent musical chairs slowly starts to fade, forcing players to scurry for a seat. For thrifty GMs like Kenny Williams? It’s the equivalent of most stores’ 50 to 75% off Christmas clearance sales.
Over arching props go out to all MLB teams with the exception of the New York Yankees. Whether by intention or chance, it is awesome to see so many Scott Boras clients go unsigned! Read into it what you will, but how many times do you get stung by a bee before you stop trying to get the honey directly from the hive?
Have I set a new blog record for analogies yet?
Spring Training Invites
The White Sox released their initial list of invitees to spring training today and announced a few minor league signings.
Aaron Poreda and 2008 first-round pick Gordon Beckham lead the list.
Poreda who posted a 2.69 ERA in 39 minor league games (207 IP) games is favored to challenge Clayton Richard and Jeff Marquez for a spot in the rotation, or a long relief role.
While Beckham hit .394 in the Arizona Fall League, he’s likely 1-2 years away from the majors and really without a position at this point.
In the Cactus league, we’ll also get a chance to see catcher Tyler Flowers -the key return in the Javy Vasquez trade- develop and likely be shipped to AAA. He’ll be deemed Jim Thome or Paul Konerko’s heir apparent until he’s ready to bloom.
Thirteen other players agreed to Minor League deals with the White Sox and received non-roster invites: infielders Javier Castillo, Bryan Myrow, Sergio Santos and Eider Torres, catchers Corky Miller and Chris Stewart, outfielders Josh Kroeger and Michael Restovich, right-handed pitchers Ryan Braun, Franklyn German, Brad Salmon and Jon Van Benschoten and left-handed pitcher Randy Williams.
Most of these players will be injury insurance at AAA. However, as Toby Hall’s option was declined in the off-season, there will be a wide-open back-up catcher slot open- which will likely come down to Corky Miller and Chris Stewart.
However, don’t count out rookie Cole Armstrong, who emerged at AAA last year, batting .275, 2HR, 17 RBI in 138 Abs.
The only other real names of interest out of this list are Franklin German and Michael Restovich.
German has a Roberto Hernandez type build, and was once believed to be Detroit’s future closer. He has a career ERA of 4.25.
Restovich is a journeyman utility player, who saw his best years with the Minnesota Twins.
Well, I hope you found this stimulating, cause I’m out of time. Until next time, don’t stop believing in your Sox, and may your swagger be better than the Rock’s.
Much Respect,
SM
Follow paulmbanks
Well done MVP but i honestly liked your myspace version better. More detail and you made a couple of typos cutie. Even heroes aren’t perfect. XO
Great to see you back from hybernation ole buddy.
I think German could challenge Adam Russell or Wasserman for a bullpen spot. Will DJ Carrassco be back?
What about all the JD rumors? Freddy Garcia? Soxman you are getting sloppy. you need spring training to sharpen your super powers. LOL
Saw you on the MLB Network commercial on New Years several times! They have not showed it much since. I miss you Soxy!
The sexiest celeb in Chicago is back. Yummy.
Have to agree with Erica, your myspace blog contained MUCh more info. Is this a neotiating technique with the Sportsbank? LOL.
trade rumors are coming tommorrow rocks..and they’ll be plenty of detail just you wait
typoes are “cute”? that’s an “interesting” way to look at it
Soxman, i liked your myspace blog better as well. MUCH more information and everything you wrote here as well. You also did word editing where this one does not read the same. LOVED THE TWLIGHT ref on your myspace!
Very funny analogies. Have to agree though. You fell a little short on the details with this one. Good job overall.
Hey Soxman, good stuff. Have you no opinion on all the Young and JD rumors? You going to Soxfest?
I could give a flying f–k about those mother f–king c–k sucking non roster pu–ies. I need to know who my right fielder is going to be. F–king Kenny keeps me f–king hanging soxman. You are supposed to be the fu–ing hero here, use your powers and let me know or get the fu– out because you would be just another Marriotti then. I love you though more than ozzie jr.
Ozzie you should remember that children read this site.
Soxman welcome back. Cute name “Sorting through the ‘Sox’ Drawer.”
This sock has some holes in it though. What do you think about all of the trade rumors surrounding J Dye? Is he really going to go?
The only bad Soxman article is no soxman article at all.
Don’t knock the soxman! I love anything and anything you write.
AGAIN JD trade rumors are coming tomorrow!!! Same Sox time same Sox URL. read the comments.