Prediction: RJ will be a White Sox

Thats it, I've made a verdict and Randy Johnson is going to be pitching for the SouthSiders this season. Sure, I may be going out on a limb here, but the Sox have the best offer on the table and I can't see any team matching it.

I don't give a rats butt about the rumors that Johnson would or has turned down a deal to the White Sox. The White Sox train in Arizona, in fact, they share the same facility that his Dbacks use, which is a big plus (its not quite being in Scottsdale, but it will do).

Because of this Randy should be familiar with some of the Sox and the players. No, they may not be grand friends, but a familiarity is definately a nice thing to have. On top of all this, RJ is neighbors with JR. Just call it a hunch, but Johnson is coming out to Chicago this Saturday, don't be shocked if the Sox maybe talk to Johnson over the weekend.

Johnson is also meeting with the Dbacks GM this week to discuss some things. One of the rumors is they will discuss a contract extension that will keep him a Diamondback.

To be honest, the big potential holdup I see over a deal with the Diamondbacks is whether the White Sox would extend his contract another year at 16 million. Considering RJ has been willing to go deferred in the past, this should act as at least an aid in the possible extension. Johnson may be on the otherside of 40, but he was the best pitcher in the NL last year and the second best in baseball (Johan being the best).

I expect Randy Johnson to be a White Sox by the end of the Winter Meetings in December. I also expect the Sox to be rather quiet after that. They will pick up a free agent reliever, probably one that is non-tendered. Keep an eye out of Shawn Chacon whose name keeps coming up in rumors with the White Sox (he'll likely be non-tendered). Then the Sox will look to possibly pick up a cheaper RF since Everett will be Dh'ing the first month of the season.

If Jay Gibbons is non-tendered don't be shocked if Hawk himself goes down and talks to Kenny and says to sign the guy. Hawk always seemed to like Gibbons, based on the comments he's made during broadcasts against the Orioles. Jermaine Dye, Richard Hildalgo, and Jeremy Burnitz are other options.

You know who isn't an option: Joe Borchard. Borchard will likely be competing with Escobar for the final outfield spot. Both can play every position in the outfield, which helps, but if Escobar can just make contact, he should get the nod over Borchard. For those unaware, Borchard was released by his Mexican League Team for sucking ass.

Anyway, we'll see if my predictions come true, but I got a feeling this is the direction the Sox head and I think it will work out. I could give a damn if RJ ends up failing. He's the best pitcher (arguably) in baseball and makes this rotation awesome and gives the Sox a rotation that should be devasting in the playoffs. Konerko and Garland are both good, but were talking world series and Randy Johnson can help get the Sox there.