It All Depends

Elvis Andrus hit a three-run homer last night in the White Sox 8-3 win over the Twins. Since coming over from Oakland, Andrus has 25 runs scored and 28 RBIs in 177 at-bats. Tim Anderson, whose injury brought Andrus here, has 28 runs scored and 25 RBIs in 332 at-bats. Talk about production. That said, I wouldn’t sign the recently-turned thirty-four year old for next year. Then again, the Sox could trade Anderson, in which case signing Andrus to play short until rookie Colson Montgomery is ready would make sense. It all depends what direction the Sox choose to go. One thing I know for sure is they can’t keep Jose Abreu, Gavin Sheets and Greg Vaughn. Abreu has been great for nine seasons, but he turns thirty-six in January. And let’s not forget Eloy Jimenez. That’s four players best suited for first base or DH. As much as it pains me to say, I’d let Abreu walk. Of course, if Rick Hahn could pull off a great deal centered on Sheets or Vaughn, then it would make sense to keep Abreu. Too bad I don’t trust Hahn to channel his inner Roland Hemond. Whether Hahn steps up or pulls another James Shields, he’s going to have to do something. At least two of the ostensible core should go, either to shake things up or improve team speed and defense. Along those lines, Luis Robert would be the most likely to stay. But the Sox really need a second baseman. I was hoping Romy Gonzalez would seize the chance, but he’s struck out thirty-eight times in 101 at-bats. Move Yoan Moncada back to second and give Jake Burger a shot at third? Package Robert for middle-infield talent? It all depends.