Every time the Chicago White Sox lose a game like they did in the second game of their doubleheader on Tuesday, someone, somewhere, writes about how the results would have been different if the White Sox had retained Jim Thome.

It then becomes an attack on Ozzie's construction of the ballclub or Kenny Williams allowing Ozzie to construct the ballclub the way that he wanted to.  But, can we look at the reality of the situation, please?

Jim Thome is a great player, a great teammate and a great human being.  In an era where there is so much negativity regarding athletes, he's a stand up, old school guy.  I have no problems with him and I enjoyed watching him play for the Sox for the four seasons that he did.

But Ozzie's vision was clear: He wanted to make the DH spot a flexible position.  Instead of one one-dimensional player in that slot, Ozzie wanted to use it to rotate players in and out.  So he could give Paul Konerko a day off without having to sit him completely.  Or keep Carlos Quentin out of the outfield on the turf in Toronto or Tampa.  Or give Juan Pierre a blow without losing his speed in the lineup.  So far, it's paid off handsomely for the Sox.

The fly in the ointment has been the only Sox player not to get out of his funk, Mark Kotsay.  Kotsay generally is the DH three to four days a week, but his lack of production has had several Sox fans volunteering to drive him to Midway.  I still have hope that Kotsay will get hot down the stretch and be money when it's money time.  I may be feeling cocky after correctly predicting the Sox were going to get back in it after being nine games out, but I have faith in number seven.

If you were to upgrade right now, you'd have to find someone equally as adept at playing multiple defensive positions that was a better hitter than Kotsay.  The question is, do you trust Mark Teahen to be that guy?  Neither do I.

Back to Thome.  Ozzie told him that he didn't have enough at bats for him and he's right.  Ozzie has too much respect for the Gentleman Masher to have him play only three to four games max a week.  Part of the fault is Thome's because he doesn't play defense.  Or run well.  In constructing this team this year, Ozzie wanted speed, defense and more opportunities to rest key players without necessarily losing their bats for a game and you've seen the results. 

It's nothing against Jim Thome.  I saw what Ozzie was trying to do in spring training and drank the kool aid then.  I wish more White Sox fans would join me.