Odds And Ends: Tejada, Manny, White Sox

Do the White Sox match up with the Braves at all over Josh Anderson? He's probably available since he's out of options and Schafer is around.

Why wouldn't the sox have brought in Lofton at the beginning of spring training on a minor league deal to see if he can still play? Now to just sign him after not playing last year and give him the job seems a little weird.

I've thought all offseason the Sox should look at Skip Schumaker for the job. If the second base experiment doesn't work out, I still do. Great defense, strong arm, doesn't hit lefties though but Anderson would platoon OK.

I agree 100% mateodh, I've had those exact same sentiments about Schumaker this offseason.

"Quit deleting my posts. I did not attack any of the fellow posters, nor did I violate the posting guidelines. What was said about KW was complete honest and passionate truth."

Astral, I really, really want to know what you said about Kenny now.

All I would want in return is to see Skip get to succeed in his natural role somewhere, but I'm sure Mozeliak doesn't share those sentiments. Earlier in the offseason I would have said Boone Logan, need-for-need, but now it would be Thornton and KW probably declines.

Broadway wouldn't be the first option to replace an injured starter. Richard or Marquez would fill in an empty spot in the rotation, and to fill in in the bullpen Egbert would be a good option to call up from AAA. Poreda may be down there as well. We are not short on pitching prospects at all.

So far, I like what I see from Owens. I know his bat is not exactly hot right now, and that is worrisome, but his running is much more natural, which is conducive to staying healthy. Also, he's taking a whole bunch of walks, more than anyone else in camp so far. This shows that he's working hard on his patience. Look at his OBP. Even with a .222 BA, he has a .333 OBP. Obviously not ideal, but if he can bring his bat around a little more, he'll be getting on base a ton. I think he's our best lead off hitter with the exception of Gets, but for whatever reason, Ozzie won't put Getz in that role. I don't think Anderson will get the full time starting nod unless he shows he can hit reliably. That hasn't happened. Wise is showing exactly how streaky he is right now. Of the three CF candidates, Owens is the only one showing real improvement in their weak area. I'm not saying Owens is great. It would be nice to have someone more established, but his defense is stronger than Wise, and his offense is more valuable than Anderson.

Later,
Aaron

I think that's Mat's point SM. Logan before the season started might have been someone the Cardinals would have considered. Now, they would probably want Thornton.

And Aaron, I think Anderson's defense far outweighs the pluses that would come with Owens playing center. I think Owens in the midst of getting traded, considering he's out of options and can be a fourth OF for someone.

I am liking the idea of Schumaker/Anderson platoon a lot.

I disagree. I think if you were comparing Anderson to Wise, I think there would be a big enough defensive difference to say Anderson is far and away a better option. However, considering that even if Anderson does start hitting, he is another low average power hitting type of hitter that we have tons of. We need speed and on base percentage in the lineup. Anderson has no chance of offering that. Owens at least offers that possibility. If he was a defensive liability, I might see your point, but he's not. The only way I see Owens getting traded is to bring back a proven leadoff man in some sort of package trade. I find it unlikely that anyone has a place for him, given that he is out of options. I think if he doesn't make the roster, he ends up on waivers on his way down. Maybe someone will claim him, maybe not.

One thing to consider, in looking at the two options, is the field we play on. Our center field isn't exactly huge. Having a guy like Anderson, while always a plus, is not necessary in our outfield. That is why we've managed to get by the last few years since Rowand has been gone. If we played somewhere like Petco, or Comerica, I'd say defense is a must in center, but I think in a hitter's park like the Cell, balls that would require a fantastic jump to get to are headed out of the park anwyay.

Later,
Aaron

I know it sounds crazy, but look at his spring numbers. He took 27 in his entire stint with the team in 2007. If he can keep that patience, and then hit even for a decent average, you're looking at good OBP. Not saying it will happen, but its possible.

Later,
Aaron

"Padres CEO Sandy Alderson says it was a huge mistake to let Joakim Soria slip away through the Rule 5 draft"

Lol, ya think???

Manny Ramirez is a space cadet.

Count me in on the Owens column.

He's getting on base, as 50+ SB speed and isn't as bad in the field as some say. His only real defensive liability is his arm.

Is someone like Pierre that much of an improvement over Owens?

Anderson is lackidasical (sp?) and can't hit MLB pitching other than an occasional 2B or homer. If we had gotten a guy like Roberts to lead off at another position, I'd grudgingly put him in the 9 spot, but we haven't. And OF defense is overrated.

I'd rather have a halfway decent table-setter at leadoff in Owens over a career .220 hitter who plays nice defense.

Also, Thornton's going nowhere, especially considering the injury concerns with Linebrink.

Owens doesn't hit that much better than Anderson, and with Quentin and Dye in the OF you need someone in CF who can make up for what they lack. If you put Owens in CF it's one of the worst defensive OF's in the league. Pierre is an upgrade to Owens but not that much, he at least can use his speed to get some slap hits, but I still wouldn't want him. Getz is the best leadoff candidate even over Owens, I don't know why he isn't tried there.

Remember, Pitching and defense wins championships, and the most important positions are up the middle, Catcher, SS, 2nd and CF.

I don't think Owens offensive upgrade over Anderson makes up for the difference in the defense. Either way, neither one of them should lead off for this team. if Owens is leading off, the team isn't going anywhere, maybe they aren't anyway, I don't know. They need a real leadoff hitter, but since neither one is, I'd rather have the defense.

I just heard on the radio yesterday that Ozzie was going to start looking at Anderson, Fields and Getz at leadoff. If that's the case, it doesn't sound like he likes what Owens and Wise are doing.

Owens and Anderson are doing horrible at CF right now, D-Wise would be our CF but he inst a leadoff hitter. If Getz is somehow able to lead off this season. D-Wise will be our CF.