New speed at the top

The face of the White Sox keeps changing. And the first face you'll see in the White Sox lineup next season will be Juan Pierre. Remember him, Cubs fans?  Pierre was the odd man out when the Dodgers acquired Manny Ramirez in 2008. But when Manny was suspended 50 games last season, Pierre re-appeared and came to life.  He produced a .308 average in 380 at bats which included an OBP of .365, pretty good for a guy with no power. He also stole 30 bases, also a significant figure for this many at bats. Podsednik came off the Rockies scrapheap to have one of his finest seasons. He managed a .304 average in 537 at bats with the White Sox which included an OBP of 367.  He also hit 7 homers, drove in 48 runs and scored 75 runs.

So here's the skinny. Pierre is a much better base runner and when playing a full season has swiped over 60 bases. He's a better bunter, keeps the ball in play more and doesn't get injured. Pierre doesn't walk very often but he doesn't strikeout very often.  Neither player is a gold glove outfielder but scouts will tell you Pierre takes better routes to the ball than Podsednik.  And you have to wonder whether Podsednik can repeat what was a near career year. While General Manager Kenny Williams refused to discuss whether Pierre is a better play than Podsednik, he is an upgrade; not a considerable one but an upgrade just the same. Bottom line; the White Sox got better.