Mark Gonzales' White Sox mailbag

12:23 PM CDT, May 1, 2008

The Tribune's White Sox beat writer answers reader questions throughout the season. This week, there's lots of talk about Paul Konerko, more talk about Fields/Crede, plus a lot of worry about why the Sox aren't htiting.

Mark, I know it's early in the year, but I am a huge Joe Crede fan and I wanted to run this scenario by you. I am not sure if this is Contreras's last year on his contract, but if it is, the Sox let him go, do not resign Cabrera, move Ramirez to short, trade Konerko and put Fields at first. That would free up a TON of cash for Crede and possibly another pitcher. Your thoughts? -- Steve, Poplar Grove

Steve, I admire your creativity. But Jose is signed through 2009 and Paul has full no-trade rights.

Mark: I shudder to think what this season would have been like with Josh Fields at third, Danny Richar at second and Jerry Owens in center. Can you see any scenario in which Crede re-signs? -- Norm, Kings Park, N.Y.

Norm, I think Joe goes to the highest bidder next winter. And I think you're looking at a contract that will surpass Paul Konerko's five-year, $60 million contract.

Surely, someone by now has asked whether Fields is taking ground balls at second base in the minors. I realize changing positions is difficult, but it would seem to solve a couple of issues. And he can always move back to third next year if Crede goes. -- Dave, Berkeley, Calif.

I think Josh will be the starting third baseman next season unless the Sox can perform some financial gymnastics.

Mark, Is it just me or does everybody want to mess with the lineup? The Sox actually have chemistry. The actually look like they are enjoying this. Half our guys are off to a decent start and the other guys deserve a chance to get hot with the weather. If you would have told me at the beginning of the year we would go 11-7 and be leading our division by 2.5 I think I would have said, "hell yes." I like Kenny and Ozzie and do not compare any team to 2005. The stars were aligned that year. -- Tim Breitbach, St. Louis

Thanks, Tim. I think that batting Crede behind Quentin has helped Carlos tremendously. No one has whined about where they bat in the lineup despite the recent struggles.

Mark, looking at the back-up catcher spot, it appears Toby Hall is not our best backup. After watching spring, it looks like Paul Phillips is better and Hall's shoulder doesn't appear healed. Is there a chance Phillips will be coming back? We fall off when Hall is in for AJ and you can tell on his throws he favors the shoulder. He's also hitting around .100 and Phillips is hitting between .300-.400 in AAA. What are your thoughts and does Ozzie think Phillips will be in Chicago next year? -- Brad, Mobile, Ala.

Hi Mark, I think we have one of the best catchers in the league in A.J. Pierzynski. But his backup, Toby Hall, does not look like he is fully recovered from his shoulder injury of last year. Do the Sox have anyone in the farm system that might be ready to back up A.J. if Hall needs to go on the disabled list? Thanks! -- Tim Sweeney, Villa Park

Phillips made a favorable impression in spring training, but Donny Lucy is hitting well at Triple-A and has worked hard on correcting the hitch in his throwing. I can't see the Sox releasing Toby. Despite his throwing woes, he handles some pitchers very well.

Mark, how hard would it be to move Crede to second and put fields at third? I know second base takes a lot more agility but Crede has great movement at that position, what do you think? -- Josh Grossman, Northbrook

I think Joe is a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman and I wouldn't move him out of there. Josh, being a former Oklahoma State quarterback, might have better range at second.

What is Freddy Garcia up to? I heard he was released from Philadelphia. Is he out of baseball currently? -- Shawn, Rogers Park

Freddy is rehabbing his right shoulder and is currently a free agent. He's doing well, according to Ozzie, as Freddy's wife is expecting the couple's second child. I expect him to sign with a team next winter.

I'm a Yankee fan, but I saw your young catcher Francisco Hernandez a lot last summer in A ball. I don't know how much you guys have seen him in Chicago, but he has one of the best guns I've seen behind the plate in the minors. He'll be in the show soon. -- Gregory Ball, Salisbury, N.C

The Sox thought he'd be well above Class-A by this time. Five years below Double-A is a long time to wait for a prospect, but developing solid catchers is a tough task for several teams.

Given that Ramirez's spring blossoming has faded, what is the future for him with the Sox? -- Gerry Richardson, Boone, N.C.

I think Alexei has a strong future with the Sox. It might not show this season because of the emphasis on winning and the adjustments he must make on the fly. A month of winter ball might help him regain his rhythm for 2009.

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