Chicago White Sox: Buy or Sell?

[whitesoxman77]

Alright so I have been grappling with this question for awhile so I'd like to see what CCS thinks.
Situation: The Sox are currently, as of this post date and time, in first place in the AL Central by a half a game. With the playoffs becoming a serious possibility as the All-Star break approaches the White Sox have decided that they will add veterans. Is this the right move?

Side A: Yes, the Sox have a strong rotation when healthy, and the offense has finally performed up to the expectations set before them and their large contracts. While the bullpen hasn't been stellar they have gotten the job done and the Sox look like they can make a run in the post-season and really electrify and intrigue the Chicago fan base again. With the Cubs struggling, and likely struggling for a couple more years, this may be the Sox chance to wrestle the city's allegiance to the South Side. The Sox are one solid veteran acquisition away from becoming one of baseball's top clubs.

Side B: No, the White Sox may be able to make the post-season by adding veteran talent, but at what cost? The Sox minor-league system is notoriously bad. Being ranked near last or dead last by almost every respectable baseball publication. If we continue to mortgage our future for the sake of making the playoffs, it is something Sox fans will come to regret for years maybe even decades to come. Plus, even if the Sox do make the playoffs how far can they realistically go? If we move pieces like Peavy, Floyd, Danks, Reed, Dunn, etc. we can replenish the farm and build on the new model of franchise success being implemented in places like Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Toronto, and as close as the North Side.

Tell me what you think...

 

[inactiveuser1]

T be honest I really don't know....

 

[inactiveuser1]

Good thread though :hi5:

 

[whitesoxman77]

haha this question has been haunting me, as a fan I want to see us succeed, but as a smart person I want to see us do well in the future too... :/ this team... but I love them

 

[inactiveuser1]

It's hard not to love the veterans on this team. They've done it before I bet they can do it again. It's just a matter of if the young guys keep their hot streak going

 

[TheChicagoFan]

I don't think it would be smart for the fans, attendence, the city, etc. if the Sox decide to have a fire sale just because their minor leagues aren't good.

There are other ways to build the minors up. (Like good drafts) They don't need to get rid of all the big name players just for some prospects that may or not make it in the big time. Some trades are necessary, but right now the Sox need to be a winning team and focus on winning right now.

A fire sale right now wouldn't make much sense at all. As long as they're winning, don't do anything drastic.

 

[whitesoxman77]

Thing I struggle with, is if we sell, we have to trade Konerko, or Konerko stays and deals with some cellar dweller seasons in his last years, I dont want that. I want to win in Konerko's last years here, but again I want our future to look good, so yeah more opinions please lol

 

[DewsSox79]

if the sox are in first or anywhere near first they cannot afford to white flag again like the huge white flag back in the day.

 

[Uman85]

Too early to realistically say one way or another. If this team is still in the AL Central race near or after the All-Star break, then they should look for an upgrade in the rotation if they have the means to do so. If they start to fall in the standings, there's nothing wrong with selling to get some pieces for the future, preferably some good prospects to build up the farm a bit.

 

[TheChicagoFan]

I don't think there's any question at all. The White Sox no matter what happens this year can't just go out and sell everyone just because it didn't work. It's obvious that some of these guys can actually do stuff.

I don't think Chicago can handle two rebuilds at one time.

As much as I'd like the White Sox to improve their farm system and have a good future, it just won't work right now.

 

[DewsSox79]

I don't think there's any question at all. The White Sox no matter what happens this year can't just go out and sell everyone just because it didn't work. It's obvious that some of these guys can actually do stuff.

I don't think Chicago can handle two rebuilds at one time.

As much as I'd like the White Sox to improve their farm system and have a good future, it just won't work right now.

this is also the time IMO to gather a new generation of fans.

 

[Uman85]

this is also the time IMO to gather a new generation of fans.

Yes it is. Fielding a competitive team that can reach the playoffs in the next 3-5 years could bring in some fans that don't want to wait on the North side and if the rebuilding effort fails and the Cubs don't contend like they said, the Sox should jump on the opportunity.

 

[TheChicagoFan]

this is also the time IMO to gather a new generation of fans.

Which is why the Sox can't go sell everyone. If the Cubs are doing that right now, it's a good chance to get some fans that maybe aren't sure which one they want.

They choose the team that's winning. Sox gotta keep up the winning part.

 

[brett05]

What's wrong with staying pat?

 

[DewsSox79]

What's wrong with staying pat?

nothing. i mean its ok i guess. probably good enough to win the division

 

[Uman85]

nothing. i mean its ok i guess. probably good enough to win the division

Division isn't good enough. World Series or bust!


:yeah:

 

[brett05]

nothing. i mean its ok i guess. probably good enough to win the division

And as the Cardinals prove, just get there

 

[TheChicagoFan]

Exactly. If our pitching gets hot and our hitting gets hot at the same time in the playoffs, we have a legitimate shot. There isn't really one team that's great this year. So there won't even be that tough opponent to get past.

More than ever, every team has a shot.

 

[DMelt36]

Exactly. If our pitching gets hot and our hitting gets hot at the same time in the playoffs, we have a legitimate shot. There isn't really one team that's great this year. So there won't even be that tough opponent to get past.

More than ever, every team has a shot.

I think the best thing we can say about the Sox is that it hasn't just been one guy carrying the offense.

This probably isn't the best timing, because the Sox just lost two of three in a series, but there are several players stepping up in big situations.

Even O-Dog had a real clutch hit tonight. It's a good early sign.

I hope we can still say the same in August. And September. And October.

 

[dabynsky]

Exactly. If our pitching gets hot and our hitting gets hot at the same time in the playoffs, we have a legitimate shot. There isn't really one team that's great this year. So there won't even be that tough opponent to get past.

More than ever, every team has a shot.

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