The White Sox went from a joke in 2007 to the AL Central champions in '08, but general manager Ken Williams knows there will be some work that needs to be done this winter if they want to stay in the penthouse. With the left side of his infield headed to the free agent market, and a need for speed, Williams will have his hands full in trying to acquire speed to balance his lineup out.
BIGGEST NEEDS: Speed, speed and more speed, as the Sox need a true leadoff hitter, as well as some rabbits near the bottom of the order. The pitching has a solid core, but they will at least take a look at adding a fifth starter with concerns about RHP Jose Contreras' ruptured Achilles. The bullpen could also use one more veteran arm. ARRIVALS: RHP Kelvin Jimenez (claimed off waivers from Blue Jays), INF Wilson Betemit (trade with Yankees).
DEPARTURE: OF Nick Swisher (traded to Yankees).
FREE AGENTS: SS Orlando Cabrera, 3B Joe Crede, C Toby Hall, OF Ken Griffey Jr., INF Juan Uribe, LHP Horacio Ramirez.
The Sox declined options on both Hall for $2.25 million and Griffey at $16.5 million, and have also said goodbye to Uribe, with GM Ken Williams insisting that he is not in their immediate plans. Cabrera and Crede will also walk away with no resistance from the club.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP D.J. Carrasco, RHP Bobby Jenks, OF Dewayne Wise, INF Wilson Betemit.
Jenks, the barrel-chested closer, will finally be getting the payday he has deserved, with his salary expected to jump up to $5 million after arbitration. The Sox were talking with Jenks last season about a contract extension, so they may revisit those discussions. Betemit was acquired in a November trade.
IN LIMBO: 1B Paul Konerko is the team captain and the face of the club in many ways, but because the Sox are so slow-footed in the middle of the lineup, they could explore the idea of asking Konerko to waive his no-trade clause if the right deal comes around. Expect them to talk to the Angels on that front.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Jose Contreras (ruptured Achilles tendon in August 2008) likely will be on the shelf until at least July, and he could miss all of 2009 if there are setbacks.
OF Carlos Quentin (fractured right wrist in September 2008) expects to be fully recovered by spring training.
3B Joe Crede (back problems) was slowed most of the second half, and he will have to show his back is OK as he enters free agency.
