Though the White Sox weren’t in a position to add veterans on short-term deals last offseason, GM Rick Hahn feels that with the club closer to contention, that’s an avenue worth exploring, writes Dan Hayes of CSNChicago.com. “We’re never going to move our eye from those long-term targets being a priority,” Hahn said. “At the same time, we may be in a position where some shorter-term deals with some veteran-type players might make some sense in order to get this team closer to where we want to be.” The additions of Jose Abreu and Adam Eaton, the progression of Jose Quintana, and the selection of Carlos Rodon in last year’s draft have all accelerated Chicago’s timeline to contend again. Hayes feels that an outfielder and/or DH would make sense, and he also mentions the bullpen. I think they could look to upgrade behind the dish as well, as Tyler Flowers whiffed at a 36 percent clip last season and is a long shot (to say the least) to repeat his .355 batting average on balls in play. MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes recently provided a preview of Chicago’s upcoming offseason.
More from the AL Central…
- Once arbitration numbers and league-minimum players are accounted for, the Indians project to have $72-75MM committed to the 2015 roster, MLB.com’s Jordan Bastian writes in his most recent inbox piece. The team has typically operated in the $80-85MM payroll range, so there’s some degree of financial flexibility. However, Bastian notes that with the large number of contracts spread around the team, Cleveland is limited as to where and how it can upgrade what was a stagnant second-half offense. He feels that third base and right field are the most logical areas to target, noting that the trade market may be “more opportunistic” for the Indians this offseason.
- The Tigers will look to upgrade on a bullpen that melted down and, in the estimation of many, cost them their season in the playoffs, writes James Schmel of MLive.com. However, he cautions not to expect a new closer in 2015. There’s a “strong chance” that the team will exercise Joakim Soria’s $7MM club option, Schmel writes, and he also notes that Joe Nathan, Al Alburquerque, Bruce Rondon, Blaine Hardy, Kyle Lobstein and Luke Putkonen are expected back. Joba Chamberlain, Phil Coke, Jim Johnson and Joel Hanrahan are likely on the outs. Schmel lists some speculative bullpen targets for Detroit, including Luke Gregerson, Andrew Miller, Neal Cotts and Pat Neshek, and as he notes, the Tigers have been linked to Gregerson in the past and nearly reacquired Miller this past July.
Can’t see the Tigers exercising Soria option if they are going to after Miller or Gregerson or both. Tiger management are coy with their words so why not get a coy pitcher such K-Rod.
No doubt they will exercise the option regardless of Miller. They need quantity and quality. $7MM is a decent bargain for them given their dire need.
They need to go after a failed starter with a strong arm like Miller and Britton were 2 years ago.
Not for a wash up pitcher. If Tiger manangement will not listen to the Orioles’ batters saying the same thing what do you do. Joba might return though. Last year was his first back from TJ surgery and he was put in a position of being overused and too many pressure situations for a player that was signed as a flyer.
No reason to think at a sample size of less than one inning means he is washed up. He had 2 bad outings in a row.. nothing more.
Soria didn’t exactly have the greatest season for the Tigers either.
Phil Coke is on his way out? 4 years too late
Actually Coke wasn’t terrible this year. But his career splits versus RHH are worthy of an all-star player (for the batter)
I never understood it, Coke is a lefty specialist only and a good one. I remember one year righties hit 400 against him I think.
Problem is Tigers think he is a long reliever
I’d love to see Andrew Miller with the White Sox. With money to spend and an awful bullpen, I think these two make interesting partners.
Would like the White Sox to go after Cotts. While Surkamp was ‘ok’ I think Cotts would make a great addition. And lets face facts, you do not build bullpens long term as guys have good and bad seasons in the bullpen. Sox also need a better bullpen coach as I do not think that Thigpen is the guy to coach these guys
I once sat behind Tony Muser when he was the Cubs bullpen coach. He told me his job was to basically make sure he had a pocket schedule, and make sure Randy Myers didn’t order food from the Wrigley vendors. It’s not 1993…I wonder if the job set has changed?
All I know is that the Sox change their bullpen coach and the whole pen had issues this season. I’m sure losing Reed did not help but Im not impressed with Thigpen as a bullpen coach.
I think that while people may give coaches too much credit, I think people do not give them enough credit. I’m sure they do more than watch what people order from vendors and get a guy up to stretch, otherwise why bother having anyone there? Same with hitting coaches, and pitching coaches.. I mean if their jobs are really not worth it then why do clubs pay guys to do it?
In sincerity, in baseball history… keeping the bullpen guys focused and not distracted by a myriad of things has been an undertaking. General leadership and game knowledge is essential as well… Thigpen would possess that. It’s a secondary bench coach.
I’m more interested in the White Sox successfully finding the next Andrew Miller than paying for past performance….even though they do need solid vet pen arms.
Well the Sox tried to find future performers and diamonds in the rough this season, did not work out too well.
I want an experienced lefty reliever at least. Righties grow on trees, but good closers and lefties relievers do not.
I know you do not want to blow a lot of cash on the bullpen, but for the Sox with their swing and miss approach to hitting they need relievers that can close out games. Hopefully with most of the holes gone in their lineup and more guys like Sanchez in it this should be a better hitting team but you still need that bullpen.
Yeah, but I just don’t think it behooves many teams to go where the speculation is and pop $40m on a reliever…I don’t care if he’s ambidextrous and has Dan Quisenberry channeled on a Ouija board
Always something with the Indians an money. That is why they are the worst franchise in the AL. Silly people running it an it never gets better. In 2 yrs they fall behing the Cubs as the worst run Franchise in baseball.
Worse than the Mariners? I doubt it.
I would love to see Detroit go after Zach Duke for the bullpen
Any thoughts on the Tigers making a pitching coach/Bullpen coach change? Could there be something about the way the bullpen is being managed that is affected their performance?
Detroit needs to avoiding overreacting, assess the club… fill some gaps and compete again. But, sure, any team that wants to win a short series had better hope for 3 cg shutouts or have a solid bullpen