The White Sox have shopped Jon Garland around in the past. You may recall the failed deal with the Astros at the last Winter Meetings – the Sox were supposed to receive Jason Hirsh, Willy Taveras, and Taylor Buchholz. There was even a press conference scheduled for that one. Apparently the deal died when Kenny Williams demanded Hunter Pence as well.
Many teams have had discussions with the White Sox regarding Garland since then. The Red Sox, Rockies, Braves, Yankees, Mariners, Dodgers, Mets, and Phillies all expressed interest. The Braves reportedly offered Edgar Renteria and a top pitching prospect (pre-Teixeira trade) and were denied.
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Garland is "without question that most likely starter to be moved" by Kenny Williams this winter. He says Williams will shoot for at least two relievers, one proven. Garland makes $12MM in 2008 before reaching free agency. Garland’s got a 4.75 ERA this year; you have to wonder whether he’d be worth the price for an AL team. And even in the NL, is he that much better than Josh Towers right now?
Off the cuff, here are some relievers I think the White Sox might pursue: Manny Corpas, Jonathan Broxton, Jeremy Accardo, Joaquin Benoit, Tony Pena, Jose Valverde, Brad Lidge, Chad Qualls, and Huston Street. What are your predictions for fair Garland trades that could actually happen this winter?
