Tadahito Iguchi's near cycle
in tonight's victory comes on the heels of his announcement that
he'd prefer to stay in Chicago instead of heading elsewhere. He certainly timed it well.
The Emperor's status figures to be one of Kenny Williams' more difficult decisions over the next sixth months, one Iguchi has made more complicated over the past month thanks to a hot June (.309/.368/.454). If his injured finger is the reason for the early struggles, then there's no reason to be particularly down on him.
Re-signing him would be the safe route, but it could turn out to be so cost-inefficient that it's not a particularly conservative move at all. The considerations are numerous:
Age: Iguchi will be 33 next year, and while that's not particularly old for a guy with his athletic ability, second baseman seem to age earlier than other positions.
Roberto Alomar, as lithe as they come, started his rapid decline at 34. At the same time, decreases in physical abilities could be offset by a better understanding of the league, because it'll be only his fourth big-league season.
Depth: Had
Danny Richar not been acquired by Kenny Williams, Iguchi might have been a lock to return. But Richar has hit the ground running, hitting .328/.348/.639 in Charlotte so far, and
definitely looks like a dynamic player.
At the same time, he has never played a major-league game and his defense is suspect. Iguchi's diminishing range is a definite concern, but we know he can throw. Nobody knows if Richar can even accomplish that tasks.
Handedness: The Sox's inability to hit left-handed pitchers is a well-documented flaw, and considering Richar has hit 50-70 points lower against southpaws this year in both Charlotte and Tucson. Then again, Iguchi's ability to hit lefties comes and goes, and he's often been part of the problem.
If Richar could manage against righties but struggled against lefties, Andy Gonzalez or Pablo Ozuna (if healthy) might be able to serve as the other half a productive platoon. Iguchi would be too expensive to be a part-time player.
At this point, it looks like the Sox would be best served letting Iguchi's contract ride out and see what the team looks like at the end of the year. If the Sox had any hopes of contending in 2007, they couldn't afford to bypass Iguchi's production to try out yet another suspect rookie. As ugly as this season is, a great starting five can go a long way.
However, if they decide to scrap the team and rebuild, they can still offer Iguchi arbitration. An extra draft pick is always good, and even if he were to accept it, the Sox could still use his services for a year. Anything greater than a two-year deal, then we're talking trouble.
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Gavin Floyd will make his first start in a White Sox uniform
in Game 2 of the series-opening doubleheader against the Twins, which is a much more inspired choice than letting Nick Masset attempt once again to prove his worth to this year's team.
My prediction: 5 2/3 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 4 K. He is pitching against the Twins after all.
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Minor league round-up:- Charlotte 11, Columbus 6
- Brian Anderson had a huge day, going 3-for-4 with two homers -- one of them a grand slam -- and six RBI. He's homered in three straight.
- Danny Richar also had three hits, including a two-run homer. He's slugging .639 since joining the Knights.
- Heath Phillips pitched well, allowing only two earned runs on five hits over seven innings.
- West Tenn 6, Birmingham 1
- Jack Egbert gave up four runs over six innings, but three unearned runs came on one swing. He struck out eight, and didn't walk anybody.
- Donnny Lucy went 1-for-3 with a walk and his eighth stolen base. He scored the Barons' only run.
- Frederick 4, Winston-Salem 2
- Brian Omogrosso pitched well in defeat, giving up two runs on four hits and no walks over six innings. He struck out six.
- Micah Schnurstein went 2-for-4 with an RBI; Robert Valido went 0-for-3 and committed his third error in High-A ball.
- Lexington 11, Kannapolis 4 (Game 1, 7 innings)
- Faustino De Los Santos lasted only three innings, giving up three runs on two hits and two walks. The two runners he had on base when he was pulled came around to score.
- Mike Grace went 1-for-3 with a two-run homer.
- Lexington 7, Kannapolis 3 (Game 2, 7 innings)
- Sergio Miranda went 1-for-3 with an RBI.
- Noe Rodriguez pitched two scoreless innings in relief, striking out three.