Dave Roberts a Fit With White Sox?

The White Sox imported Scott Podsednik to fill the speedy leadoff hitter/left fielder role back in December of 2004.  Pods did OK in 2005, even garnering some curious MVP votes.  Last year, however, his OBP dropped all the way down to .330.  The team seems ready to move on.

Dave Roberts's agent would like to kindly suggest his client to fill the role.  He would be another former CF playing left, never a bad idea defensively.  Roberts is also a bit more adept at getting on base than Podsednik and has a little more power.  This is his first chance to explore free agency, and so far the White Sox and Giants appear to be desired destinations.  He made $2.25MM in '06.  He'll be 35 next year, and health may be an issue.     

Comments

[buehrlebro]

Unless

A)The White Sox can get something for Podsednik

B)The White Sox sign Roberts to a 1-year deal

I don't want this to happen. Of course, Roberts will probably be seeking a multi-year contract, so I wouldn't do this. By 2008, there will be better lead-off options.

[1908]

This won't happen. Pods will probably wind up in San Diego for a middle reliever (Pods w/the Pads makes a lot of sense), but I don't see Roberts as a good fit for the Sox.

Here are my predictions: Omar Vizquel will the Sox starting SS in 2007. Ichiro Suzuki will be leading off and playing CF. And LF will be played by Anderson/Sweeney/Fields (whichever remains from the Ichiro trade that also will include McCarthy & Cotts).

Kenny Williams is too bold for a journeyman like Dave Roberts.

[DentalPlan]

I don't think your trades are realistic and I don't think your assessment of Williams is correct. Most people would've said he'd never trade Carlos Lee for a mediocre player like Podsednik and look what happened.

[1908]

Yeah, but that was before he won the World Series. In my opinion, the Sox are now more likely to get a Soriano or Ichiro for leadoff than a journeyman like Dave Roberts.

If the Mariners make Ichiro available, my money is on Kenny Williams because he will go above and beyond to get it done.

[Kyle]

What does he offer??? What do the White Sox have to give the Mariners for Ichiro?

[Doctor Lingerie]

Even though he's 34, he's a cheaper option than Matthews or Pierre and won't require as long a commitment -- I think Roberts is ideal, especially since the Sox have a few kids that may merit an OF spot (Sweeney, Owens, Fields) by the time Roberts' hypothetical Sox deal is up.

As for 1908's post about Ichiro, I think Ken Williams has a "bold" package consisting of a rainbow, the Holy Grail, and a couple unicorns. That might get it done.

I think they sign Roberts.

[buehrlebro]

McCarthy, Cotts, and Sweeney/Anderson/Fields for Ichiro would actually **** the White Sox over.

I say you stick Owens in left and hope for the best. He's shown he can hit and steal bases in the past despite having a horrible year and a mediocre call-up. He'll be 26 and I think he can do it. Pods will go to the Padres/Giants, maybe Nationals, for a mid reliever or prospect, hopefully.

Look, I know this probably won't happen, but I like to think of it. While I'm at it, I might as well throw in a pipe dream for everyone to critique:

Padres get:
3B Blalock, LF Podsednik, SS Uribe

Rangers get:
3B Crede, SS Cintron, SP Vasquez, CF Cameron

White Sox get:
RP Meredith, IF Michael Young, SS Greene, prospect/cash from Rangers

After the deal *would* be made, Young would play 2B for the White Sox and Iguchi would be traded to a team that would need him. If the White Sox really wanted to, they could then sign Dave Roberts. Fields would play third, McCarthy would fill in for Vasquez, and Greene would take over at short.

:P

[russell]

all that money is hard 2 shuffle around thats y those types r never made. the trade leaves san diego and texas 4 more 2 b desired.

[Doctor Lingerie]

Everyone is underestimating the SEVERE production drop -- offensively and defensively -- that the Sox would suffer were Crede moved and Fields installed as the third baseman right now.

[RotoAuthority]

Very true