I am sitting here wondering what the Sox management are thinking. With the Tigers snatching up Prince Fielder today, I wonder if they just play for the future, or try and upgrade the team?

My belief. If they weren’t paying huuuuuuuuuuuge money to Adam Dunn and Alex Rios, the Sox would be playing for tomorrow, with an slight eye on today.

The positive people will tell you that the Sox lineup, with comeback seasons by a few players, can play with the Tigers on most night’s.

The negative people will say that when you go in to a season with the key word being, “IF, you have little chance. Explanation:

IF Adam Dunn regains his stroke

IF Alex Rios regains his stroke

IF Gordon Beckham finds his stroke

IF Chris Sale makes a smooth transition to the starting rotation

IF John Danks bounces back

IF Phil Humber continues to progress

IF Dayan Viciedo can hit with consistency

IF the Sox find a reliable closer

You get the picture.

My heart wants to think the Sox can overcome Detroit, but my brain says, unless injuries strike the Tigers like a plaque, or if the team is so loosey-goosey from flying under the radar that they shock the baseball world, this could be one tough season for the South Siders.

Positive note. Fielder has no home runs in his career against the Sox. Mind you, he only has 12 at bats against the Sox, and all those AB’s came in Milwaukee, but it’s one way to find a positive.

Other notes:

Guess where Omar Vizquel will call home in 2012? If you said Toronto, congrats. What is it with old & new Sox players either being traded or signing with the Jays?

Vizquel will be 45 years old on April 24th, but he should be well rested. He played sporadically last year with the Chisox.

The Sox added a number of players to their spring training roster. It’ll be one more go round with Brian Bruney. Bruney pitched in 23 games with Chicago before being sent packing.

Eric Stults, who made some good starts with the Dodgers, also got an invite. He’ll be able to re-aquaint himself with another former Dodger, Delwyn Young.

And finally, Dallas McPherson will also be back in Arizona looking to resurrect his career. McPherson played a few games in Chicago last year, like Bruney.

Makes your spine tingle, I know.

Sox open camp in 29 days…I am Excited!