Who goes, who stays as Sox retool for '08?
General manager Kenny Williams has a fitting description for the White Sox' worst season since 1989, when they went 69-92 and finished last in the old American League West.
"This is a lot like the perfect storm,'' Williams said late last week, repeating a metaphor he has used throughout the year.
Poor hitting? Check. Through Sunday, the Sox' .244 batting average was the lowest in baseball.
Poor pitching? With a 4.97 ERA, only the Cincinnati Reds and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays have been worse.
Injuries? Losing Joe Crede for the season crippled the White Sox, and the projected 1-2 duo of Scott Podsednik and Darin Erstad never was healthy enough to perform together when it mattered. So let's check that box, too.
"It's been one thing after another,'' Williams said. "There's always been something coming up in one shape or form. It's been more frustrating, especially when you see the talent that helped us win a championship. We'll head into the off-season and be aggressive.''
Starting tonight at Detroit, the Sox have 26 games to play before heading their separate ways. Many will not return.
Williams figures to add plenty of new faces this winter. Here's a look at the status of the Sox' current roster:
Should return
Mark Buehrle. The workhorse starter would have 15 wins on a good-hitting team.
Bobby Jenks. The closer has been the Sox' most consistent player this year.
Jermaine Dye. After getting a contract extension Aug. 18, the right fielder can focus on bouncing back in 2008.
Paul Konerko. His average is down, but the power numbers are there again.
Josh Fields. The AL's best rookie hitter is making a gradual transition from third base to left field.
Jim Thome. He is under contract for one more year. Still dangerous when he's healthy.
Javier Vazquez. Has been the White Sox' best starter this season.
John Danks. Sox are hoping the rookie starter learns from his recent struggles.
Ehren Wasserman. Manager Ozzie Guillen is thrilled with the way the rookie relief pitcher keeps the ball down.
Pablo Ozuna. Has been sidelined most of the season with a broken leg. The Sox have really missed the ace utilityman's energy.
A.J. Pierzynski. If it weren't so difficult to find good starting catchers, Pierzynski wouldn't be on this list.
On the bubble
Jon Garland. He twice has come very close to being traded. The third time might the charm.
Jose Contreras. The Sox would love to trade the aging starter, but he's owed $20 million over the next two seasons.
Darin Erstad. He has a $3.5 million club option for 2008. Tough call here. Erstad still is a solid hitter and he can play the outfield and first base. But his long history of injuries is worrisome.
Jerry Owens. Has gotten a chance to lead off and play center field every day. Looks very goods at times, then he disappears.
Toby Hall. Backup catcher has had a miserable season, which was set up by a serious shoulder injury in spring training. Signed through 2008, and he'd be tough to move.
Danny Richar. Rookie second baseman is a good athlete, but he has looked lost with the bat.
Boone Logan. Left-handed reliever has been up and down all year.
Matt Thornton. See Boone Logan.
See you later
Scott Podsednik. The White Sox took a gamble last off-season that the left fielder could stay healthy. They won't do it again.
Luis Terrero. Just returned to roster after missing five weeks with a strained groin. Anybody notice he was gone?
Juan Uribe. His batting average has dipped in each of the last three seasons. Still OK defensively, but Sox will wisely pass on Uribe's $5 million option for next year.
Alex Cintron. On the field and off, just a bad, bad season.
Andy Gonzalez. Give him an "A" for effort, and an "F'' for execution.
Mike Myers. Local product is pitching for a $1.1 million contract next season. Giving up 8 runs in 4 innings since signing with the Sox is not going to get it done.
Ryan Bukvich. Has walked 17 batters in 32 innings.
Mike MacDougal. The epitome of your 2008 White Sox.
Scouting report
White Sox vs. Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park
TV: Channel 26 today; Comcast SportsNet Wednesday; Channel 9 Thursday
Radio: WSCR 670-AM
Pitching matchups: The White Sox' Jon Garland (8-10) vs. Jeremy Bonderman (11-7) today at 6:05 p.m.; Gavin Floyd (1-2) vs. Kenny Rogers (3-2) Wednesday at 6:05 p.m.; Mark Buehrle (9-9) vs. Chad Durbin (8-6) Thursday at 12:05 p.m.
At a glance: Sunday's win at Cleveland snapped the Sox' road losing streak at 11. The Tigers have lost seven of their last 10 and are fading from the playoff race. In an Aug. 5 start at Detroit, Floyd earned the win with 6 shutout innings. That capped the Sox' three-game sweep of the Tigers.
Next: Minnesota Twins at U.S. Cellular Field, Friday-Sunday
-- Scot Gregor