MLB:White Sox Right to Say Adios to Ozuna

The reaction in the hometown papers to the White Sox recent roster move has been slightly one sided. With Paul Konerko back from his stint on the 15-day DL, the team opted to let speedy reserve infielder Pablo Ozuna go. Common thinking was that the Sox would try to trade or release Juan Uribe, the opening day second baseman.

Many Sox fans see this as the wrong move and are upset with the team's decision to part ways with Ozuna. The White Sox choice seems to be contrary to what the numbers dictate. Ozuna was hitting at a respectable .281 clip while Uribe's .206 batting average has him riding the pine behind surprising rookie Alexei Ramirez.

 To this fan anyway, retaining Uribe was the right decision for several reasons. However, the Sox former starting SS and 2008 opening day second baseman may be hitting just above the Mendoza line, he does possess a powerful bat and the ability to drive in important runs off the bench. His defense is also vastly superior to Ozuna's.

 At the end of the day, Ozuna is a utility infielder at best. He can pinch run and he can lay down a sacrifice bunt, even maybe loop a clutch single now and then. However, Juan Uribe, who happens to be owed 5 million bucks by the Sox has been and could again be an everyday major league player.  

With a runner on third and less than two outs in a late game pinch hitting situation I trust Uribe's ability to drive the ball for an RBI over Ozuna's slap hitting mentality. Equally important is the potential that the play of Alexei Ramirez may come down to earth.

 In that event, or in the event of an injury to the "Cuban Missile," Uribe stands as a much better option, both defensively and offensively as the everyday second baseman. His experience at SS provides additional insurance behind 33-year-old Orlando Cabrera.

Once seen as a bad clubhouse guy and a seemingly permanent resident of Ozzie Guillen's doghouse, Uribe has come a long way. Guillen has pointed out several times that he has admired the class that Uribe has shown this year. It’s not easy for a player to come back from an injury and have his starting spot taken by a rookie.

 This after resigning with the club in the off-season only to see them trade for Orlando Cabrera to replace him at short. My guess is that Uribe will get his fair share of big hits for this club before it’s all said and done. As for Ozuna, no Sox fan will ever forget his raised fist as he galloped home to win game two of the 2005 ALCS.  

It was a powerful image from a powerful season. On a personal note, I was at a game in 2006 when Ozuna was standing on third with another runner on first. As the Royal pitcher threw a lazy pick off attempt to first Ozuna broke for home. He was safe and his steal of home energized what was a tired team.

He was a spark plug and I hope he lands on his feet somewhere. Let's hope Ozzie and Kenny's faith in Juan Uribe pays dividends in what is shaping up to be one heck of a summer on the south side.