Brent Lillibridge

[nate128]

He did have a crap season last year (from what i've read it was a combination of a wrist injury and swing adjustments) but was always seen as a decent prospect. With the trade to Chicago should we be expecting a starting gig? I know he can play ss, 2b, and cf(supposedly, but may just be speculation based on speed) but will the Sox have a spot available for him? If he was starting next season, what would you project?

[cardinal1975]

I believe that Lillibridge will be starting at either SS or 2B depending on where Chicago plans on utilizing Alexi Ramirez. With Orlando Cabrera's departure a middle infiled spot is open and the only competetion Lillibridge has for 2009 is Chris Getz. Now 2010 will be a different story with Gordon Beckham possibly arriving. I would expect Lillibridge to bat either 2nd, 8th, or 9th. He has double digit power(think 11-15homeruns)and should hit around .260ish(he strikes out way too much to expect much better)while stealing 20-30 bases. His runs and rbi's will be more a reflection of his position in the batting order but he does walk a decent amount of time so 75-80 runs would not be out of the question. He should be a solid sleeper at both middle infield spots in 2009.

[MikeeDee]

He totally lost his approach at the plate last year. we'll see what he does but i think the White Sox got him more as insurance in case they need to move Ramirez back to 2B or if Getz doesn't pan out. I think they see him more as a utility IF with some nice upside if he puts it all together.