Sox All Decade Team: 2000-2009

Now that the regular season is over for the White Sox, I decided to figure out the All Decade Team for this decade.

There have been many players for the White Sox this decade. Some are famous, some infamous, some forgettable, some unforgettable. I'm sure that like any list, this will spark some debate. There were some tough choices. I had to leave out some fan favorites, but I try to explain why someone got the nod over someone else, especially when it was a tight race.

Over the winter months, I hope to bring more decades to this blog. I figured I'd start in the present decade and work my way back.

The 2000-2009 White Sox All Decade Team

First Base
Paul Konerko

There is absolutely no debate here. Frank Thomas was mostly a DH by 2000.










Second Base
Ray Durham

Ray’s better bat and leaping plays are just a little too much for Tadahito Iguchi’s World Series ring and solid play.










Shortstop
Jose Valentin

While Jose was error prone, his range was great enough to cause a lesser shortstop to let those errors by for hits. Jose made plays that others would be afraid to make.








Third Base
Joe Crede

Joe solidified the hot corner with his stellar defense. As a bonus, he was Mr. Clutch.










Catcher
A.J. Pierzynski

Not since Carlton Fisk, have the Sox acquired a more capable catcher in his prime. Not only does he catch a good game, he hits well and knows obscure rules.









Ultility Player
Juan Uribe

He pretty much played anywhere you put him without complaint and filled in beautifully. His bat wasn’t great, but he came through when all hope seemed to be lost. If Nick Swisher pitched for the Sox, Juan may have had competition here.








Left Field
Carlos Lee

Carlos Quentin and Scott Podsednik have been too injury prone to make the same type of impact as Lee.










Center Field
Aaron Rowand

There’s a reason he’s called “The Legend”. Brian Anderson could only improve on his defense, but not his bat. Brian Simmons never quite made it because of bad luck.









Right Field
Jermaine Dye

Jermaine edges out Magglio Ordonez in the closest battle for top position. A World Series MVP trophy decides this squeaker!










Designated Hitter
Jim Thome

In another tight race, Jim Thome moves ahead of Frank Thomas in a battle of the heavyweights. Jim had his 500th home run and the deciding run in 2008’s blackout game. Frank was robbed of an MVP title, had great years in 2000 and 2003 but was plagued with injuries during his time this decade with the Sox.







Starting Pitcher
Mark Buehrle

Not only is Mark the most consistent starter of the decade, he has two no-hitters, including a perfect game, under his belt during that time. An ALCS complete game victory, a World Series save and his first home run have all come during this decade.








Middle Relief
Matt Thornton

Simply the most reliable middle relief pitcher of the decade for the Sox.










Closer
Bobby Jenks

With only a few months of Major League service, he saved a World Series clincher. He also tied a record for most consecutive outs, which was broken by teammate Mark Buehrle.









Manager
Ozzie Guillen

If the first World Series championship in 88 years isn’t enough, he took a questionable team in 2008 and got them to the playoffs. He almost accomplished the same feat with a lesser team in 2009. Jerry Manuel could not compete with a Gandhi-like demeanor against the tidal wave that is Ozzie.