Now that Jermaine Dye has signed an extension for the next two years, the Chicago White Sox are set in right field for 2008.  That leaves three positions that need to be upgraded in the off season along with the bullpen.  Although most Sox fans get the notion that there will be some new faces next year, Kenny Williams seems pretty pleased with what he's trotting onto the field every day.  In an effort to help Kenny, I have provided a few ideas of my own.

Left field should be a no brainer.  A platoon of Darin Erstad and Pablo Ozuna should get the job done.  Erstad still has enough game left to play 100 or so games, plus he can backup at first, making up a Ross Gload type upgrade. Ozuna can start against right handed pitchers.  The Sox can also use Andy Gonzalez to back up in left.

Yes, I know the Sox will have to cut Scott Podsednik loose, but it probably is for the best.

In center, Aaron Rowand is the clear choice for the White Sox.  This topic is done to death.  Look for the White Sox to make a play for Andru Jones.  Personally, I'd love to see them sign Torri Hunter, but he'll probably be way out of line in terms of price. 

Short is probably the sticky wicket.  Do you keep Juan Uribe and hope that if he has a calm off season where he doesn't face murder charges maybe he'd play a little better?  The answer is no.  Uribe has a great arm and makes some great plays when his head is in the game.  This alone has made him the best Sox shortstop since Ozzie Guillen. But his daydreaming in the field and his lack of discipline at the plate has made him a liability.  I hope that if they do cut him loose or sign and trade him that his replacement is better than Mike Caruso, Royce Clayton or Jose Valentin.
If the Sox opt to keep Joe Crede next year (I vote drop him) their payroll is at $92 million without the upgrades at least two key positions.  The Sox will have to offload some salary to stay within about $100 million for next year.  Trading Jon Garland may help, but better yet, get a new deal done for him too locking up a talented pitching staff.  You can then jettison Jose Contreras and his $20 million dollar contract.

One thing is very clear: players with  potential paydays like Mark Buehrle and Jermaine Dye could have had who sign for a hometown discount must be very happy in their surroundings.  You also think that in some way, these players know this year has been unacceptable and want to have another shot at making it up next year.  Honestly, I wish they would start now.

Lightning Round

• In case you don't know, the White Sox have hit rock bottom, trailing the Royals by a game in the AL central after dropping a winable game to Seattle 7-5 last night. John Danks was good for five innings and Ehren Wasserman pitched like Erin Brockovich as the Sox went down to defeat.  The Sox try to salvage one game on the road trip this afternoon in Seattle before coming home to take on the Royals at U.S. Commiskey Park.
• The Cubs win in the rain, the Brewers win under glass, so the Cubs are still ½ game ahead of Milwaukee.  Given what the weather forecast is like for this area, it will be a miracle if the Cubs get in either their night game tonight and their makeup game tomorrow against St. Louis, who has now fallen to four out.  And to make things even more interesting for the Cubs and Brewers, both have a west coast trip coming up with Milwaukee opening a series in Arizona tomorrow night.  Ah, drama.
• Before you get too excited cheeseheads, remember this win came against the Walrus' J.V, possibly even his developmental squad, three cheerleaders and the tuba player from the band.
  
• Michael Vick not only fights dogs, he also drives around without a seat belt.  Both are not advised.
• To no one's surprise, USC leads the pack in the first AP poll.
  
• Texas is ranked number four, but they won't stay there long if their big time receivers keep dropping like flies.
  
• One of the reasons that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have not been successful is because their prospects keep getting into trouble.
  
• It's redecorating day in Jacksonville as the Jags toss out an old Couch.
• The Giants and Jets announce their intention to build a new stadium in New Jersey.  Jimmy Hoffa nods approval.
  
• Saturday was the 40th anniversary of Jack Hamilton's unfortunate beaning of Boston outfielder Tony Conigliaro.  Conigliaro was a local hero who had his career cut short after taking a fast ball to the face. Here's some trivia: Because of the injury to Conigliaro, the Red Sox had to acquire another right fielder.  Their acquisition helped them get to the world series (where they lost to the Cardinals) and in 1968, he had a career year and was named to his only all-star appearance.  Do you know who it is?  Roll your mouse to the right for the answer:  Hawk Harrelson
• This Greg Norman divorce storyhas "Lifetime Movie of the Week" written all over it.  Either that or an ESPN mini-series.
  
• The man who made Ronald Regan into a media icon has died. 
  
• Hey fellas, instead of getting breast reduction surgery, why don't you go to a gym and do some curls? Everyone wants a quick fix.
• Today's list: Maxim tells you who not to pick for your fantasy football draft.  They just lost a whole bunch of subscribers in Wisconsin.