White Sox - 4/12/03

By Mario Scalise

This first report is just an overall assessment based on the past two weeks. The regular feature will be available in two weeks.

Sandy Alomar, C - Risk of injury is still there and playing time is low (for catcher) with the young Miguel Olivo playing 2-3 times a week, but Alomar is still producing, batting over .500 (9-for-17) with six RBIs and a home run, and is a valuable commodity as a second catcher. Just check the probable starters, Alomar will start for both Colon and Buehrle.

Miguel Olivo, C - Olivo hasn't hit his peak offensively yet, and like Alomar, hasn't been getting the majority of the playing time. You probably shouldn't have him on your team anyway, so leave him off and keep an eye on him.

Paul Konerko, 1B - Konerko is a tough case. If you are hoping for Konerko to put up better numbers than he has (.176, 1, 10), grab him, but if you're expecting improvement on his 2002 numbers, be carefull.

Frank Thomas, DH (1B) - Although Thomas appears to be in his popout mode, he's taking pitches, earning walks and should come around as the weather heats up.

D'Angelo Jimenez, 2B(SS/3B) - If he's available, grab him. In most leagues he should be a 2B/3B, so his versatility and his ability to reach base, hit doubles, and having the benefit of being the leadoff hitter in a potent White Sox offense should give him value. Whether you have him, he's an FA or on the block, he's a good pickup.

Jose Valentin, SS (3B) - If you have him, he's probably been one of your more productive players. But it's unlikely he will keep up the pace, so if you can find someone on the Valentin bandwagon, you may able to pull of a steal.

Joe Crede, 3B - If you are at all waiting to see if Crede is for real, please stop. Crede is on the verge of being one of the better third basemans in the AL. The only thing stopping him is his spot in the batting order (7-hole) and being behind the struggling Carlos Lee. He should still be good for 80+ RBIs and 20+ homers with ease.

Carlos Lee, LF - Lee isn't high on many owners list, so feel free to drop him while he goes through this slump. Eventually, he should start swinging the bat, of course, it could all lead to an eventual trade.

Aaron Rowand, CF - Not that he should be on yours or anyones team at any time, but it is very doubtfull Rowand will ever have fantasy value. Solid all-round player who plays hard with little ability to put up big fantasy numbers.

Magglio Ordonez, RF - No real reason to not want him. He's one of the best hitters who will just keep getting better.

Mark Buehrle, SP - Buehrle hasn't reached his peak and any question regarding fatigue is moot. Buehrle is the best lefty in the AL next to Barry Zito and barring injury, is a lock for 20 wins.

Bartolo Colon, SP - Colon's value has died slightly due to his decrease in strikeouts and Jerry Manuel keeping him on a low pitch count, but if the Sox' offense comes around for him, he will stick pick up W's.

Jon Garland, SP - His two starts have been shaky, but there have been no warning signs, just a rough start and a lot of fight. Keep him on the bench and wait for him to get going (I say two starts).

Esteban Loaiza, SP - His two starts were both against the weak-hitting Detroit Tigers -- he went 2-0 -- so don't think too much of Loaiza, but he's added a changeup, appear healthy, and will be facing the AL Central -- a division he's had a lot of success against in his career -- more than any other division. His next start will be against the red-hot Royals. That start will be important not only because it is against the first place Royals, but it will show if he's on the verge of beating his biggest enemy - inconsistency.

Josh Stewart, SP - Once again, his lone start was against the Tigers, so there is nothing concrete to go on. Lay off him, for now.

Billy Koch, CL - Strong reliever who has been very impressive with the exception of his April 3 blowup. He likes throwing and Manuel likes using him; a good combination, if he stays healthy.

Damaso Marte, SM - With the early struggles of Tom Gordon and questionable ability of Rick White, Marte will be picking up extra innings. If you need to fill a reliever spot and there are no closers available, he'd be a good choice.