The White Sox OF Defense – Part II

In Part I of this blog, I laid out the modern tragedy of the 2022 White Sox and their incompetent Outfield defense. You can read that HERE. But I don’t want to just leave you with the old fashioned “EVERY THING SUCKS, BUT SO WHAT THAT’S WHAT WE DESERVE, WE’RE WHITE SOX FANS.” Fuck that. Here at 108 we provide solutions (no matter how remote). Positivity first, alcoholism next. Anywho, let’s get on to some constructive methods of fixing this thing.

Fire Daryl Boston

I spent the final stanza of PART I recognizing that blame does exist with the tenured First Base Coach, but that he wasn’t solely responsible and that personnel was the main driver. Yet, in the interest of constant improvement, it seems pretty obvious to relinquish him of his duties and search for a better steward of these Guaranteed Rate pastures. I don’t know how culpable he is for this offense but if it’s not enough, I think there are OTHER THINGS that could nudge towards a dismissal.

Acquire an Actual Outfielder?

The White Sox could go out and acquire some legitimate outfielders. Instead of playing First Base prospects Andrew Vaughn and Gavin Sheets in the corner outfield spots, they could sign some players that are more accustomed to these roles. My choice in my SoxMachine Offseason Plan was David Peralta. Peralta’s +5 Outs Above Average in LF in 2022, juxtaposed with Vaughn’s -17, would’ve been worth about 1.5 wins using the Pythagorean Theorem.

Even a guy like Cody Bellinger, who I am pretty much out on would have a similar effect with just his glove for the White Sox roster. There are plenty of other options, but adding a guy or two with legit defensive pedigree of YOUR CHOICE, would be a huge help.

Upgrade to the Front Office

I know we aren’t getting GM emeritus Rick Hahn to step down from his post. But maybe he could hire someone making a fraction of Chorizy-E’s substantial salary. Someone that might be able to solve the problem of creating a roster that has an awful outfield defense. While also creating a pitching staff that is top 10 in flyball percentage. Seems like a combo that could be avoided with just a bit of planning.

I know the Dallas Keuchel thing didn’t work out, but it was the right idea if you want to start so many sedentary players in the outfield. Side note, Mike Clevinger (freshly signed by the White Sox) threw 45.8% flyballs last year, so he’s not exactly helping the problem either. Someone less fun like Jose Quintana would help in this regard (31.1% flyballs in 2022). These problems are connected, so why not pull the rope in the same direction.

Many of the White Sox problems of recent vintage appear to be the type of self-inflicted wounds that can really drive a fanbase nuts. For once, I’d just like to see the White Sox understand an issue and at least LOOK LIKE they have a reasonable plan to remedy that deficiency.

-BeefLoaf