Whether the deals work out or not, the White Sox can't be accused of not identifying their team needs then going out and doing something about them.
Last season, pitching was the team's strength with a fine, young (abet left handed) starting rotation. The offense and defense was poor last season. Many veterans had down years, including Dunn, Konerko, Beckham and Ramirez.
So the front office decided it needed to revamp the offense, get younger and faster. They identified two critical areas to upgrade: center field and third base. CF was manned by De Aza, who had above average power numbers for the position, but had defensive coverage issues. Third base was a sink hole of badness for several years. The platoon of Gillaspie and Keppinger did not set the world on fire.
So Rick Hahn and the pro scouts identified two young players who are major league ready to fix some needs. Adam Eaton is now the club's center fielder and lead off hitter. Matt Davidson is the heir apparent at third base. He may start the season in AAA.
The White Sox traded from strength to acquire players under several years of affordable team control. They gave up their closer, Addison Reed, and their #4 starter, H. Santiago to getting two starting position players. There are some general managers who believe starting position players are more valuable than pitchers because fielders play in more five times games per season.
So the revamped line up will probably be:
1. Eaton, cf
2. Ramirez ss
3. A. Garcia, rf
4. Abreu, 1b
5. Dunn/Konerko dh
6. Viciedo/De Aza lf
7. Gillaspie/ Keppinger 3b
8. Beckham/L. Garcia 2b
9. Phegley/ Flowers c
There appears to be in full transition mode with four to five positions that may go pure platoon.
Some question why the White Sox re-signed Konerko. But looking at the projected line-up, you can see why Konerko adds a leadership and player-coach to Robin Ventura's staff when the team will have three or four rookies on the squad. It is also possible that Ventura, in his last contract year, may want to return to the front office - - - which could pave the way for Konerko to manage in 2015.
