Welcome to today's episode of "People Unclear of the Concept"

New York writer Joel Sherman penned a column via Fox Sports where he rated the best and worst teams this year in personnel moves.

Sherman claims the White Sox are the fourth worst team.  His assessment:

They traded Swisher and Vazquez, and not only have nothing yet to show for it (we will see about Tyler Flowers from the Vazquez deal), but they used some of the saved dollars on Jake Peavy and Alex Rios, who could be disasters that keep on giving expensively into the future.

Since Sherman is obviously a New Yorker who is probably clueless when it comes to the White Sox, let's see if we can offer him a little perspective.

Sherman gives kudos to Yankees GM Brian Cashman for "stealing" Nick Swisher from the White Sox.  In order to steal something Joel, you have to take something of value.  As we've said here many times before, Swisher didn't fit in with the Sox.  Sure, Wilson Betemit was a major bust, but the book is still open on the two young pitchers (Jeff Marquez. Jhonny  Nunez ) the Sox got for him.  It was addition by subtraction, Joel.  I think Brian Cashman could have offered Kenny Williams a bag of game balls and a dozen used Roger Clemens syringes for Swisher and Kenny would have made the deal.

As for Javy, we all know that story.  He's great when there is no pressure.  You put him in a pennant race or a playoff game and he folds like a cheap card table.  Kenny did a good job of picking up Flowers (and perhaps Brett Lillibridge) for Vazquez.  Again, addition by subtraction.

On to Rios and Peavy.  I will admit trading two pitchers (Clayton Richard and Aaron Poreda) who could have helped as to opposed to one who was on the DL wasn't the best use of resources.  That being said, Peavy will come back like gangbusters next year to join three pretty good starters.  Provided the Sox can find a consistent fifth man, you are looking at one of the better rotations in baseball, period.

Rios was picked up for absolutely nothing and so far his ROI has been that.  Hopefully, he can remove his head from his backside and play like the all-star he once was instead of a more expensive version of Jerry Owens.

Sherman also forgot to mention three other important pick ups for the Sox this year.  Scott Podsednik has been this team's MVP this year, solidifying the leadoff spot since, um, Scott Podsednik in 2005. 

Gordon Beckham, a rookie, has solidified the number two spot in the lineup and is just scratching the surface of his potential.  Beckham is the most impressive rookie the Sox have had since Mags Ordonez and draws favorable comparisons to former White Sox third baseman Robin Ventura.

Mark Kotsay was waived by the Red Sox and acquired for failed number one draft pick Brian Anderson.  Kotsay's ability to play multiple positions and his professionalism have endeared him to Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, who wants him back next year.

Jose Contreras was traded at the waiver deadline for a young pitcher Brandon Hynick.  Hynick is supposed to be a pretty solid prospect and if he pans out, jettisoning the struggling Cuban during his walk year for a valuable player would be a good deal.

So, Joel Sherman, we hope you've become educated.  Now that you have all the facts, perhaps you won't be so hasty to judge the White Sox harshly.  Besides, all the guys who put their foot in their mouth by making up or omitting the facts are supposed to work for Fox news.