2008 V1 - Black Sox 2008 team starting to take shape

[kestu]

After starting the offseason with a couple of deals that cost the team LF Andre Morris and 3 mid-level prospects, the 2008 Black Sox team seems to be starting to take shape. The team ended the 2007 season with a logjam at the corner outfield positions with Morris, LF Jesus Cruz, natural RF Jose Lopez and prospect Phil Owry all looking for significant playing time in 2008. Following the trade of Morris to Birmingham, the outfield picture has become much more clear and allows the team to slowly bring CF prospect Bart Lavigne into the fold.

The primary pieces coming over to Chicago are CF Chris Neal and 2B John Wilkinson. Both have great defensive skills and will solidify the Black Sox up the middle. Both are 30 years old and have a solid body of work that is expected to continue for the next few years. The benefit to the pitching staff should be immediate as the team continues to develop Tom Madonald and Juan Rivera while prospects Jason Brooks and Roy Nevel Jr. are also expected to see time in the rotation throughout the season as well.

Only time will tell how this benefits the club and a debate can be made regarding the long-term wisdom of moving youth for a few 30 year old players, but the deals the team made this week should certainly help to improve the team for next year.

[felipe]

Big ballsy moves; like it!

[recte44]

Neal just won a Zimmer Glove in left field, if you're planning on using him in center he won't be as good but still not bad. Wilkinson at second seems like it's a waste of his talents. He's perfect for third base. Just average at double play, which makes him less valuable at 2B.

[kestu]

Understood - I could potentially move Harvey to 2B and keep Wilkinson at 3B. We will see...

Neal will be better than Lopez, that's my biggest concern right now.