Since I'm delusional enough to think I know more about the Chicago White Sox than their own general manager, I'm here to give Kenny Williams some pointers on how he can improve the White Sox this off season.
1) Trade Javier Vazquez. If you read a previous post of mine, you'll know how I feel about Vazquez. I hear that the Mets are still interested in him. Honestly, I'm ok with any trade, except Luis Castillo. He's terrible.
2) Trade Paul Konerko and move Nick Swicher to first base. Which ever team doesn't win the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes might have an interest in Konerko. He does have a full no trade clause, but he might be willing to waive it if he can get closer to home. Obvious choice would be the Los Angeles Angels. Getting someone speedy like Reggie Willits or Chone Figgins would be a start. Or even someone like Mike Napoli. Let's face it, A.J. isn't getting any younger and we have no one in the minor league system ready to play catcher. And Nick Swisher is not as bad as he played this year. I really think that this year was an aberration and Swisher will bounce back next season.
3) Find a younger catcher somewhere. Talk to the Texas Rangers about one of their many catchers, though after we ripped them off in the John Danks/Brandon McCarthy trade, they may not be in a hurry to trade with us again. If they are, why not see what it would take to get Jared Saltalamacchia. Again, as stated above, the White Sox have no one in the system to play catcher.
4) Make Clayton Richard the 5th starter. Frankly, this guy should have replaced Vazquez towards the end of the season. A rotation of Buehrle, Danks, Floyd, ?, and Richard should be all right to start off the season. I don't think you can count on Jose Contreras to come back to play the entire season, nor do I think he'll be any good, but stranger things have happened. If Richard should falter, we still have Lance Broadway and Aaron Poreda to slot in as the fifth starter, though Poreda may not be ready yet.
5) Believe in the young players. Give Josh Fields more than a look at third base. Give Chris Getz some time at second. After maturing some, Brian Anderson might be ready to be the every day centerfielder this season. Don't trade the youth for some overaged veterans.
Now, I'm not going to say that these moves will allow the White Sox to defend the AL Central title. The Indians and Tigers will definitely be better this upcoming season then they were last season. But, I think these moves help the White Sox out in the long run.
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