White Sox GM: No need for more high-priced talent






CHICAGO (AP) -- Don't expect the Chicago White Sox to sign any free agents still on the market.

White Sox general manager Ken Williams said Saturday he doesn't see the need for more high-priced talent, especially with a roster full of young talent and a lousy economy.

"We have learned some tough lessons ... throwing as much talent against the wall is not necessarily the answer," Williams said. "Things have to fit in place. Players have to complement one another and they have to be in that clubhouse pulling for the same goal."

The new-look infield drew the most questions from fans for manager Ozzie Guillen and Williams during a question-and-answer session at the team's winter convention.

The biggest competition will be at second base, where relative unknowns Chris Getz, Brent Lillibridge and Jayson Nix are the favorites.

Josh Fields will try to hold off newly signed Dayan Viciedo, a 19-year-old Cuban, at third base. Alexei Ramirez will move from second base to his natural position of shortstop.

"People I talk to from the Atlanta Braves tell me Lillibridge will have a great chance to make the ballclub," Guillen said. "But the competition will be there. I think every day in spring training will be important for us this year. Because we have to pick the best guy at centerfield, third base and second base."

Guillen intimated that DeWayne Wise has a head start in the centerfield battle over Jerry Owens and Brian Anderson. Wise, a journeyman player, started down the stretch and in the team's first-round playoff loss to Tampa Bay.

Williams was questioned about why the team didn't spend more in the offseason after dumping the contracts of Javier Vazquez and Nick Swisher.

He said the White Sox have one of the highest payrolls in the game, about $121 million last year, and noted most teams are cutting back this year because of the economy.

_________________
“Be Who You Are and Say What You Feel Because Those Who Mind Don't Matter and Those Who Matter Don't Mind.” ~ Dr. Suess


Nice Guys Finish Last

Thank you,and have a nice day !

I have no problem with Kenny this off season. A mix of young players and vets is good for everyone. Young hungry players push the vets. They seem to be the team to beat in the Central.

While the team may take a step back this season, and that is debatable because if Buerhle, Danks and Floyd pitch as expected the Sox will be right there in the AL Central, this is a great long-term strategy. I don't really feel that the club is taking as big a step back as have been portrayed.

1) Josh Fields over Juan Uribe or Joe Crede? I'll take my chances that Fields will improve his defense, and hit 30 HR. Clearly, the Sox are taking a step back defensively. Offensively, Fields will strike out a lot, but if he can get his average up to .260 with power, I don't see this is as a downgrade over last season.

2) Ramirez over Cabrera - All indications are that Ramirez will play great defensively, and most expect him to continue to be a good offensive player.

3) Getz vs Nix vs Lillibridge - 2 prospects the Sox feel good about. Obviously, this position is a major question mark heading into the season.

4) #4 and #5 in the rotation - Somebody will have to replace Vazquez's innings. He was a workhorse and this is my biggest concern for the White Sox. Bartolo Colon is probably more than likely washed up though you can't count him completely. They have some talent - Marquez acquired from the Yankees and Richard, who showed some upside late in the season - but these guys probably aren't this years versions of Danks/Floyd. Still, the Sox need to somebody to step into the #4 role, and provide 6 solid innings consistently.

5) CF - The Sox didn't have a CF last season, and may not this season. D.Wise, B.Anderson, or J.Owens do not inspire much confidence. Again, a major question mark.

Obviously, the Sox need their aging players - Konerko, Dye and Thome - to hit home runs.

Obviously, guys like Linebrink need to stay healthy.

The Sox can compete for the division this season, at the same time of getting their finances in order for 2010 when even more salary comes off the book. This season, the Sox find out about some of their younger players while at the same time opening up a lot of cash for the future.

I'm optimistic about the White Sox.

IMO the entire Sox season rests right here. If these 3 pitch as they are capable and stay healthy the Sox will have a good season. If not, there will be trouble on the South Side.

_________________
"He is a loathsome, offensive brute
--yet I can't look away."

I am not terribly optimistic about the Sox this year, but I am for the long term. Viciedo, Alexi, and Danks are all going to be very special players.

_________________

You gutless m'fer if they don't make the playoffs it's just as you thought! If they make the playoffs they over achieved! Well "ass wipe/moron"
what has the rest of the Al Central done to dethrone the Sox????????????????? Have some fuckin balls Frank!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

_________________
I'm going to bounce from the spot for awhile but I will be back at some point to argue with you about this hoops stuff again. Playoffs have been great this season. See ya up the road.

I'm out.