There have been various internet reports and a couple of stories in the newspapers about how the White Sox should/could be interested in Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon.  And while this is nice sentiment, I have a one word answer: NO!

Damon is a decent enough player, but not nearly as he was when he played with the Red Sox four or five years ago.  Plus, he turns 36 on Thursday, which is an age the Sox are really trying to get away from.  If they want a 35 or 36 year-old guy, they can re-sign Jermaine Dye or Jim Thome, but that's not what the goal should be.

There are two other compelling and logical reasons Damon will never wear silver and black: First, he is an FOS (friend of Swisher.)  Given Nick Swisher's rocky tenure with the Sox, it is doubtful Damon would even be interested in coming to Chicago.  Second, Damon's agent is the evil dark lord Scott Boras, a man who the White Sox rarely if ever deal with. So, even if you think Damon is the right fit, the odds of him playing for the White Sox are razor thin at best.

I'm still convinced that the best thing Kenny Williams can do to shed some salary and make a deal that will resonate with fans is to call Tampa and simply ask "What do you want for Carl Crawford?"  I believe that Crawford would give the Sox everything they need: high double digit stolen bases, a left handed stick which hits for both power and average, a good situational hitter and a solid outfield glove.

That's why, around here, we call him "The Answer." 

With the speedy Crawford in left, Alex Rios in center and Carlos Quentin in right, the Sox would have one of the better defensive outfields in the AL, if not all of major league baseball.  Then add to the mix, Gordon Beckham at third,  Alexi Ramirez at short, Pauie at first, AJ behind the plate and a bench with Mark Kotsay, Jayson Nix and a few other spare parts and the Sox look like an instant contender.

One of my biggest fears is that the Sox will have so much faith in their starting rotation, that they will not realize that all of those guys need support from their fielders.  It's like the Bears.  The Bears were so convinced that Jay Cutler would be a difference maker that they forgot about their offensive line, which is comprised of three hacks and two over the hill former pro bowlers.  This is why Cutler spent more time on his back than Paris Hilton Sunday.

Kenny, I have only one wish this off season.  Please, find a way to bring "The Answer" to Chicago.  You won't regret it when you raise the trophy in October November December.