Jerry-rigging The Lineup

Looks like the White Sox are already trying to short circuit the offense for 2008. Kenny Williams spent part of SoxFest today talking up the modest talents of Jerry Owens and his chances for being the leadoff man.

Said Williams, "We'll see how Owens comes into camp after he had what we thought was a solid debut, when you look at his overall numbers compared to other leadoff-type guys getting their first shot in the big leagues."

Owens is a fifth outfielder at best, but his play after the all star break in 2007 apparently impressed both Williams and mlb.com beat writer Scott Merkin, who today wrote, "But if Jerry Owens shows the same ability to be a lineup catalyst during Spring Training as he did during the second half of 2007, he could jump to the top of the lineup."

For the record, Owens had an on-base percentage during the second half of .339, and slugged .327. That's a catalyst?

Jerry Owens is very fast, very athletic, looks great in the uniform, and can steal bases. Any lineup with him leading off will finish below the league average in runs scored.