Article:The 2008 Chicago White Sox lineup

I truly don't believe Kenny Williams is done wheeling and dealing yet. I believe Joe Crede will be gone by opening day. It's also possible the rumors are true and Paul Konerko gets dumped by then as well.

As for the current state of affairs, the Sox still lack a true leadoff hitter and the latest guy they traded for, Nick Swisher, fits the #2 spot which Orlando Cabrera likely owns. Here is my prediction with analysis to follow:


 * 1) CF - Nick Swisher
 * 2) SS - Orlando Cabrera
 * 3) DH - Jim Thome
 * 4) 1B - Paul Konerko
 * 5) RF - Jermaine Dye
 * 6) C - AJ Pierzynski
 * 7) 3B - Joe Crede/Josh Fields
 * 8) 2B - Juan Uribe
 * 9) LF - Carlos Quentin

Even though Swisher hit .262 last season, his OBP was .381, better than anyone on the Sox but Jim Thome. He finished 6th in the league in walks which means he is plenty capable of getting on base. Even though he is potential 35 HR guy playing half his games at US Cellular, there isn't another option for this spot. Better still, where would you put him otherwise? He sees a lot of pitchers which helps the big bats in the middle and if he's not batting leadoff, 6th is probably the next most likely place. He won't see anything good to hit there with presumably AJ protecting him the order.

So barring a trade of Konerko that should be it. I think Fields/Crede are interchangeable. I think the bottom two could be as well. Uribe is just an awful hitter but 20 HRs from the 9 hole is fine with me.