General Manager Kenny Williams wouldnt stand pat with the hand that won the 05 World Series.

He tossed away a few cards, a popular center fielder here, and a sure, but mouthy, 1st ballot Hall of Famer there, picking up undervalued slugger, Jim Thome, in the meantime.

The pitching staff is intact, more or less.

And they say pitching is what wins games, day in and day out.

So, given these moves, can the Sox repeat in 06?

Without a doubt they can win again; at least thats what we can infer, looking at the new and improved team, on paper.

But how will they do as a club, on the field? Will they have that same, gee-whiz energy the 05 champs had?

Is Konerko going to be more relaxed, now that he has a long term contract, or will he be just a little too laid back, warm and fuzzy, and secure? If he were with the Dodgers, still, that could be an issue, but not in the Windy City, where the work ethic brings out greatness in grunts, like Paulie.

Will Ozzie flake out, tell us hes rich enough, and take a walk in mid-season? Not if hes serious about winning the Presidency in his home country, some day.

The only thing that can hurt the Sox this year is if they believe they are a fluke, a one hit wonder, like so many of those exploding plastic spheres on the field at the infamous Disco Night, at Comiskey.

This is the year the Sox can show their grit, South Side pride, and Cub-crushing might.

Are they up to it?

You bet.