posted on Thursday, December 13, 2007 1:18 AM
by
Jim
Cross Rowand off the list
In 2006, the Cubs finished in last place with 66 wins. It took a commitment of $300 million toward free agents and a new manager to lift them to 85 wins in baseball's weakest division.
In the White Sox's case this offseason, maybe they didn't need a new manager coming off a 72-win season -- but they would need to spend roughly the same amount in order to propel them over the Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians and Detroit Tigers. One huge splash wasn't going to cut it.
I suppose that's the silver lining after watching Kenny Williams miss out on the top two remaining free agent outfield options --
Kosuke Fukudome and
Aaron Rowand -- in a 24-hour period. The Sox already have too many eight-figure salaries tied up in over-30 ballplayers, and while Fukudome and Rowand would have definitely filled a hole, they are nowhere near sure things. For all we know, they could've just been another old player paid too much by 2010.
The Cubs made a smart move, regardless of how it turns out. They filled a hole completely, from skill set to position to handedness, and they can go into Opening Day with confidence without making another move.
The Giants, on the other hand, are in the same position as the Sox -- too many old players, and too many outmakers. Rowand's now the best position player they have, but with the Rockies, Diamondbacks and Dodgers stacked with young talent and the Padres boasting the best pitching staff in the division, the Giants could actually fall from their win total of 71 last year.
In that way, it's like stopping the last moment to tie your shoe before crossing the street, only to watch a fellow pedestrian get pasted by a bus.
Williams
is taking heat, while
whitesox.com is in full spin mode, and not without reason -- he talked big and didn't deliver. However, watching the Giants invest $12 million a year to barely improve should temper the vitriol somewhat in time.
I do feel bad for the season ticketholders, though. There's a solid defense in that those who pay thousands of dollars should get a chance to watch as many major leaguers on the field as possible. It's not like they get any benefit from the Sox sporting a lower payroll.