Over the past three seasons, the Sox have experienced a 90 win season, numerous all stars, joy, heartbreak, and one of the worst years in recent memory. What has changed from the 2005 team that dominated the post season to the 2008 team who has now increased their lead to 6.5 games.
First base 2005- Paul Konerko
First base 2008- Paul Konerko
Not much has changed at first for the Sox in the past few seasons. The quiet team leader has been racking up good numbers while being overshadowed by the north side first baseman in Derrek Lee. Despite a slow start in 2007, and 2008 Konerko has been putting up good numbers and should continue in 08.
Who had the better player- 2005, a younger Paulie is a better Paulie
Second base 2005- Tadahito Iguchi
Second base 2008- Alexi Ramirez
After GM Kenny Williams sent off Tadahito for practically nothing, Sox fans had to watch young talent struggle with Danny Richar and Pablo Ozuna at second base. Iguchi did not put up the big numbers that he did in Japan but was very solid none the less. A solid glove and a great guy to bunt or get the guy over or drive in was missed in 2007. Iguchi, who is currently on the Padres, was a big quiet reason the Sox struggled the way they did in 2007. Kenny Williams could have brought in the second best mystery man of the year in Alexi Ramirez. Nicknamed the "Cuban Missile" Ramirez has been just that. Making game saving plays (Royals 6/6/2008) and now with his bat heating up, the loss of Iguchi has vanished in Sox fans minds. Ramirez, has slowly taken over the starter job from Juan Uribe who has struggled at the plate in 08. Ramirez should continue to start and heat up his bat and steals.
Who had the better player- 2005, Iguchi was solid all year round, Ramirez needs to continue to prove he belongs after a rough first month.
Shortstop 2005- Juan Uribe
Shortstop 2008- Orlando Cabrera
"Ground ball over the head of Jenks, Uribe throws...out! and the White Sox have won the World Series." That phrase will solidify Juan Uribes name in Sox fans minds forever. Uribe, who has been arguably won of the best DEFENSIVE short stops in baseball, has been overshadowed by his poor hitting. Uribe has never been a great hitter even in hitter friendly parks such as Coors Field and US Cellular Field. In 2008, Kenny Williams made a controversial trade sending solid starter Jon Garland to the Los Angeles Angels for shortstop Orlando Cabrera. Although Cabrera has struggled with the bat in 2008, with the weather heating up, his average and production should go up too. Cabrera has won everywhere he has played (Boston, LA) or has played well (Montreal) to be considered a top shortstop in the game.
Who has the better player- 2008, Cabrera is overall a better shortstop who can field and hit, something the south side has been lacking since Ozzie Guillen graced the position.
Third base 2005-Joe Crede/Pablo Ozuna
Third base 2008- Joe Crede/ Pablo Ozuna
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7 months ago
Just for you guys to know, i know i didnt do a DH i dont know why probably cause i was too busy day dreaming about the 2008 staff. But if you want to know my opinion.....
2005 DH- Carl Everett
2008 DH- Jim Thome
Evertt was a solid back up role especially when Frank Thomas went down. He was a good punch with Konerko and Dye hitting in front and being shielded by good hitters behind him like Rowand. Jim Thome has continued his good hitting hte past few years. In 06 he his 42 homers and 35 in 07 while his average has been around .280
Who has the better player- 2008 mainly because Thome and Evertt are about the same type of player. They are meant to be DH's and have thrived there. You dont pick Carl Evertt over a future hall of famer
7 months ago
Thome has been absolutely awful this year. He can't hit with men in scoring position. He hits into a ton of double plays. He strikes out far too often, especially in big spots. He was one of the main reasons why this team couldn't score more than two or three runs a game earlier in the year. He hasn't come close to thriving as a DH this year; instead, he's horribly sputtering.
Carl wasn't by any means great in 2005—hitting .251 with 23 HR and 87 RBI—but he wasn't a rally killer. More than often, he was a rally starter. If the Sox could just get Everett-like production out of Thome, they'd be pretty well-off offensively.
7 months ago
Thome has just been off to a slow start just like paulie. Once the weather heats up, i think Thome will regain his form and im not saying he has all star written on him, but im guessing he will hit around a 270ish average with about 30 homers which is average for a DH but u cant put him anywhere else. He hits his timely homers but the end is in sight
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