White Sox Never Pursued Prior
I spoke to my White Sox source today, and he was able to offer up a little bit of information.
Remember this tantalizing tidbit from Gordon Edes's January 15th article for the Boston Globe?
"Would you believe that the White Sox were hovering on the fringes of the Tejada trade talks, not because of any interest in Tejada but in the hopes that if the Orioles peddled him to the Chicago Cubs for ace Mark Prior, they would have been willing to flip Prior to the crosstown White Sox in a package?"
Not so, according to my source. The White Sox never had designs to acquire Prior, but they truly did make various offers for Miguel Tejada.
He also told me that there hasn't been any hot stove buzz lately involving a Jose Contreras trade, contrary to published reports.
Okay then.
Got anybody confirming the Michaels-Rhodes trade? That seems to be the big trade of the day.
Posted by: | January 23, 2006 at 12:57 PM
It is, but I got nothin' on it.
Posted by: RumorMonger | January 23, 2006 at 12:59 PM
What would have Chicago's Team given up for prior? Any ideas?
Posted by: Rem | January 23, 2006 at 01:49 PM
I think they would've had to put together a package including Timo Perez and some dude in a rugby shirt who eats generic frozen waffles.
I'm really not sure how that was supposed to work, maybe the Sox get Tejada for the previously mentioned offer and then do an intercity swap for Prior?
Posted by: RumorMonger | January 23, 2006 at 01:53 PM
The White Sox don't need Prior. They have a superb rotation as is.
Posted by: Erikfromdabronx | January 23, 2006 at 02:20 PM
Is there a player on the Whitesox who wears a rugby shirt who eats generic frozen waffles? Or is that just a rumor?
Posted by: Anthony | January 23, 2006 at 02:24 PM
From what I remember, it seemed like some kind of three way deal where Prior got shipped to Baltimore for Tejada and then the O's sent him for a pitching centered package from the White Sox. In that scenario, the Cubs get their man from Baltimore but unknowingly deliver Prior to their crosstown rival. Not gonna happen anyway so it's a moot point, but still interesting to see if the pieces ever fit or if it was all BS from the start.
I've heard (maybe wishful thinking) that the Cleveland-Boston deal is still in the discussion stage because the two teams are busy hammering out details on a potential swap of catchers (Bard and Shoppach changing hands). The reason behind all of this is the Phillies reluctance to part with Michaels for just a reliever; they want a young catcher (in this case rumor has it that it would be Shoppach) added to the deal to make it work on their end. I'm not big on Shoppach personally, but any addition to what the Phils get in this proposed swap is welcomed.
Sorry for getting so off-topic with the Phils stuff, I'm working on correcting that problem in the future. By the way, Timo Perez for Mark Prior doesn't seem doable to me. I think the magic of Timo should not be discounted.
Posted by: xxx | January 23, 2006 at 02:24 PM
That Prior scenario sounds right, Rob. But ultimately it looks like the Sox were never after him.
I am looking for some info on the Crisp, etc. trade, but haven't gotten anything yet...
Posted by: RumorMonger | January 23, 2006 at 02:31 PM
Rumor,
I have a buddy in Philadelphia that has been telling me the White Sox and Phillies have had serious talks about a Jose Contreras-Bobby Abreu trade. CBS sportsline is now reporting something similiar citing I believe the Philadelphia Inquirer with the possibly holdup being that the Sox dont want to take on Abreu's salary. Any way you could talk to your Sox source and see how valid these rumors are? and why would they be willing to pick up Tejada's contract but not Abreu. I'm not aware of the two's contract specifics, but on the surface it seems like why do it for one if not the other when the Sox would be trading away the same player?
Posted by: Matt | January 23, 2006 at 11:00 PM
He told me all was quiet on the Contreras front, or else the team is keeping it under wraps. I should have some more info in a couple of days.
Posted by: RumorMonger | January 23, 2006 at 11:04 PM
Abreu:.....Reinsdorf payroll going over 100 mil?..I don't think so Tim.
Posted by: Teetz | January 23, 2006 at 11:09 PM
Alright, yeah thats what CBS sportsline had too a couple days ago that the Contreras contract talks had dried up and there were no plans on trading him, I believe they got their info from the either the Daily Herald or Southtown. I was just surprised one to see my friend wasnt full of you know what and two to see the Philadelphia papers would have it but not Chicago. Again we all know Kenny so keeping it under wraps wouldnt be a huge surprise. I'll look forward to reading what info if any you can dig up on it in a few days. As usual thanks and keep up the good work.
Posted by: Matt | January 23, 2006 at 11:10 PM
Hey RumorMonger,
Heh. How much did Tribune management pay you to put this story up? Just kidding. ;-)
(I mean really, this sounds like something I'd expect to hear from Dave Kaplan on WGN.)
Posted by: Jim | January 24, 2006 at 05:04 PM
Wish I was on their payroll...
Posted by: RumorMonger | January 24, 2006 at 06:40 PM
They're having enough problems with the IRS over their tax treatment of their acquisition of the LA Times.
Posted by: Jim | January 24, 2006 at 09:14 PM
Contreas even up for Abreau? I don't think Gillick is THAT stupid. One hell of an every day player for an average/above avg. pitcher? Abreau for Burle would make more sense
Posted by: Paul | January 25, 2006 at 01:31 PM
Contreas even up for Abreau? I don't think Gillick is THAT stupid. One hell of an every day player for an average/above avg. pitcher? Abreau for Burle would make more sense
Posted by: Paul | January 25, 2006 at 01:32 PM