SportsFullCircle

The White Sox claimed Alex Rios off of waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. Now they have a talented player…and a hell of a contract obligation.

What does this mean for the White Sox this year? Well, it adds depth to the outfield. There’s been some issues with the lack of a fourth outfielder offensively. DeWayne Wise and Brian Anderson were not good with their bats.

The addition of Rios also gives the White Sox a legitimate base-stealing threat. Scott Podsednik has been great stealing, but that’s about it.  Rios stole 32 bases last year (which would be considered a lot on the South Side).

Here’s my projected lineups with Rios.

1. Alex Rios-CF
2. Gordon Beckham-3B
3. Jermaine Dye-RF
4. Jim Thome-DH
5. Paul Konerko-1B
6. Carlos Quentin-LF
7. AJ Pierzysnki-C
8. Alexei Ramirez-SS
9. Chris Getz-2B

And when Thome needs a rest…

1. Scott Podsednik-LF
2. Alex Rios-CF
3. Jermaine Dye-RF
4. Paul Konerko-1B
5. Carlos Quentin-DH
6. Gordon Beckham-3B
7. AJ Pierzynski-C
8. Alexei Ramirez-SS
9. Chris Getz-2B

And when Quentin needs rest…

1. Scott Podsednik-LF
2. Alex Rios-CF
3. Jermaine Dye-RF
4. Jim Thome-DH
5. Paul Konerko-1B
6. Gordon Beckham-3B
7. AJ Pierzynski-C
8. Alexei Ramirez-SS
9. Chris Getz-2B

And when Dye needs rest…

1. Scott Podsednik-CF
2. Gordon Beckham-3B
3. Alex Rios-RF
4. Jim Thome-DH
5. Paul Konerko-1B
6. Carlos Quentin-LF
7. AJ Pierzysnki-C
8. Alexei Ramirez-SS
9. Chris Getz-2B

The thing is that Thome, Dye, and Quentin are aging, and each have some sort of nagging injury. That means Ozzie Guillen will give them rest, which he loves to do. The sad thing is Podsednik is having such a great season, but now he’s likely going to see reduced playing time.

The White Sox will also have to make room for Alex Rios. Will DeWayne Wise finally be designated for assignment? Or will Jayson Nix be sent down? Or one of the excess arms in the bullpen? It will be an interesting move.

All in all, although it sets up a confusing rest of the year, it makes next year a lot easier. Rios is a great player who is slumping. With Peavy and Rios, two 28-year old All-Stars, the White Sox are the favorites to win the division in 2010.