By Soxman and Paul M. Banks
(PMB) I’m well aware that converting from a slow home-run hitting team to a quick, manufacturing-every-run-you-can-get type of team won’t happen in just one off-season. It’s not realistic.
(SM) Well, if Thome isn’t the one traded, the Sox need to work with him in the off-season to teach him how to bunt, plain and simple. If they are going to put the shift on for him, he only needs to successfully bunt 2-3 times and the field will open up to him again. Why he NEVER did that in 2008 is beyond me! Especially in situations where we needed base runners.
(PMB) What can happen though is a change over to a team similar to another winning Orioles team, the one that knocked us out in 1983. They were lead by Earl Weaver, the fiery manager who’s inspired a whole new breed of hot-headed and hard line baseball leaders. Both of the Chicago skippers Lou Piniella and Ozzie Guillen embody this. During this rise to prominence, Weaver Ball became trendy. It was defined by the Oriole trifecta of “Pitching, Defense, and the Three-Run Home Run.†So let’s work on getting all three. The pitching doesn’t have far to go. The defense needs some work, but isn’t terrible. The home run ball? Way too many of those were solo this past season. So let’s talk turkey on setting the table. We all know OC is out of here and Jerry Owens (who I’m short-selling) is on his last chance to prove himself a bonafide major leaguer, so who hits leadoff? What do you do in the #2 hole?
(SM) I cannot see the Sox NOT doing something to address their speed needs. So for the record, I believe you will see a new leadoff hitter in 2009. IF no trades or signings are made, the best leadoff candidate would again be Nick Swisher, with perhaps Chris Getz batting second. This would also be a 3rd or 4th place line-up in the AL Central. Yuck.
CF- Swisher
2B- Getz
LF- Quentin
DH- Thome
RF-Dye
1B- Konerko
SS- Ramirez
C- AJ
3B- Fields
 
(PMB) I think Kenny needs to adopt the Iceman from “Top Gun†slogan “I feel the need for speedâ€â€¦Lord knows Sox fans do! How about Dwayne Wise, we know Ozzie loves him and you got to be Bullish on the market for his clutch hitting that he displayed at times during 2008. Also, are you buying or selling “the little sparkplug” Chris Getz? He has some wheels.
(SM) I think Wise will be back. He will come at a cheap cost and represents a left-handed bat with some pop, speed and a decent 5th outfielder. Chris Getz would make a great utility infielder to start, but I’d give him a shot at winning the second base job if the Sox fail to make any other moves. There is so much that could happen depending on what Williams does. My plan was along the lines of the “ultimate†best case, but still within the boundaries of reality.
There have also been rumors that Williams intends on throwing himself into the Brian Roberts sweepstakes. I just don’t see that happening unless the Orioles were willing to take a Thome or a Konerko in return, who would likely veto a trade there. If they did do pull it off, Fields would get first crack at 3B. However, the Sox have only two prospects in their farm system garnering any buzz, and they cannot begin to rebuild for the future if they trade either of them away. It is also why I do not think Juan Pierre is a good fit from a trade perspective. He’s not worth $9.6 million per season or the prospects that would likely be required. That money could be better spent elsewhere.
I also think Nick Punto is the better choice as the utility infielder as he is quicker and has a better on-base percentage. Juan Uribe might come cheaper however and is loved by his fellow teammates.
(PMB) Next week we will discuss fixing the “bear market aspects†of the pitching staff.
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