Rogers: White Sox, Cubs coming up short

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fanforever
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Rogers: White Sox, Cubs coming up short

Post by fanforever »

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com ... -headlines
Among 26 shortstops who played enough to qualify for a batting title, Uribe (.678) and Theriot (.672) were 21st and 22nd, respectively, when their on-base percentage and slugging averages were added together to produce their so-called OPS, the best overall rating of a player's value as a hitter (the guys below them: Felipe Lopez, Julio Lugo, Tony Pena Jr. and Omar Vizquel). Uribe had ranked last in on-base percentage among 289 major-leaguers with at least 250 at-bats in 2006, so for him this is no new trend.

The White Sox, of course, did win the 2005 World Series with Uribe as their shortstop. But even then his OPS was on its way down, falling steadily from .833 in 2004, when he was motivated to prove himself after losing his job with Colorado.

White Sox general manager Ken Williams reluctantly re-signed Uribe to a one-year, $4.5-million contract because he was not sure he could find a better alternative through free agency or trades. He didn't feel he could take a risk on the health of David Eckstein (limited to 117 games last year by recurring back problems) or run a chance of losing Uribe and not finding a replacement.
Cubs GM Jim Hendry confirms that Lou Piniella is comfortable with the 27-year-old Theriot as his shortstop. Hendry points out Theriot's 2007 season looked much better before he batted .202 in September, and that the Cubs still were winning while he was showing signs of fatigue. He believes Theriot will be able to deliver more impact in '08.

But it's also true Theriot and Uribe are retaining their positions because there just aren't many shortstops available. San Francisco re-signed Vizquel on Friday, and St. Louis is working toward re-signing Eckstein. If those two prospective free agents stay in place, it's possible only Detroit and Atlanta could have new shortstops at the start of next season.

The Braves dealt Edgar Renteria to the Tigers only so they could move Yunel Escobar from third base to short. Cleveland is in position to make a similar move, trading Jhonny Peralta so Asdrubal Cabrera can move from second to short, but the Indians are going to deal Peralta only if they're blown away by an offer.

Baltimore is shopping Miguel Tejada, but he's not nearly in demand as he was last year when owner Peter Angelos pulled him off the market. Tampa Bay is trying to decide between sticking with Brendan Harris, who hit .286 with 12 homers, or trying to acquire a shortstop who would be better in the field.

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Asmodai
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Re: Rogers: White Sox, Cubs coming up short

Post by Asmodai »

dear jim

theriot got tired after april


signed
meph

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