It looks as though we'll have to worry about Juan Pierre-to-the-Sox rumors for a second straight offseason, and this time, it isn't
Phil Rogers leading the charge. The fresh rumors are courtesy of the Sun-Times'
Chris De Luca, who discusses the possibilites in his latest column.
On one hand, a Pierre signing wouldn't be as costly this time around. My primary concern last season was the fact that between Pods and Pierre, the Sox would have two extremely similar outfielders -- not a great deal of discipline, no power, acceptable range paired with noodle arms. One of them can be useful -- two would be disastrous.
As it turns out, Pierre had the decidedly better season, though it's dampened some when considering that he's making almost $6 million. That leads right to the biggest caveat about acquiring Pierre this time around:
Price.
De Luca says, "But the White Sox and Cubs each will have the money -- and desire -- to land a top leadoff hitter." I'm not so sure about that, at least from the South Siders' perspective. If Pierre were a one-year rental, that'd be true. $6 million for a shot at another trophy is a small price to pay in the scheme of things.
However, in a weak free agent market, Pierre stands to make more than that, and for a much longer commitment than one measly season. That's where it gets complicated.
In 2008, the White Sox have $42 million tied up with Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, Jon Garland and Jose Contreras. Two more pitchers (pick 'em among Buehrle, Vazquez and Garcia), and that's at least $62 million. Joe Crede's price will shoot up by then, Jermaine Dye and Tadahito Iguchi will be free agents and Juan Uribe will need to be replaced if he's still there. To pull a number out of my butt, I'd say those guys (or their equivalents) are worth at least $32 million a season combined.
At this point, we're optimistically looking at $90 million tied up by less than half the roster, since there aren't any minor leagues who can fill the shoes of those last four I mentioned. Meanwhile, the Sox may have an option in left with Ryan Sweeney, or they might be able to get by with a combination involving him, Josh Fields, Rob Mackowiak and Ross Gload. That would by no means by the sexiest option, but it'd certainly be more cost-effecitive.
Then again, you know Ozzie considers "leadoff hitter" as much of a position as second base, and if that's the case, I like De Luca's third option the best -- San Diego's Dave Roberts. He's making less than half of Pierre's salary this year, and given that he's five years older, he'll have the lower contract demands. Look at how Roberts and Pierre stack up in the leadoff categories:
| AVG
| OBP
| SLG
| PA
| R
| BB
| SB
| CS
|
Pierre
| .291
| .330
| .378
| 731
| 84
| 32
| 57
| 19
|
Roberts
| .294
| .360
| .398
| 542
| 75
| 48
| 46
| 6
|
Let me reiterate that I'm not a huge fan of signing either of these guys. If Ozzie's going to demand speed, however, I'd rather it be a shorter, less costly investment. Unlike some other areas (middle infielders, slugging corner outfielders), the Sox have a number of acceptable left/center options for the next two years already in the organization if Kenny Williams stands pat.
As the situation stands now, I don't see any room for players who don't always make the best use of their speed, and always need to hit it where they ain't in order to preserve the bulk of their value. That's why we're getting rid of Pods, isn't it?
Update: I want to give Kenny Williams a big ol' hug. The Daily Herald's Scot Gregor asked the Sox GM about Pierre, and
here's what Gregor wrote:
After trading Aaron Rowand to the Phillies last
off-season, White Sox general manager Kenny Williams was asked if he
was interested in acquiring Juan Pierre to fill the hole in center
field.Williams paused for all of a half-second before giving Pierre the thumbs down.