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Kenny Williams has been actively retooling a White Sox roster that, while squeaking into the playoffs, was not anything close to a true contender for a championship. Three years removed from their World Series title, Williams finally realizes his roster has changed from what got them over the top. In addition to this week's trade of Javier Vazquez, who's the exact opposite of a big game pitcher, he has also traded Nick Swisher and the team has, for all intents and purposes, parted ways with free agents Orlando Cabrera and Joe Crede.
Is Jermaine Dye the next to go? While the Sox's GM said pretty much the opposite yesterday, Phil Rogers believes that might not be the case if one reads between the lines. And supposedly there is interest from the Reds, Mets, Dodgers and others. Rogers suggests that the team's desire to convert 19-year-old Cuban third baseman Dayan Viciedo to the outfield is one clue. Carlos Quentin's got a lock on left field after last season, and a third baseman isn't likely to be converted to center field, where the Sox would like to add a leadoff-type hitter. But Dye's currently in right field...
While Dye's offensive numbers remain impressive, his range in the field is diminishing with age. Do the Sox want to move him while he still has value? And removing his $11.5 million salary off the books would free up even more money for chasing free agents. It's time to add some speed and defense! But can Kenny make those upgrades?
With baseball's Winter Meetings coming up next week, it'll be interesting to see what Williams does. Personally, we like the steadiness of Dye in the offense and don't want to see him traded, unless the Sox are able to add a true star either through the trade or via free agency. If Williams can't do that, then we'd prefer to see Dye's bat remain in the lineup. If this isn't a rebuilding year -- which Williams made clear yesterday -- then they need some vets in the mix.
Nam Y. Huh / AP
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I understand the need for some sort of offensive shift, but why would you trade a proven commodity like Dye, even if he is aging? What's more important is pitching. The Sox need pitching. They need at least two starters and a whole new bullpen. When's Kenny going to start making those deals?
It will be a sad day for me if they let go of Dye. He was one of my favorite aquisitions of the Kenny Williams era. This humble World Series MVP is exactly the kind of guy needed not only on the field, but in the clubhouse. Plus the fact that he was by far the best power hitter (on the team) aside from Quentin last year.
I would rather see Thome or Uribe gone next before Dye, but I know thats not going to happen.
I don't know... this just bugs me.
Uribe is pretty much good as gone.
As for the Dye to the Reds/Mets rumors, it appears to be nothing more than that: mere speculation.
it all comes down to money - and the fact that JD is atrocious in the field.
uribe is dead to chicago already.
it all comes down to money - and the fact that JD is atrocious in the field.
Atrocious NOW... He's getting older and it shows in the field, but he was a pretty good hand in right for a few years here.
He should be our DH. Hell, can he play a little first base? Good bye Paulie...
There are far, far worse right fielders in baseball than Dye. He's slower than he used to be, but he's nowhere near atrocious. And personally, I think what he does at bat makes up for what he's lost on defense.
Uribe, on the other hand, is usually thinking about football or girls or something while on defense, and he swings at every pitch as if he were Robert Redford aiming for the lights. And Konerko really needs to start thinking about retirement.
Somebody mentioned Thome ... I like Thome, if only for the intangibles he brings to the clubhouse. I liked Swisher for much the same reason.