On or off the field, Thome has delivered for the Sox
Ninth in a series
Editor's note: As the countdown continues toward the April 6 opener for the White Sox, Daily Herald Sports Writer Scot Gregor will offer his analysis of each position on the team and the key issues facing the club this season.
Q. Since this will most likely be Jim Thome's last season, talk about what kind of guy he's been off the field and what he's brought to the team on it.
Gregor: Since joining the White Sox in 2006, I've been asked more than a few times if Jim Thome is a fraud.
It's usually phrased like this: "Nobody can be that nice. What's he like when the media's not around?"
Thome is that nice, and he doesn't change a bit when the notebooks and TV cameras go away.
As for his on-field performance, Thome has taken plenty of shots from Sox fans the past three seasons. He's too old. Can't hit the ball the other way. Strikes out too much. Injury prone.
Those are some valid criticisms, but Thome has averaged 37 HR and 98 RBI since being acquired from the Phillies for Aaron Rowand. Among designated hitters, only Boston's David Ortiz has been more productive since 2006.
Q. In hindsight, Thome for Aaron Rowand: who got the better of that deal?
Gregor: When the trade was made, the White Sox were convinced Brian Anderson would step in for Rowand and be an even better player.
That obviously hasn't happened, but that doesn't mean the trade was a bust. Thome has given the Sox almost exactly what they expected, and Rowand had a solid season for the Phillies before moving on to the San Francisco Giants.
Q. How much will the flexibility of Juan Uribe be missed? Is there anyone on the roster who may be able to fill his shoes?
Gregor: It would be difficult to find a player in either league that can field as well as Uribe at three positions - third base, shortstop and second.
After being cut loose by the White Sox, Uribe had to settle for a minor-league deal with the Giants because he can't hit. His average and on-base percentage ranked at or near the bottom of the American League in each of the past three years.
Defensively, the Sox no longer have the luxury of plugging Uribe in at three positions. But they have much better offensive options.
Q. What do you think the Sox bench will look like come April?
Gregor: Brian Anderson and Dewayne Wise should be the reserve outfielders, with Brent Lillibridge and Wilson Betemit handling utility duties in the infield.
The wild card is Dayan Viciedo, who doesn't turn 20 until March 10. While he'd benefit from spending time at Class AAA Charlotte, Viciedo already looks like an impact hitter in spring training.
Q. Any surprise name or names who might end up making this team?
Gregor: The more you see Gordon Beckham play, the more you get the feeling he's going to make his mark with the White Sox this season. Last year's first-round draft pick might start the year in the minors, but don't be surprised if he finishes with the White Sox.
• Got a question about the Sox for Scot Gregor? Visit his blog, Chicago's Inside Pitch, to share your questions and comments.