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White Sox Looking For Speed

With their season over, it's time to round up some White Sox rumors.

  • Scot Gregor of the Daily Herald says GM Kenny Williams wants to add speed to the top and bottom of his order.  Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune hints at the same.
  • The speedy and available: Brian Roberts, Ichiro Suzuki (maybe), Coco Crisp, Nick Punto, Willy Taveras, Jerry Hairston Jr., Juan Pierre, Randy Winn, Bobby Abreu, Luis Castillo, Corey Patterson, Julio Lugo, and Cesar Izturis.
  • Gonzales says Juan Uribe (free agent) and Toby Hall (club option) would like to return.  Ken Griffey Jr. would also be willing to talk.
  • Gonzales ponders a veteran shakeup, wondering if the Sox will look to move players with no-trade clauses such as Paul Konerko, Jim Thome, and Javier VazquezChris De Luca sees Nick Swisher staying, but no chance of re-signing Orlando Cabrera.


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The problem with Kenny getting these guys now is that they're all in their 30's and will soon be slowing down if they haven't already.

That's the problem with poor drafting and player development. The Twins and Rays are full of these players in their early-mid 20's. They're very fast and will be for years.

The only viable name on that list is Brian Roberts and they'd have to give up a lot to get him.

They do need to trade Koenrko and maybe another vet to get some young guys in.

I think that the White Sox should look at adding Juan Pierre in a salary dump. The White Sox could take on say 3/18, with the Dodgers paying $9M It would obviously cost the White Sox completely nothing, while giving them an elite base stealer who can still play center, hit for a solid average and take a walk or two.

The other thing I would LOVE to see happen then is move Paul Konerko. If they can land a single solid prospect for Konerko, then it would be the right move to get rid of him. He's simply not a great hitter anymore and has no value to this team.

Just some random ideas:

Konerko to the Angels (if Tex leaves) for either Erick Aybar or Maicer Izturis.

Konerko to the Giants for Eugenio Velez.

If they could land one of those guys, they could put them at second, move over Alexei, put Swisher at first and have Pierre in center. A lineup of Pierzynski, Swisher, Velez/Aybar, Fields, Ramirez, Quentin, Pierre, Dye and Thome. That's good.

Any interest in Gregor Blanco or Brian Anderson?

Andy Braves Fan- I think you mean Josh Anderson, as Brian Anderson is already on the White Sox.

what about a konerko/cano trade? just a thought. it's been rumored the yanks are looking to move cano and they need a 1B.

and the sox could move swisher to 1B, sign a SS like furcal to lead off, move alexei ramirez to CF (where he has plenty of experience playing). much more balanced lineup imo.

scribbletone,

Konerko could net alot more than Erick Aybar or Maicer Izturis. He played hurt alot of this year and missed time. He finished awesome, including in the playoffs. He's still a 30/100 guy.

I could see a Figgins + Matthews + Cash for Konerko + Fields. Angels get two power bats and dump Matthews. Sox add the leadoff hitter they covet and improve CF defense.

I also like the idea of Ramirez in CF and signing Frucal.

I would definitely like things shaken up alot more. I'm tired of old men that strikeout all the time.

I've been thinking long and hard about this lately, for whatever reason. What about trading Jermaine Dye? He's a great hitter (.292/.344/.541 in 645 PA) who can hit for power (34 HR/96 RBI/41 2B). Dye is signed through 2009, however there is a mutual option for 2010. Essentially, he could be a 2 year/$23.5M power hitting RF who plays very good defense (1 Error in 272 Chances.) If the White Sox pay some of that money, I know the perfect place: Tampa Bay.

The Rays need a power-hitting RF/DH type of player, unless they're okay with Cliff Floyd and a platoon of Gabe Gross/Eric Hinske again like this year. Haven't they been looking for an OF all year? Jason Bay? Matt Holliday?

Why not do a Jermaine Dye (White Sox pick up the option and pay some of his contract) for a pitching prospect like Jeremy Hellickson or Chris Mason?

Chris Mason (RHP) was 15-4 with a 2.57 ERA at AA Montgomery in 2007. However, he went 3-10 with a 6.21 ERA at AAA Durham in 2008.

Jeremy Hellickson (RHP) was 13-3/2.67 ERA at A Columbus in 2007. In 2008, he went 7-1/2.00 ERA at A Vero Beach, before moving to AA Montgomery and posting a 4-4 Record with a 3.94 ERA.

With all the youth the Rays have in their rotation (plus David Price, Wade Davis, Jeff Niemann, and Jake McGee), I think they could afford to make this move. Obviously, the Rays would probably have to throw in another (low-level) prospect or two, but wouldn't it be worth it?

What do you think?

I wouldn't mind if Ichiro is traded for the right price, but I doubt it happens, especially to the White Sox...

I'd like to see a Konerko for Eric Byrnes swap.

I don't know if AZ is one of the teams on Konerko's 6-team list or if Byrnes would waive his NTC at all but I think it would be a good swap for both teams. Both are due about the same amount of money over the next 2 years.

palehose, the Yankees aren't looking to move Cano. They're simply reconsidering the untouchable tag on him, and would consider trading him in a deal for a good CF or SP. They're not trading him for an old, falling apart 1B.

Vazquez is going to the Braves this offseason.

You heard it here first!!!

yanksfan,
fair enough. i suppose i thought he was more available than he really is. aren't the yankees interested in orlando hudson though?

and it's a stretch to say konerko's falling apart. he had some nagging-type injuries for the first half of this year (oblique/hand). nothing major, just the types of things that take a while to go away and really limit your ability to hit. he went on the DL for the first time in his entire career, and that was after trying to play through things. he healed and ended very strong (1.074 OPS in august/ .971 OPS in sept). it's unfair to say he's falling apart.

How about Jermaine Dye to the Reds for Ryan Freel, Chris Dickerson, and Homer Bailey?

Melonis, thanks for correcting. Josh Anderson was who I was thinking of, and of course thinking in relation to the White Sox I put down Brian Anderson. I need sleep.

Well there is no doubt speed, defense and pitching are needed here - (2005 - Sounds familiar).

2B free agency looks thin, the better bet is sign Furcal and keep Ramirez at second. Next is center field; Crisp would be fine, but with the Angels probably losing Texiera, they will be in need of a first baseman, so package Konerko and a pitcher to the Angels for Figgins and Scot Shields (speed,defense and another power arm in the back end of the bullpen. The top of your lineup would then feature Furcal and Figgins which would put a tremendous amount of pressure on the opposing teams. Should be money available with Crede, Cabrera, Griffey, off the books and if you can find ways to move Konerko (see above) Vasquez and Thome, the money should be available to re-sign Uribe (3B) sign Furcal and LRP Ohman and yes I will say it sign Manny Ramirez to be the full time DH in Chicago. Need to move Clayton Richard into the starting rotation, and if Contreras cannot come back sign a veteran starter; remember John Garland, or even better Mike Mussina.

"I've been thinking long and hard about this lately, for whatever reason. What about trading Jermaine Dye? He's a great hitter (.292/.344/.541 in 645 PA) who can hit for power (34 HR/96 RBI/41 2B). Dye is signed through 2009, however there is a mutual option for 2010. Essentially, he could be a 2 year/$23.5M power hitting RF who plays very good defense (1 Error in 272 Chances.) If the White Sox pay some of that money, I know the perfect place: Tampa Bay."

This scenario was discussed in a thread the other day. The Sox would hate to trade Dye, but he is by far the most attractive trading chip. Dye should atleast net one of Jackson or Sonnanstine, which would fill the 5th starter role. If anyone goes, I think its gonna be Dye. That said, picture that Rays team with Dye in their lineup, yikes!!

"This scenario was discussed in a thread the other day."

Oh, my bad. I guess I didn't read that part... That's weird, because I usually read every word on this site haha.

Yeah, I suppose either Sonnanstine or Jackson would go the other way, especially since David Price needs a spot in the rotation.

Okay, you guys. I have a question for you all: "[Dye] is by far the most attractive trading chip." I certainly agree with that, and I'm sure most of you would, too. With that said, if he gets traded, where do you see him ending up? The Rays and Reds have been mentioned. I see him going to the Rays, but, being a Red Sox fan following the AL East, I may have overlooked a vacancy on another team... I consider myself to be a very good baseball follower, keeping up with all teams. But, have I missed anyone? I doubt he goes to the Yankees, as they'll have more money to spend than that. What about the Mets? Or the Giants? Astros?

Konerko may have 30HR power but it comes with a sub 800 OPS. Oh yeah - also with a $12m price tag.

Personally, I would rather hold on to Figgins, pay a few mill more and sign Dunn. Teach the guy to play 1B and be done with it.

BTW - I agree that Dye would be a very valuable trade chip. You'll get a heck of a lot more for Dye than you will for Konerko.

konerko comes with a sub .800 OPS? uhhhh...

1999: .862
2000: .844
2001: .856
2002: .857
2003: .704
2004: .894
2005: .909
2006: .932
2007: .841
2008: .783
career: .843

Those folks suggesting Alexei in center probably didn't watch him play there last season. He gets pretty terrible reads on the ball. He's an above average middle infielder so they might as well keep him in one of those spots.

One of the Konerko/Dye/Thome trio will get moved. Konerko and Thome really won't snag the Sox much of anything so Dye is probably the most likely to be moved with Quentin moving over to right, Swish in left (ugh) and hopefully they'll try and bring someone with some wheels in center. I'm just praying it isn't Juan Pierre. We already have Juan, but his name is Jerry Owens.

It's interesting to see how many guys with speed are available pretty much dirt cheap.

Taveras, Pierre, Castillo, Lugo, etc. (I wouldn't be surprised if Bourn could be had cheap too).

It's a buyer's market for those guys.

"BTW - I agree that Dye would be a very valuable trade chip. You'll get a heck of a lot more for Dye than you will for Konerko."

With Konerko you'll be lucky to land one quality young player. He's got a lot of money left on his contract, and his numbers are trending downwards. He looked good at the end of the year though, and seems capable of posting a low .800s OPS, which is worth something.

I was thinking about the Angels as one team that might look at Konerko. We know that they've liked him before, and obviously he's not the player he was then, but he's still an interesting power bat. If they can't resign Teixeira, and don't want to commit to Kendry Morales as their full time first baseman, then Konerko could be an option for them. The White Sox would definately have interest in a young, quick shortstop like Erick Aybar, and they could dump Gary Matthews on the Sox as well, to even out the salaries.

So I'm gonna throw this one out here:

Paul Konerko, and Josh Fields for Chone Figgins, Maicer Izturis and Gary Matthews Jr.

The Angels get a potentially quality power bat in Konerko to put into the middle of their order with Guerrero and Hunter, another potential power bat at third in Fields (he could also play left), and they get to dump Matthews' contract. Aybar takes over full time at short, Fields and Brandon Wood get time at third, and left field could get filled with some of the money saved by losing Matthews and Figgins.

The White Sox get Figgins to take over full time at third and bat leadoff. Izturis would take over at second or short, depending on where the Sox prefer to put Ramirez. And Matthews could get some time in center. The Sox would have to take on Matthews' 3 years and $33M, but the Angels would still have Konerko at 2/24, a shorter term but more per year.

The Sox would trot out a lineup of:

3B Figgins
1B Swisher
LF Quentin
RF Dye
DH Thome
2B Ramirez
C Pierzynski
SS Izturis
CF Matthews/Anderson

If Ramirez can manage to somehow learn to take walks, then he could move into the two spot with Swisher moving down. Hopefully Swish will learn how to hit again.

"BTW - I agree that Dye would be a very valuable trade chip. You'll get a heck of a lot more for Dye than you will for Konerko."

With Konerko you'll be lucky to land one quality young player. He's got a lot of money left on his contract, and his numbers are trending downwards. He looked good at the end of the year though, and seems capable of posting a low .800s OPS, which is worth something.

I was thinking about the Angels as one team that might look at Konerko. We know that they've liked him before, and obviously he's not the player he was then, but he's still an interesting power bat. If they can't resign Teixeira, and don't want to commit to Kendry Morales as their full time first baseman, then Konerko could be an option for them. The White Sox would definately have interest in a young, quick shortstop like Erick Aybar, and they could dump Gary Matthews on the Sox as well, to even out the salaries.

So I'm gonna throw this one out here:

Paul Konerko, and Josh Fields for Chone Figgins, Maicer Izturis and Gary Matthews Jr.

The Angels get a potentially quality power bat in Konerko to put into the middle of their order with Guerrero and Hunter, another potential power bat at third in Fields (he could also play left), and they get to dump Matthews' contract. Aybar takes over full time at short, Fields and Brandon Wood get time at third, and left field could get filled with some of the money saved by losing Matthews and Figgins.

The White Sox get Figgins to take over full time at third and bat leadoff. Izturis would take over at second or short, depending on where the Sox prefer to put Ramirez. And Matthews could get some time in center. The Sox would have to take on Matthews' 3 years and $33M, but the Angels would still have Konerko at 2/24, a shorter term but more per year.

The Sox would trot out a lineup of:

3B Figgins
1B Swisher
LF Quentin
RF Dye
DH Thome
2B Ramirez
C Pierzynski
SS Izturis
CF Matthews/Anderson

If Ramirez can manage to somehow learn to take walks, then he could move into the two spot with Swisher moving down. Hopefully Swish will learn how to hit again.

i hate typekey..

Anyone think it may be possible to trade for Garret Atkins? His defense isn't amazing, but his offense is there. The rockies may be willing with Ian Steward doing well.

I'd be all for bringing Atkins in. Finding a deal that would entice the Rockies is the real question here though.

Why would you bring Atkins in? You have Josh Fields ready. Thats the mistake you guys did resigning Crede. If anything you trade for Taveras and since thr Rox are looking for pitching you could deal Vazquez or Broadway.

Taveras? Why don't we just play Jerry Owens if Willy's an option. Same player. No pop, low obp, fast.

I agree a deal for Atkins would not be simple, but we know what his offensive productive will be like. Fields is a LARGE question mark after last season; plus I feel Fields' defense is much worse than Atkins.

Either way, this solves no speed issues.

Agreed on Fields. I think he's more likely to end up being our DH/1B then 3B in a couple years.

Sadly, in thinking more about Fields, can anyone say Billy Butler equivalent, with a worse average?

I shouldn't put him down yet, I want to see him succeed... WITH the ChiSox.

I have noticed that nobody has said anything about who the Sox will get for Crede?
I hate to see him go, but we desperately need starting pitching.
What would be a good scenario for a Crede deal,any thoughts?

Crede is a free agent. Sox will get nothing for him. Maybe a compensation pick if he is a type B free agent.

Here's what I would like to see for the 2009 White Sox. Sign free agent Rafael Furcal.
Trade for Willy Taveras. Trade Jim Thome who has one year left at 8 million. According to Sun Times writer Joe Cowley(not the former White Sox pitcher) the White Sox get the additional 5 million from the Phillies for Thome's option year. One year at 8 million makes him attractive for some clubs. He does have to waive his no trade clause though.
I am against trading Vazquez. We are already one starter short and I don't see how they could acquire two solid starting pitchers. That's a lot easier said than done. He may have his ups and downs, but he was still 4th in the AL in strikeouts last season. It's not easy to find starting pitchers that will be good for 30+ starts and 200+ innings every year.
There doesn't seem to be a good match for the White Sox with free agent starters, so Kenny will have to go the trade route for the number 5.
After watching Clayton Richard coming out of the pen, I would like to see him as the second left hander/long reliever.
Another veteran arm in the bullpen would be nice too. If not, I would prefer to see Adam Russell get the chance. He did get roughed up a little bit, but he is aggessive and challenges hitters.
Pick up the option on back up catcher Toby Hall's contract.
Bring back Juan Uribe as the utility infielder.
That also leaves the question of having Getz or another infielder on the roster or Ozzie going with a 7 man bullpen.
Third base is an interesting position. Josh Fields was supposedly ready at the end of spring training. Didn't see that when he returned, but he did have a knoee injury. If he isn't the answer, what about going after Adrian Beltre? Kenny does not have a good relationship with Scott Boras and I wouldn't expect the Sox to re-sign him. But there's something to be said about Boras guys in heading into free agency. They always seem to have career years. Let him have one on the South Side and then let him walk.
Let Wise and Owens battle it out for the left handed backup outfielder.
This would leave Williams with Thome, possibly Fields, Wise or Owens, Logan, Carrasco, Wassermann, Broadway, and H.Ramirez as trade bait. Money to spend with the contracts of Crede and Cabrera being gone.

How's this line up look?
1. SS Furcal
2. CF Taveras
3. LF Quentin
4. RF Dye
5. DH Konerko
6. C Pierzynski
7. 2B Ramirez
8. 1B Swisher
9. 3B Fields/Beltre? Trade?

Bench
10. C Hall
11. IF Uribe
12. IF Getz/7th reliever?
13. OF Anderson
14. OF Wise or Owens

Starting rotation
15. LHP Buehrle
16. RHP Floyd
17. LHP Danks
18. RHP Vazquez
19. Whoever Kenny can acquire

Bullpen
20. RHP Jenks
21. RHP Linebrink
22. RHP Dotel
23. LHP Thornton
24. LHP Richard
25. RHP Russell and/or veteran

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