Even after adding Brett Lawrie, Alex Avila and Dioner Navarro, GM Rick Hahn wants to continue to upgrade the White Sox’ offense, Dan Hayes of CSNChicago.com writes. “We’re pleased with the improvements we’ve made thus far, but in our minds we hope to continue and don’t feel we’re done,” says Hahn. The White Sox finished last in the AL in runs scored last season, with 622. One potential trade target who could provide a big boost to the White Sox is Todd Frazier of the Reds, about whom CSN Chuck Garfien reports the White Sox have had talks (on Twitter). Right now, however, there doesn’t seem to be much traction between the two sides, with the White Sox believing the Reds are asking for too much. A Frazier acquisition doesn’t necessarily seem likely, but if it were to occur, Lawrie would likely move to second base, one of several positions where the White Sox struggled last year. The Reds are reportedly shopping Frazier aggressively. Here are more quick notes from the Central divisions.
- The Cubs and Indians discussed a trade that would have sent either Carlos Carrasco or Danny Salazar to Chicago, FOX Sports’ Jon Morosi tweets. In return, the Indians would have received a package including outfielder Jorge Soler. Talks between the two sides appear to have stalled, however, so it does not seem a deal is imminent.
- The Indians have had interest in Steve Pearce, tweets Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer. Pearce is coming off a .218/.289/.422 season in Baltimore, but he was terrific in 2014 and is capable of playing first base or either corner outfield spot, plus second base in a pinch. That sort of flexibility would surely be valuable to Cleveland, although he’d likely mostly play outfield there. Pearce’s market has mostly been quiet this winter (although he’s been connected to the Rangers). As MLBTR’s Jeff Todd noted in September, it’s difficult to tell how teams will value Pearce, given his unusual skill set and the strange manner in which his career has unfolded.
Why not look at keeping Lawrie at 3B and instead of getting Frazier, look at getting Brandon Phillips to play 2B. Dude is 34 and is still putting up solid numbers. Just an idea
Phillips has 10/5 no trade rights and isn’t likely to approve a trade. Chicago would probably have to entice him with something big to convince him to leave Cincinnati
The red would have to eat a lot of Phillips remaining contract.
No thanks on Phillips. Tired of mid-thirties vets coming to the southside and immediately proceeding to post the worst performance of their careers.while the Sox pay the price for all their good years they had somewhere else.
Brandon Phillips would be an awful fit on the White Sox for many of the reasons people have already stated
Steve Pearce could fit well with Mets as well.
The Indians need to make up their mind what they are going to do as it pertains to trading one of their starters. Since Cody Anderson held his own and Tomlin had success upon returning I would be open to trading Salazar (1st choice) or Carrasco for much needed offensive piece. Indians cannot be a contender winning every game by 1 or 2 runs! Give a few of these pitchers some run support and in the process take some of the pressure off of guys like Carlos Santana who are not legit cleanup hitters.
Steve Pearce should go to Texas, he will be utilized there a lot, spelling Hamilton and Moreland and I think he would put up solid power numbers playing in Texas, I also think that Steve Pearce could completely fall off and be the player he was from 08-13 which is why I think he could be risky but it’s doubtful
If Texas can get him for the right price….maybe. But nothing he’s done outside of one season two years ago is worth talking about.
Curious what the Indians and White Sox are going to do over the next few weeks. Both have 2 of the best rotations in the AL especially if they have a #5 put up above average numbers. Figure a power bat is necessity for both teams, ala Soler and Frazier, since both have such a lack of power on their teams. Sox I could see getting after CarGo or Frazier if the price doesn’t include Rodon or Anderson. Indians I see making a Salazar trade for Soler and Candelario while signing Alvarez. Not sure any of those ever happen though
Agree both teams have the pitching to compete in that division this year but both definetly need some offensive help to win it. Especially the Indians with Brantley set to miss significant time. I can see sox getting cargo without including either rodon or Anderson but at least one would surely have to go for Frazier. And soler with candelario would be good fits for Cleveland. Cubs would most likely have to give another piece if they want carrasco though.
The Cubs has a line up that only and I say maybe , the Blue Jays can beat with the bats so why mess that up they ( Cubs) got young arms coming no later than 2017 so build for that like a Henderson Alvarez for 2017 and maybe July or 16 so why bust up those bats and Beaz the best young version of Zobiest who also can hit/ they got the BATS
I’m a White Sox fan also use Lawrie like a Zobiest cause Mike Olt will have a great season if they get Frazier wow that’s some bats. For my second favorite team in MLB
Good time to be a Sox fan in Chicago because we can enjoy real baseball on the other side of the town on the Score. Maybe our aaa team can learn from them.