With the second-worst record in the American League and plenty of useful veterans, the White Sox are a clear seller this month. The team's prime trade chips are Alex Rios, Matt Thornton, Matt Lindstrom, and perhaps Jake Peavy and Jesse Crain when they return from the disabled list. It's less clear whether the Sox would consider trading Alexei Ramirez, Paul Konerko, John Danks, and Alejandro De Aza. The latest:
- "The bulk of our struggles this year have been on the offensive side. That's something we are going to have to improve," GM Rick Hahn told reporters yesterday, including Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune. Though Hahn wouldn't address trade rumors or the July 31st deadline, Gonzales takes this to mean Hahn will lean toward hitters in making deals this month. Hahn has dispatched scouts to evaluate prospects from the Braves, Blue Jays, Rangers, and Red Sox, writes Gonzales.
- The White Sox seek "high-end prospects" for Thornton, a source tells Dan Hayes of CSNChicago.com. The 36-year-old is having his worst year in recent memory, with a 4.00 ERA, 6.7 K/9, 3.3 BB/9, 1.33 HR/9, and 44.3% groundball rate in 27 innings. He's been better against left-handed hitters, though they've authored three of the four home runs he's surrendered. With a $6MM club option for 2014, Thornton can be more than a rental.
- Regarding the idea of trading ace Chris Sale, Jim Margalus of South Side Sox writes, "Hahn would pretty much have to get two stars back to justify it. Otherwise, it's getting way too cute." Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports notes today that a large contingent of scouts are watching Sale.
