They Gone

• Joe Crede (3b): He'll go down in White Sox lore as a fan favorite, especially as a member of the 2005 championship team.  But age, injuries (chronic back injury) and his agent (Scott Boras, Lord of Darkness) have made this parting necessary. Crede is done in a Sox uniform.  Kenny Williams said yesterday he has "full confidence with a healthy Josh Fields at third base." If you read between the lines, Fields, who is recovering from a knee injury better work hard to get healthy.  If not, we're sure that Kenny has a trick up his sleeve.  I love Joe Crede and appreciate everything he's done for the Sox, but given his frequent stints on the DL the last couple of years, it's time to move forward.
  
• Ken Griffey Jr. (OF): It was absolutely no surprise that the Sox didn't pick up Griffey's $16 million plus option for next year.  He's not the Junior he was in the 90's.  He did contribute a few key hits, but he can't play the outfield, especially center, anymore and he can't run.  In fact, he's down to maybe a tool and a half from his days as a five tool player with the Mariners.
  
• Orlando Cabrera (SS): I think the Sox thought about giving him an extension when they acquired him, but given the play of Alexi Ramirez (who will become the Sox shortstop next year) and his negative effect on the clubhouse, the Sox are happy to wash their hands of him.  Plus, he's expensive and the Sox already have a $97 million payroll right now.

Gone for Sixty Seconds

• Toby Hall (C): The Sox bought him out rather than pick up his $2.5 million option for 2009, but he could be re-signed at a lower rate,m which many believe is the plan. Injuries have plagued the fun loving Hall for a lot of his Sox career.  If Hall isn't re-signed, we sincerely hope Kenny will acquire a backup catcher who can actually throw.
  
• Juan Uribe (IF): Uribe was about to become a bench warmer  when Crede's back went out (again) and was forced into service as a third baseman.  He can play short, third and second with equal flair and has an arm like a cannon.  The Sox recent signing of Jayson Nix as a utility infielder may have ended his Sox career unless Uribe truly wants to come back.  If he does, I'd let him compete with Fields for third.  At least Uribe can play defense.

Lightning Round

• If the Sox want to compete in 2009, they need a center fielder/lead off hitter/base stealer, a backup catcher who can catch a third of the games and maybe one more alternative in the infield.  They probably need on innings eater in the bullpen.  Maybe they can bail Luis Vizcaino out, sober him up and bring him back.
  
• I am a supporter of giving Chris Getz the second base job and seeing what he does with it.
• Clayton Richard will be a solid fifth starter, so trading or signing one shouldn't really be a concern.
  
• Javy Vazquez needs to go away.  Mike MacUseless and Boone Logan need to board the same flight.
• The Cheat at South Side Sox has done an excellent job of putting together a nifty off season timeline.