While it may not be the best decision for his future, calling up Fields and having him play first base or designated hitter could add a spark to this lineup. Fields slammed 23 home runs last year after being called up in July and showed great potential at the plate.
Calling Fields up would allow the Sox to keep one of Thome and Konerko out of the lineup on the same night. It would add a spark while also allowing for the slim chance that one of these two aging sluggers would break out of their respective slumps.
As for Swisher, what he might need is a week off. He's in-between at the plate and looks like he's thinking too much. Give him a week to clear his head, and in the meantime, play Brian Anderson in center. With Anderson, you'll get at least the same offensive output as Swisher (maybe better) and far better defense.
Maybe the best option involving the whole situation, though, is for the Sox to go out and sign Kenny Lofton. Lofton would give the team a proven leadoff hitter who still has some speed at the top of the lineup.
It also would allow for a quasi-platoon of Konerko, Swisher, and Thome at DH/1B. When Thome sits, Konerko is the DH and Swisher is at first, when either Konerko or Swisher sits, Thome is the DH with the one who isn't sitting starting at first.
Like it would with calling up Fields, it at least would give Thome, Konerko, and Swisher a chance to break out of their slumps while not hurting the lineup as much as it would with all three in the order.
As of right now, Fields or Lofton are probably the two best options for the White Sox. Unfortunately, it's too early to make a trade for a bat—but as we get into the middle of June, somebody might become available.
If Kenny Williams is serious about winning this year—which he made perfectly clear in the offseason—then he better go out and get a bat for this lineup.
Unless Greg Walker acquires some magic pixie dust that will make guys like Thome, Konerko, and Swisher start hitting to their career averages, this offense is going to continue to struggle until a personnel change is made.
It's sad that I've got to the point where I'm not completely joking when I say Carl Everett is available. Although, let it be known that I don't really want the Sox to resort to Everett for the third time.
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