Are the 2015 White Sox Better Than the 2005 Squad?
Shortstop
Feb 28, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Chicago White Sox infielder Alexei Ramirez poses for a portrait during photo day at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
2015: Alexei Ramirez (ESPN Projections: .275 Avg./12 HR/64 RBI/24 SB)
2005 Juan Uribe (2005 Stats: .252/16 HR/71 RBI/4 SB)
Juan Uribe has the age advantage as he was 26 during the ’05 season, and Ramirez will be 33 entering this year. Despite the age difference, the numbers Ramirez is expected to post aren’t far off from what Uribe contributed in ’05.
Oct 7, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Juan Uribe in the dugout before game four of the 2014 NLDS baseball playoff game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Both players were and are excellent defensively at shortstop. Highlight reel worthy plays were the norm for Uribe in 2005, and for Alexei today. However, Alexei sports better range at the position.
The largest discrepancy between the two is speed, as Alexei is projected to swipe 24 bags in ’15, a reasonable projection which can be supported by speed guru Vince Coleman‘s addition to the Sox’s coaching staff, while Uribe was only good for 4 steals during the ’05 season.
Juan Uribe was an integral part of the World Series run, and his catch in game 4 of the World Series is an iconic moment in White Sox history, but for 2015 I’d rather have Alexei man short.
Edge: Alexei Ramirez
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