PREVIEW: Shortstop

I this preview, we will be discussing the White Sox Shortstop situation. Alexei Ramirez will head into Spring Training as the projected starter, with no real competition to take his spot. Ramirez, who played 2nd last year, will be taking over for the Gold Glove Orlando Cabrera. Ramirez played Shortstop as his main position in Cuba so he should have no problem making the transition, as he possess a strong arm and excellent range. On the offensive side, Ramirez finished 2nd to Rays 3rd Baseman Evan Longoria in the AL Rookie of the Year Award. The missile hit .290 with 21 HR and 77 RBI. He needs to improve on stealing bases. He has good speed, maybe the best on the team next to Jerry Owens, but does not know how to steal a base in America. Just because you have speed doesn't mean that you will steal a ton of bases. Bobby Abreu, who the Sox are linked to, doesn't posses a lot of speed, but what he does have is excellent timing. On another note, another adjustment Ramirez has to make is having better on-base skills. He had a .317 OBP last year, and the reason why it is so low is because he is a free swinger and is not patient. This probably won't change, but after his rookie year, he should know pitchers better, so that should improve his overall stats. The Sox look solid at short, and should be good for the season.

SS Depth Chart

1. Alexei Ramirez

2. Brent Lillibridge

3. Wilson Betemit

4. Gordon Beckham

PREVIEW: 2nd Base

In this preview, we will be discussing the second base battle between Chris Getz, Brent Lillibridge, and Jayson Nix. Getz seems to have the upper hand, but an excellent Spring Training out of Lillibridge or ix would most likely win one of them a job. Getz, last year at AAA Charlotte, hit .302 with 11 HR and 52 RBI while carrying a .366 OBP. Getz gets on base, can steal, can make good contact, and play excellent defense. Lillibridge, who came over from Atlanta in the Vazquez deal, hit only .220 in AAA Richmond, but did provide excellent speed. If Lillibridge were to win the job, he could be a candidate to lead off. Nix, from the Rockies organization whom the Sox signed as a Minor League Free Agent, hit .303 with 17 HR and 51 RBI. I don't understand why people would write him off. He had the best stats in AAA among the other candidates and was a top prospect once for the Rockies. I could see him as a dark horse in Spring Training.

2nd Base Depth Chart

1. Chris Getz

2. Brent Lillibridge

3. Jayson Nix

4. Gordon Beckham