Now, this isn't as easy as it sounds.  The first thing you have to consider is that once Kenny dumps Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski, fans will no longer come to the ballpark this season as they will see it as an act of giving up.  If the butts in the seats decrease so does Kenny's payroll for 2011.  And with the contract he already has in place (Alex Rios, Jake Peavy, Juan Pierre) it's going to be hard for Kenny to put something competitive together for next season.

Then there is the argument over who gets moved.  Konerko and Pierzynski are in their walk years, so they could become rent a players for teams in a push or with injured starters (like the Angels and Rangers.)  As long as these teams are willing to absorb the contracts, more power to them.  The question is what do you get back in return?  A proven player?  A player with potential?  Some minor leaguers? Or do you just give them away like when the Sox traded Tad Iguchi for Michael Dubie?  Dubie doesn't even qualify to have his picture on a milk carton.

J.J. Putz has a one-year deal as does Andruw Jones, so they could be easily moved for a handful of magic beans.  Bobby Jenks is arbitration eligible and that won't be pleasant, so chances are he's out the door.  Again, what do you ask for in return?

On your safe list besides Peavy and Rios are Carlos Quentin, Gordon Beckham and Alexi Ramirez.  They don't cost much and they will form the core of the team for the next few years as Konerko and Pierzynski exit.  The pitching staff should stay in tact as well.  Sure, it's been a rough year for Gavin Floyd and Mark Buehrle, but Buehrle is signed through next year and Floyd through 2013.  If those guys can return to form, the Sox can look forward to a much better effort from their starting staff.  The wild card is John Danks, who is making it look like he won't re-sign with the Sox or take an extension to become a free agent when his service time allows.  If Kenny feels like Danks potential contract status is an issue, he may let him go.  Daniel Hudson is more than ready to come up and take his place in the starting rotation.

All of these moves will have a very shilling effect on the Sox.  Tyler Flowers, the catcher of the future, will make A.J. look like Johnny Bench defensively and will flail at so many pitches that they'll have to change the flight patterns at Midway Airport just to avoid the wind sheer.  The Cuban Sandwich is pretty much the same deal, he strikes out way too much and couldn't play defense if Fidel Castro held a pistol to his head.  Brent Morel might be ready, but again hitting is an issue.  Defense is not.  In fact, he may be the best fielder in the organization. 

We'll have to see if those who don't follow the Sox (you know who you are Buster) are right about the Sox being open for business or perhaps a miracle which would include a sweep of Detroit and a couple of wins against the minor leaguers over the weekend would preclude Kenny from breaking up the gang.

In any case, it is truly sad to be talking about this on June 8th.