What will the White Sox do?

How many questions can a team in the running still have? Carlos Quentin was activated from the DL yesterday, and Brian Anderson was optioned to Triple-A. But that was just the beginning for a team that currently sits one game out of the first in the AL Central. Optioning Anderson was a no-doubt: Scott Podsednik has been the boost the team needed in the outfield, and with Dye in right, there was only need for one additional outfielder, Wise (who is out of options). Anderson didn't perform poorly, given that three other youngsters on the team were playing at the same level, but he also has not taken advantage of the opportunities given to him. More on him later.

Bartolo Colon made his Triple-A rehab assignment and pitched horribly. Being lit up in the MLB is one thing, being lit up in AAA is another. I cannot envision his returning to the major leagues with the Sox. He was a cheap experiment, but one that has not panned out. Richard is pitching just as well (or poorly), and I would just as soon let him gain experience as a starter (if that is where he will ultimately end up), than bring back Colon. There was also the report that Freddy Garcia was working out in the minors, which certainly was news, in hopes of a late season call-up. There's the better option: let Colon go, start Richard, and if he falters, bring in Garcia. Worst case is they all pitch the same.

The Roy Halladay sweepstakes are interesting, and I'll mention that later.

In the in-field... too many young players, playing all the same positions. How many thirdbasemen do we now have? Fields (MLB bench), Beckham (MLB starter) and Viciedo (Minor League phenom). At second there is Getz and Nix, who are seemingly fighting for playing time. Someone has to go. Fields has great potential, and I think they were too quick to pull him (but things happen behind the scenes... maybe he was causing problems). Fields is a good replacement for Konerko on a day off, and his bat is dangerous, but we're still a couple years from Konerko going DH full-time. Beckham appears to be the long-term starter at 3rd, and Getz is the future at 2nd. Nix can play anywhere, so he isn't moving. Ramirez at SS... well, my opinion is use him as trade bait. He could be the start of a package for Halladay, though I'm fairly certain Ramirez is untouchable at this point. But think... Ramirez and Danks for Halladay. Beckham moves back to his comfortable SS position, and Fields and Viciendo fight out for 3rd. Or send Anderson in the package for Halladay. It can be done.

But what about next year? Dye is free agent, are they keeping Anderson around to move in when he leaves? Quentin to right field, Pods to left, and Wise and Anderson in CF? Or do they bring up their 1st round draft pick to play center? And what about Thome who will be a FA after the season? They won't resign him at the current contract, but with his production this year, they do not have a better option, other than using Fields, which would be a waste of a good talent.

It would be ridiculous to not sign AJ to a long contract at this point, even with two good prospects in the wings. AJ brings more to this team than most people want to admit.

This has gotten long, so I'll cut short now. Only time will tell what happens with my 312 Sox.