Summary[]
Ben and Sam introduce a new sponsor, then preview the White Sox’ season with Ken Funck, and Nick talks to CSNChicago.com White Sox insider Dan Hayes (at 27:44).
Topics[]
- Why did the White Sox not spend more on the draft in previous years?
- Do the White have a way plan to their player development?
- What has gotten the White Sox out of the bottom ten of the organizational rankings?
- What do the White Sox need out of Jose Abreu, and how will they distribute time at 1B?
- Will the White Sox be sellers again?
- What is the opinion of Tyler Flowers?
- Is it part of the White Sox strategy to get ground ball pitchers?
- Are the White Sox better than the Cubs?
- What are the expectations for Matt Davidson?
- What did the White Sox see in Adam Eaton?
- Will the White Sox improve defensively?
- Is Marcus Semien going to compete for Gordon Beckham's starting job and does he have a shot at the roster?
- Can Jose Quintana become a legit number 2?
- Can the White Sox make the jump this year are are they still at bottom with Twins?
Banter[]
- The Baseball-Reference Play Index is now a sponsor of the show. Having a sponsor now makes Ben and Sam feel like more like the other podcasters they listen to. The Play Index segment would not begin until the next email episode, #391.
- Mark Mulder is out for the season.
Notes[]
- There is more depth to the farm system, but no top end talent.
- Ken thinks Eric Johnson can come up from minors and start.
- The Sox are paying more attention to bringing guys up from minors.
- Ken says the White Sox are interesting because of the constant go for it mode they are in.
- Jose Abreu is low risk comparing him to other available options.
- Ken thinks Alexei Ramirez has the highest (only) trade value.
- Ken predicts the White Sox will win 76 games this year.
- Ken has the White Sox ahead of the Cubs this year but long term thinks the Cubs are better going forward.
- Dan thinks whoever plays best in the spring will be the starting catcher.
- Due to options Dan thinks Matt Davidson will start in AAA and then move to majors as year goes on.
- Dan thinks Adam Eaton brings energy and personality that the White Sox need.
- Dan thinks Paul Konerko will get only 200 ABs.
- The White Sox are getting younger and expect to push division?