ChiSox Looking For “Lower-End” SP To Replace Floyd

The White Sox are looking at adding a "lower-end type" starting pitcher "at the right price," reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (Twitter link).  If the club is able to acquire such a pitcher, it would give the Sox freedom to trade Gavin Floyd.

Chicago's rotation currently lines up as Jake Peavy, Chris Sale, John Danks, Jose Quintana and Floyd, who had his $9.5MM option for 2013 picked up by the Sox last month.  Floyd battled elbow injuries last season but still posted solid numbers (4.29 ERA, 2.29 K/BB ratio, 7.7 K/9) and averaged 195 innings pitched per year from 2008-2011. 

The 29-year-old right-hander is a free agent next winter and has been the subject of trade rumors for over a year.  Even with just one year of control left, Floyd could draw a decent return for the Sox and, perhaps as importantly, his departure could open a bit of payroll room to make further moves during the season.  One possible obstacle facing the Sox in their search for a cheaper pitcher, however, is that a starter looking to rebuild value may not want to go to hitter-friendly U.S. Cellular Field.