Fixing the Chicago White Sox

The White Sox need to sign a player like Torii Hunter to instill some confidence in a fanbase that's starting to lose it.

Even better, signing Hunter would solve one of the team's three problem areas—center field/left field, second base, and bullpen.

With Hunter in center, the Sox could shift Jerry Owens to left field to take over the role Scott Podsednik once filled.

As for a trade—the Sox have been rumored to be in the Miguel Cabrera sweepstakes. Getting him would likely require trading a package of Fields, Owens, Gio Gonzalez, and the prospects the Sox get from a Garland or Contreras trade.

If you ask me, that price is a little too steep—and the Sox really don't need Cabrera, as crazy as that sounds.

3. Get a leadoff hitter.

There are two ways the Sox could go about this—an internal solution in Jerry Owens, or making a trade or free-agent signing.

Owens hit over .280 after being called up for a second time last year, but his strikeout numbers over that period were worrisome.  He definitely has the potential to be a leadoff hitter in the Podsednik mold—but at this point, nobody is really sold on Owens leading off in 2008.

A trade for Boston's Coco Crisp would also be a very good move.  Crisp struggled under the microscope in Boston and appears to have lost his starting job to Jacoby Ellsbury, so he could be had for a bargain price.

Crisp had success with the Indians before being traded to the Red Sox, and a return to the AL Central could be just what he needs to regain his old form. 

Getting Crisp, a notorious White Sox killer with the Indians, would also keep him away from Minnesota, which also needs a center fielder.

If they sign a center fielder, the White Sox will have to then shift their focus to signing a second baseman who can lead off.  The best option here is to make a strong push for Luis Castillo. 

Castillo may be losing a step as he grows older, but he's still one of the best contact hitters in the league.

4. Fix the bullpen.

This one's easier said than done. 

The White Sox bullpen was pretty good in 2006 if you discount the brutal seasons from Cliff Politte and Neal Cotts.  Matt Thornton, Mike MacDougal, and Bobby Jenks all turned in very good years.

However, MacDougal tanked and Thornton struggled in 2007.  The rest of the fill-ins (David Aardsma, Nick Masset, Andy Sisco, etc.) were sent down to Triple-A with ERAs ballooning into the 7's.

The only "certainties" next year (and I use that term loosely, because I thought Thornton and MacDougal were certainties going into 2007) are Jenks and Wasserman.

Thornton will be back and and should do fine. The same goes for Boone Logan.  I think both will turn in acceptable seasons next year—but that still leaves a gaping hole for right-handed setup men.

Wasserman is young and may not be ready to come into a one-run game in the eighth inning.  Since MacDougal can't be counted on to hold down a five-run lead, the Sox need some help here.

Scott Linebrink is available, as are Kerry Wood and Mike Timlin.  I would love to see any of them setting up Jenks.

If all else fails, the Sox could bring back a couple of old friends in Roberto Hernandez and/or Luis Vizcaino.

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