Changes coming to White Sox' batting order?
When Jim Thome was struggling at the start of the season, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen considered dropping the veteran designated hitter down in the batting order. But after giving it some thought, Guillen decided to leave Thome in the No. 3 spot.
If the Sox'offense continues to struggle, expect Guillen to shake things up. And don't be surprised if Jerry Owens comes up from Class AAA Charlotte to add some spark (and speed) to the leadoff spot.
Thome (.216) isn't the only White Sox hitter that is slumping. Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye, Orlando Cabrera, Nick Swisher and Juan Uribe are also cold, so it's been a collective slide.
As long as the Sox are in first place in the AL Central, Guillen is probably going to leave the lineup alone. But if the White Sox slip from the top spot, look for some changes.
Why not bring up Fields to DH while Thome and Konerko are struggling? Thome could play first against right-handers. Konerko could play first against left-handers. Yes, Konerko would squawk, but he needs time apparently to let his hand heal anyway.
What I don't understand is why, if hitting is the Sox problem, did they call up a pitcher today? I'm just baffled by that one. Any insight, Scot?
The shakeup simply should be Dye DH'ing for Thome against lefty's and Anderson playing Centerfield moving Quentin to right and Swish to left. You're looking at the best defensive outfield in the league right there. As long as Anderson is hitting, he proves to be way more valuable than Jerry Owens and his noodle arm in center field.
The only thing Jerry Owens will be good for is pinch running and pinch hitting. He can barely hit the ball out of the infield.
Alexei should be sent down to get some regular AB's...he is lost at the plate.
Scot, what kind of lineup would you put out there, and does that jibe with what you think Ozzie will do?
3sportz: I'd leave the White Sox' lineup the same for the next four games at Toronto. But if the Sox contine spinning their wheels, I'd try Jerry Owens in the leadoff spot.
Owens was supposed to open the season at the top of the order for the White Sox, but he strained his adductor in spring training and kept aggravating the injury, a la Scott Podsednik.
If you call up Owens from Class AAA Charlotte, Alexei Ramirez or Brian Anderson go down to the minors.
But here's the bigger problem _ who sits when Owens plays? LF Carlos Quentin? No chance. CF Nick Swisher? Ditto. RF Jermaine Dye? Highly doubtful.
Of course, one of the trio could be moved to designated hitter, but that means Jim Thome has to "grab some bench.''
The offense's recent lack of production has put Sox manager Ozzie Guillen in a tough spot. He'll try to ride it out, but changes have to be made if the White Sox continue to struggle.