When My Kenny Smiles At Me, I Go To Rios
I might find him if I'm looking like I can
Oh Rios Rios hear them shout across the land
Duran Duran-Rio (Sorry, Simon, just had to)
So, now, it's official. Alex Rios is a member of the Chicago White Sox. But, at what cost? Well, start with the contract. $70 million for the next 5 seasons (through 2014.) Will Ozzie still even be around then?
And what does Kenny Williams get for his money? A very expensive fourth outfielder who will alternate for playing time with the incumbent group of Carlos Quentin, Scott Podsednik and Jermaine Dye. A fourth outfielder who has demonstrated that after signing a fat contract, he thus far has underachieved. Maybe the change of scenery and the infusion into a pennant race will bring out the best in him, but that of course is speculation. Or, it's what Kenny Williams is gambling.
The speculation is on to what happens now. Sure, Rios is superior in center to Scott Podsednik, but Scotty Pods has been devastating at the top of the Sox lineup this year. If it wasn't for Scotty Pods, the Sox would mostly likely be looking up at Kansas City, not Detroit. Many in the blogging community feel that Podsednik is Joe Hardy from "Damn Yankees" who made a deal with the devil to help Washington win the pennant. Most believe that while Scotty Pods has had a great season, there is no guarantee he can do it again. Given his history of having a big year (2002, 2005, 2008) and then down cycling there is probably validity to this. Certainly, Kenny Williams is aware of it.
The color guy on the Mariners broadcast last night thought Rios could replace Carlos Quentin. Of course, he fully failed to realize Q was out two months with a bad wheel. I agree with Hawk that Q is the wildcard for the Sox. If he starts hitting, the Sox have a great chance to come out of this thing on top.
Jermaine Dye's chances of returning to the Sox got even muddier yesterday. Even though he leads the team in home runs, one wonders if the Sox have taken on too much payroll to exercise his 2010 mutual option which vests for $12 million. If you kept Dye, what would you do with him? If you keep him in right, with Rios in center and Quentin in left, you are back to square one trying to find a leadoff man. You also have an entirely right handed hitting outfield with Q, Rios and Dye.
If you keep Dye and make him your DH, you send Jim Thome packing, which I think is something Kenny wants to do anyway based on Thome's strikeouts and injuries. As good a human being as Buzz Lightyear is, he's one dimensional. Ozzie and Kenny like variety. That's how the Jason Nixs, Pablo Ozunas and Juan Uribes of the world endear themselves to him. Of course, you lose a big, powerful left handed bat in your lineup.
For now, Ozzie will be juggling four positions among six players: Left, center, right and DH will be split among Quentin, Podsednik, Dye, Rios, Thome and Paul Konerko. Thome and Podsednik will probably not play versus lefties. Quentin will get a few more days off as will Dye. And, the biggest loser in this whole remake is perfect game hero Dewayne Wise who will most likely be sent to Charlotte if he doesn't refuse the assignment.
All that said, Kenny Williams went out and got a two time all-star for nothing. Not one player in a Sox uniform will be moving to Canada because of this deal. And, after giving up some very valuable young prospects for Peavy, getting a player of Rios' caliber without having to dip into the farm system has huge upside. Rios is clearly the future face of the franchise, along with Q and The Savior. Add to the mix Tyler Flowers, Jared Mitchell and perhaps the Cuban Sandwich and there is a clear blueprint to this team for several years. As players like Dye, Thome and Konerko fade away, the Sox will be bolstered by top line pitching from Buehrle, Danks, Floyd and Peavy and the afore mentioned White Sox, the next generation.
Basically, Kenny Williams put $70 million of The Chairman's money on the table, rolled the dice and yelled "let it ride." We'll see by October whether it was sevens or snake eyes. I'm just disappointed it wasn't Carl Crawford.
Posted by Chip Ramsey at 8/11/2009 7:22 AM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: That Snake Named Jake Pink Floyd The Chairman Mercy! The Hawk Q His Name Is Rios Dewayne Wise Gordon Beckham Scotty Pods Buzz Lightyear Kenny Williams Cuban Sandwich
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: That Snake Named Jake Pink Floyd The Chairman Mercy! The Hawk Q His Name Is Rios Dewayne Wise Gordon Beckham Scotty Pods Buzz Lightyear Kenny Williams Cuban Sandwich
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