Let me say this much, this month has really sucked. My land line has been out since yesterday, but this morning it is disturbing my Internet connection. It back up, for now. I suppose it has something to do with the bitter cold outside. I can understand it, but that doesn't mean I have to like it. I chose Damaso Marte for the requisite card in my post. Even though he is a World Champion with the White Sox, he still, for the most part, sucks.

This month may not suck as much for the White Sox. They look to be completing those pesky tasks that everybody has been crying foul over. It seems like they have significantly improved the bullpen with the additions of Linebrink and Dotel. I expect Wassermann to be back in a specialist middle relief role. The rest of the bullpen can fight for dominance.

There seems to be a plethora of outfielders to choose from, although I’m not sure if any are the true solution. We shall find out in Spring Training. The object is to put the best team on the field, even if you are missing parts. The hope is that they work well together. So what if there are square pegs trying to fit in a round hole. Sometimes that can be just enough to plug up a hole, if you really, really pound it in.

The infield seems to be overfilled with players. I’m just waiting to see where the pieces fall with that one. Two third basemen, two shortstops, many people who can fill in at second and many options that can play first base if Konerko needs a rest. This seems to be the area with the most trade bait potential. Especially third base.

Starting pitching is the only nagging concern. There are players that will step in, but none that I’m comfortable with being there. At least not today. That opinion could change by Opening Day. I would be more comfortable if the White Sox traded for a major league proven starter with one of their excess players, preferably Joe Crede or Juan Uribe.

This is one of the most exciting times in the off-season for me. I start to figure out who I can expect on this year’s upcoming baseball cards. I’m excited to get the first Sox cards for Nick Swisher, Octavio Dotel, Scott Linebrink, Alexei Ramirez, Orlando Cabrera and many others. I’ll miss collecting Jon Garland and the rest, but collecting goes on without them.