After Mark Teahen committed two more errors tonight that in effect gave the Tigers the win tonight, there needs to be some major changes done at 3rd base right now and also in the future.
When the White Sox traded for Mark Teahen it was supposed to be a major upgrade to that of “beloved” 3rd baseman Josh Fields. Teahen could hit better than Fields, he could field the ball better than Fields, he was supposed to be an upgrade in every aspect you could possibly look at. Unfortunately for all White Sox fans out there, that has been nothing but a lie.
To show just how bad this has been, look at the stats through 63 games for Mark Teahen this year and Josh Fields last year.
Teahen:
Offense: 51-197, 26 runs scored, 10 doubles, 2 triples, 4 home runs, 22 RBI, and is posting a line of .259/.332/.391
Defense: 10 errors, .919 fielding percentage (the worst of his career I might add) and has cost us at least one game this season (Detroit game tonight).
Fields:
Offense: 48-205, 25 runs scored, 5 doubles, 2 triples, 6 home runs, 25 RBI, and posted a line of .234/.322/.389
Defense: 8 errors, .941 fielding percentage
The sad reality here is that Fields and Teahen are essentially the same player, only Teahen is a lot more expensive. The offensive numbers aren’t all that different but the fact of the matter is that Fields contributed better on both offense and defense than Teahen. With the way we were calling for Fields’ head when he committed errors last year or couldn’t hit, we moved Beckham to third base just so we could have a solid defender out there, but as of yet Teahen is still our everyday third baseman?
Changes need to be made and fast. As I said in a previous post, I’d take anyone over Teahen at this point. Omar Vizquel isn’t the long term answer (obviously) but at least he can provide solid defense at third. Brent Morel was just called up and is known for his amazing defensive play at third so he’s another option. There’s also Dayan Viciedo but he’s a defensive liability so he’s not that likely of an option.
Regardless of who moves to what position, Teahen needs to be taken out of the lineup. He’s not the long term option at third, he does nothing more than hinder the team, and he is now costing us games that we can’t afford to lose. He needs to leave as soon as possible.
The Cheat from South Side Sox put it best when he said,
“Teahen wouldn’t be such a headache if he was only around for this season. Heck, he might already be gone if that was the case. But with 2 more years at $10+M, he’s the Scott Linebrink of the offense. He makes too much money for anyone to want to deal with his shortcomings, and his salary will be just enough that we keep trying find someplace to get “value” out of him (read: where he can do the least damage). Unfortunately, that probably means at least another year of him getting reps in RF, where the Sox would be best served picking up a plus-offensive player while shifting Q! to DH. “
I think the White Sox should take it a step further and make Teahen a utility guy for when guys need a rest. I’d much rather take another year of Vizquel at third (even though I really hate that idea as I said in a previous post) or a promoting Brent Morel to the big leagues and see what he can do, knowing that he can at least play defense for us. Teahen would be an expensive bench player but when he’s that much of a liability to the team, it’s the only choice you really have.
Trading for Teahen has turned out to be one of Kenny Williams’ worst trades as general manager in my book. He better find a way to fix this mess and fast or he’s going to have a lot of problems with the fans and people in the organization. Soon people won’t be calling for Ozzie’s head when things go wrong, they will call for his, and unlike Ozzie, I don’t think Kenny will last very long.
Original Story:
http://www.whitesoxrant.com/2010/09/c...
