2014: First Year Since 1981...

[Brian26]

If Konerko either decides to retire after this season, or if the Sox decide not to bring him back, who would the cornerstone/marquee/franchise player be on the Sox?

Would this possibly be the first time since 1981 that the Sox wouldn't have a franchise type player? In 1980, perhaps a young Harold Baines or Chet Lemon was that guy, but neither put up amazing numbers.

Things changed in '81 when the Sox signed Carlton Fisk. You could argue Fisk was the heart of the Sox until 1991 when Frank Thomas took over that role. Frank was in that position until 2004 when he got hurt and Konerko went on to put up 40+ homers. Konerko's been the face of the franchise since then.

Does Viciedo break out in 2013 to take over that role? Does Chris Sale become the face of the franchise (seems unlikely since pitchers seem to have shorter stints, with the exception being Buehrle)?

[LITTLE NELL]

Originally Posted by Brian26

If Konerko either decides to retire after this season, or if the Sox decide not to bring him back, who would the cornerstone/marquee/franchise player be on the Sox?

Would this possibly be the first time since 1981 that the Sox wouldn't have a franchise type player? In 1980, perhaps a young Harold Baines or Chet Lemon was that guy, but neither put up amazing numbers.

Things changed in '81 when the Sox signed Carlton Fisk. You could argue Fisk was the heart of the Sox until 1991 when Frank Thomas took over that role. Frank was in that position until 2004 when he got hurt and Konerko went on to put up 40+ homers. Konerko's been the face of the franchise since then.

Does Viciedo break out in 2013 to take over that role? Does Chris Sale become the face of the franchise (seems unlikely since pitchers seem to have shorter stints, with the exception being Buehrle)?

Right now I'd have to say Tank is the one. Lets hope he does break out this year with some kind of monster year.

[Daver]

Originally Posted by LITTLE NELL

Right now I'd have to say Tank is the one. Lets hope he does break out this year with some kind of monster year.

I really think we have seen what there is to see as far as he is concerned.

[Brian26]

Originally Posted by Daver

I really think we have seen what there is to see as far as he is concerned.

To me, Viciedo looks a lot more like Lyle Mouton than a raw Frank Thomas.

[Foulke You]

Originally Posted by Brian26

To me, Viciedo looks a lot more like Lyle Mouton than a raw Frank Thomas.

Tank is much better than Mouton so I don't see a comparison there. However, Tank has very little in common with Frank other than pure strength. Personally, I've always viewed Tank more as a Carlos Lee type of hitter and I think that is ultimately the type of player he will mature into. A solid power hitting corner outfielder but probably not a franchise guy. As Little Nell pointed out though, there is only one full year under his belt so we really don't know for sure what type of hitter the young Tank will mature into.

[amsteel]

If you live outside Chicago, the Sox already don't have a franchise player.

[LITTLE NELL]

Originally Posted by Daver

I really think we have seen what there is to see as far as he is concerned.

How can you say that when he has only one full season under his belt?
He will be 24 on March 10th, and as he matures so will his patience at the plate. As one who sees the glass have full rather than half empty as far as the Sox go, I'm still thinking that Beckham is going to turn it around and hit over .300 with 20 HRs, 80 RBIs and wins a Gold Glove.

[Bucky F. Dent]

It won't happen immediately upon Paulie's retirement, but Courtney Hawkins.

[rdivaldi]

Franchise type player, or franchise type HITTER? I would argue that Sale is a franchise type player and so is Peavy when healthy.

[samurai_sox]

sigh, the plan was for it to be Beckham.

Too bad he's not a good hitter.

[SoxChic5]

I hope Konerko is back!

[Hitmen77]

Originally Posted by Brian26

If Konerko either decides to retire after this season, or if the Sox decide not to bring him back, who would the cornerstone/marquee/franchise player be on the Sox?

Would this possibly be the first time since 1981 that the Sox wouldn't have a franchise type player? In 1980, perhaps a young Harold Baines or Chet Lemon was that guy, but neither put up amazing numbers.

Things changed in '81 when the Sox signed Carlton Fisk. You could argue Fisk was the heart of the Sox until 1991 when Frank Thomas took over that role. Frank was in that position until 2004 when he got hurt and Konerko went on to put up 40+ homers. Konerko's been the face of the franchise since then.

Does Viciedo break out in 2013 to take over that role? Does Chris Sale become the face of the franchise (seems unlikely since pitchers seem to have shorter stints, with the exception being Buehrle)?

Yes. I really don't see anyone stepping up to fill that role - especially the position players. Maybe Chris Sale - but it'll take a few years of consistently good numbers before he could even possibly be considered the next Mark Buehrle.

Unfortunately, that lack of star power might make it hard for the Sox to get more casual Chicago fans interested in them. Konerko and Buehrle (and AJ) are/were the kind of players that even my Mom (NOT a sports fan) knew who they were. There's nobody waiting in the wings to fill that role.