White Sox Spending Money

But First---Sports Notes:

Cam Newton was in a car accident yesterday, cracking two vertebra in his lower back. Reports are that the injury is similar to the stress fractures that Tony Romo had in his back earlier this season. He'll need some time to heal, but should be fine. At least according to early reports.

LeBron James and Kevin Love have been on a tear as of late. The Cavs have now won eight straight. I don't believe the Wolves have won 8 straight in the franchise's entire history. I'm willing to bet they won't do it this season either.

The White Sox started spending A LOT of money yesterday. They traded to get Jeff Samardzija, a hard throwing starter with an ERA of 2.99 last season AND they traded to get David Robertson, the Yankees closer who took Mariano Rivera's place last year. Even though the Yankees had a tough season, Robertson did not. He had 39 saves. PLUS they signed free agent first baseman Adam LaRoche and reliever Zack Duke, the best free agents available at their positions.

The Sox have fired a shot across the bow of the American League Central. They believe they are going to compete for the crown this year. Where the White Sox are making noise, there are still crickets chirping in the direction of our beloved Twins who usually pick up scraps after the winter meetings are over. They already spent over $10 million on Torii Hunter you know. Who else could you possibly want who could help the Twins more?

Max Scherzer, the free-agent starter that just about everybody has their eyes on, is still available. Jon Lester, the gem of this year's free agent class, is not. He signed with the Cubs yesterday for 6 seasons/ $155 million. There is NO WAY he is worth that much with all of his arm troubles.

To be fair, I think the White Sox over spent for a lot of their recently acquired (average) talent. IF the Twins had done the same thing, I would have criticized them for wasting money. I don't think they will be significantly better this year with all the money they just spent. KC and Detroit shouldn't have to worry about them.

My basic rules? 1) Spend money on good YOUNG starters offering good short term deals and don't be afraid to trade for them. 2) Spend money on great fielders (they're usually pretty cheap). And 3) if you want to spend a lot on long term deals, make sure they are young and have a lot of power (league leading home run power). That formula will win as long as you don't play "Gardy Ball".