The White Sox have designated infielder Jose Rondon for assignment, tweets the Athletic’s James Fegan. In a corresponding roster move, the club has activated rookie corner outfielder Eloy Jimenez from the 10-day injured list.
Rondon, 25, has seen action in three MLB seasons but tallied just 289 career plate appearances. The majority of those have come this season, but he’s limped to a .197/.265/.282 line in 2019. A light-hitting utilityman, Rondon did slug 18 home runs in 2018 with Chicago’s International League affiliate, but that power outburst was unprecedented and he hasn’t managed to follow up on it this year. Given his age and reputation as an above-average defensive infielder, perhaps he’ll draw some interest league-wide, but any claiming team would have to keep him on its active roster, since he’s out-of-options. It seems likely he’ll clear waivers and return to Triple-A Charlotte.
Jimenez spent the minimum ten days on the IL with a right elbow contusion. The former top prospect hasn’t amazed in his rookie season, but his .244/.307/.483 line is more-than-adequate for a 22 year-old. The prodigious power hitter has popped 17 home runs on the year and still projects as a focal point of the club’s rebuild, even if he’ll need to refine his plate approach to tap into all of his immense offensive upside.
Time to bring up some youngsters!
Or else making room for Tim Anderson/Eloy return to lineup.
Looks like Goins is sticking around for a while.
until TA comes back from his rehab assignment.
My cracked crystal ball says-Leury will cover SS until Timmay comes back. If Jay stays put, LGar will go back to CF and Tilson or Cordell will make room for the return of Anderson.
Guessing you are right but Tilson was already designated, so probably Cordell unless they’ve already had enough of Reed.
Sorry, meant Engel.
Got it… Hope they keep Engel, even if he doesn’t hit like he has been, speed and d are elite.
He is at best a fifth OF on a bad team.
Engel must have incriminating pictures of Hahn, Renteria, or Williams. Who knows maybe all of them but tired of 3 years, multiple batting stances and hitting .230. I blame Severson more for not telling him to bunt more. I agreedon’t defensively he’s good but he’s had 3 years to figure out offense.
Still no clue why Jon Jay is still on this team? Maybe it’s his -0.5 WAR they love?
They are gonna keep him around hoping he can sway Machado to opt out with San Fiego and sign with them
@steelerbravenation
I know you’re just trying to be funny, but you realize his opt out isn’t until ’23. I’m guessing Jay isn’t even on the Sox next year, let alone until ’23.
And Machado would be an idiot to opt out halfway through a $30MM per year contract. It’s possible, though unlikely, he might already start his decline by then.
Jay batting cleanup today.
Sandwiched between Moncada and Eloy.
This might be the biggest joke in the history of baseball. How does Renteria keep his job?
Going lefty heavy against Gibson. Fools gold McCann has crashed back to earth. 41% k rate, .539 OPS over the last month.
His DH days should just be complete days off. I get that they wanted to keep his bat hot and get him into the All Star Game, but that is in the rear-view mirror now.
MCCann will rediscover hitting to right field. Just need a little time off. Kind of like watching Schwarber and Rizzo hit into the shift. Sorry Nick, last dig. Go Bears!
Because he does what the brass tells him to do. It’s not about winning, it’s being a cheap fun loving group.
He works cheap and defends Reinsdorf. That alone guarantees job security in a Reinsdorf business.
Jay goes 2/4 with one RBI batting cleanup.
Stats are like roller coasters. They go up and down, constantly. By your measure, players would go back and forth to the minors based on, as they say, a “very small sample size.” The active roster would change daily, and within a month all the players would be out of options.
He is a trade candidate b4 July 1. I hope he hits for the cycle.
Who wants Jon Jay? He has no power, no speed, no defense. Other than that, he handles the music in the clubhouse really well and kisses azz with the best of them.
Cubs wish they had Jay. Then they would have baserunners.
Cubs would die to have him back after losing Lascala, Murphy and the Descalso flame out. They can only offer a wife beater or Ian Hapless as compensation.
No, the Cubs don’t wish they had Jay. Not even remotely. He sucks. He can’t play defense either. He can’t run. They had him and let him go for a reason. He’s terrible. I can’t even believe this is worth a discussion?
So he’s similar to Kyle Schwarber?
The day that Jon Jay can hit 25 HR, come talk to me about this comparison.
The day that Kyle can hit .250 let me know. He’s a DH vs righties a bench warmer vs lefties.
Agreed now go back to your little Cubbie chat board.
Defending a -0.5 WAR player in Jay. Now I know why the White Sox fans can’t understand why their team has sucked for so long. By the way, I’m not a Cubs fan.
By the way, WAR is just a composite stat, and one that has no definitive formula. You still have to play the game on the field.
Ian Happless…lol
Has Willie Jay ever hit 2 HR and 7 RBI in a game? CLASSIC
Maybe it’s Jay’s 326 BA, albeit not a power hitter.
Just a completely worthless. 300 hitter.
@Nick Stevens
OK, your anger towards Jay is way too personal. It makes me curious what the story is behind it. Yes, I’m not crazy about Jay either, but you act like he’s the worst player to ever put on a MLB uniform. He’s definitely not the worst player in a Sox uniform this season. In fact, it’s sad to say, he’s been one of the better ones so far. He’s not Moncada or TA, but compare him to guys like Reed, Rondon, Palka, Alonso, Collins and Savala (I’m sure there’s more, but these initially come to mind), Jay looks like a first-ballot HOFer so far this season.
-0.5 WAR. There’s no hatred. I just think it’s comical how this guy keeps getting paid fairly decent money for being nothing. What I find interesting are people who defend him as a player that has any value at all? There is no value in a slow, weak, 34 year old player.
And if he’s the best they have, then my argument for Hahn to be fired holds water.
@Nick Stevens
Let’s at least wait until the rebuild’s done before calling for Hahn’s head. He’s done a great job putting together the core with the rebuild. The Sox went from a laughing stock Minor League system to one of the best with 8 Blue Chip prospects (Moncada, Eloy, Cease, Kopech, Giolito, Robert, Madrigal, and Vaughn) and other strong prospects like Lopez and Dunning. Let’s see what he does over the Winter as for any finishing pieces before even thinking about getting rid of him. Let him see the rebuild through.
How long does a rebuild take? Hahn was promoted before the 2013 season. They have ZERO playoff appearances going on 7 years when this season is completed. Jeff Luhnow had the Astros rebuild done in 3 years, and in year 4 they made the playoffs. This is taking way too long. I don’t see it getting any better for 2020 either.
You sound like a bitter child who couldn’t make your high school baseball team.
@Nick: They did not start rebuilding in ’13.. The rebuild started when Sale and Eaton were gone… 2016…
I love the ‘experts’ on the forums that want Hahn’s head because the rebuild ‘is not quick enough’ The vaunted Astros were in the same boat until they got better (and one could argue the Astros were rebuilding since, what 08( heck maybe 06?), before they really got a contender built..The Cubs took 4 years as well., and even then I think Epstein would say that was a year earlier than what they expected. Plus factor stuff not in Hahn’s control, like TJ surgeries to pitcher (unless you are one of those lunatics that blame him for the elbow injuries) and they are right on course
I’m not going to defend Nick on this one and not completely calling for Hahn’s head but we should be at least watchable next year. We need 2 starters in free agency. A true DH, not a retread. BP depth – I will be upset if Colome goes to the Phil’s because that will prolong the rebuild. He is under control and is a viable closer option. Bring the kids up next year together, not the piecemeal one at a time which almost ruined Moncada. I’m excited for next year – I’ve been hyping Clint Frazier out here -saw him destroy WS pitching earlier at Comiskey but that doesn’t say much. Brewers are prime candidates for pitching and Nova is a great fit but I want something substantial in return instead of these Kodi Maderies or even the guy in the milky cabrera trade.
Jose Abreu is out of lineup today for first time this season.
Is Jose finally getting a rest or is this final opportunity for Reed to produce?
Reed will be next DFA. Hope he hits for the cycle and you get something b4 the 31st.
Reed is going to get an extended look for the rest of this season. Better get used to seeing him in the lineup against every RHP the team faces until the season ends.
You are absolutely right about the Sox looking at Reed for the next two months as potential DH for 2020. Reed is controllable for the next five years so the White Sox are giving him a chance to play around the core of Moncada, Anderson and Jiminez. People forget the Sox lineup has been garbage with Jiminez and Anderson out.
No loss with Abreu out of the lineup. Tired of him swinging at balls in the dirt and hitting into double plays, reaching for balls out of the zone and hitting weak grounders.
Abreu only missed 1 inning all season long. Imagine how tired he might be.
Even though not in the lineup, Abreu ran the grandstand stairs to stay in shape. Abreu is a perfect mentor for the other Sox.
Ok forget this year but 2020: 3B-1B
Moncada, Anderson, Madrigal, Abreu/Palka
LF-RF Jimenez, Robert, Clint Frazier (Nova and Rutherford trade)
C – Mcannn/Mercedes. Utility – Garcia
SP – Audition Lopez, Cease, Giolito – Keep fingers crossed with Kopech/Rodon. Get #2/3 Free agent.
BP Marshall 6th, Fry/Dunning 7th, Bummer/Colome 8th. Move Colome to close if you can’t get a free agent closer. Covey – long relief. We are close to being watchable/winnable. Oh forgot – shop a DH, not more retreads. Brantley was that guy.
Ivan Nova and Blake Rutherford is not getting you Clint Frazier. Frazier would be in a Stroman/Bumgarner/Boyd trade.
Just getting creative. That’s Hahn’s job but Frazier can rake and would add swagger to a dangerous lineup. Problem is the Sox have no immediate SP help that the Yankees need. I know I’ll take some heat for this but I’m not sold on Giolito and the reinvention of his delivery. Biggest issue with him isn’t his arm but his head.
Yanks need Nova now.
I think the league has figured out Giolito.
He needs to re-reinvent delivery or at least mix up pitch sequences from game to game and within the game.
Need veterans – 7/31 blockbuster Wheeler, Thor, and Diaz for Cease, Dunning, Nova, and Colome
I want to the White Sox make a big push for Cole in the offseason.
Last point – sorry Ricky but that 7 game skid was on you. I’ve never seen a team mentally not prepared. This team will have 4 legitimate 20 plus base stealers, Ricky plays too much long ball and not enough hit and run. This team will be exciting to watch. A key will be getting Frazier from the Yankees – will come over with a chip on his shoulder.
Yep, Frazier would be a good pickup.
I dunno about another year of Covey. Has good stuff but trouble getting batters out.
Long relief for Covey. He’s already stretched out as a starter.
Absolutely not! Unless wasting a roster spot for mop up pitcher only.
He couldn’t make it out of first inning today.
Doesn’t give Sox a chance to win.
Must be frustrating for teammates.
I was at yesterday s game. Never want to see Covey start again. Told the house Twins fans that he wouldn’t last 3. I was optimistic
Saddest part of watching the White Sox this year is it hasn’t been a true developing rebuild. Tillson and Cordell were two showcased prospects who should have had the same opportunity that Engel had in 1 year. Instead, they lost at bats to guys like Castillo, Rondon, Jay, Reed, and now Engel again. Poor management on the field and front office.
Hahn needs to go. It’s that simple.
Downvote!
Gonna be a Sox blockbuster by Wednesday deadline.
Cool response, Potsie.
Thanks, Joanie!
Hahn does not need to go! Hahn is doing what he set to do with rebuilding the farm system and going after international players.
Palka is part of the philosophical problem. How many poor fielding, low contact lefty bats is Hahn going to acquire?
I agree with you on Palka and very frustrating with him off to a pitiful start. I thought Hahn completely blew spending way too much time on Machado when he could have locked up Brantley for 2-3 years as your DH. Just Read Reds Fire Sale. I like Tanner Roarke – Wilmington, Il product as a potential 3/4 starter for next year?
The people calling for Hahns head forget how awful Kenny Williams was.
Agreed. Hahn is too worried about service time, and has failed to give his young players in the system a chance, preferring to use waiver wire players.
There is still time, but guys who getting nothing out of the minors need to be called up so player development can start.
Agreed guys like Castillo, Reed,Jay, have taken away at bats from Mercedes, even Palka for that matter. Really tired of seeing Man of Steel (Engel)get another opportunity after 3 years. Tired of seeing Rondon and Yolmer kissing and dancing in the dugout. Tired of Ricky saying we don’t lay down in today’s quote. Ricky you got swept by KC and lost 2/3 to the Marlins at home.
Palka can’t hit a single MLB pitch. Might as well just have the pitcher swing then fatty.
If you do a rebuild why don’t you rebuild the coaching staffing to come up at the same time as the kids…like Omar Vizquel as the new manager.
Vizquel made a complete fool of himself intrviewing fot ML jobs last winter. He’s worse than Renteria for giving up outs and a total lack of knowledge about the modern game.
You must have some extensive insider knowledge on Vizquel’s interviews.
It’s not insider. He gave interviews after meeting with the Angels. Was completely lost. Stuck in the 90’s.
McEwing should be given a chance.
Excellent idea.
Hahn, scouting director and his staff, manager and coaching staff has to go.
Waited too long. Record again worst in AL.
Hire Tony L back. Let him sort things out.
@keysox
LaRussa will be 75 in Oct. Don’t think that’s going to happen.
Plus, as bad as the Sox have been since the ASB, they’re nowhere near the worst team in the A.L. They’re not even one of the 5 worst.
For a moment, I thought it read they designated Carlos Rodon, and i was like ‘Whaa!!???
Sox brass loves Engel. They will give him every opportunity. He has a lot of pluses. Light hitter that needs to be surrounded by power hitters to make up for his lack. Maybe like Scott Posednic.
Sox need to have the stones to see the rebuild through despite the urgency of the fanbase to be competitive sooner rather than later. Ship out McCann, Colome, and Abreu so when the window opens, the Sox have the “waves of talent” coming through the system to continue success. 2020 is not going to be a playoff year so stock up.
They need a sense of urgency, because they are already on the clock. Moncada and Giolito are soon going to enter arbitration, and Anderson’s at the mid-point of his contract.
Holding back Robert and Madrigal unnecessarily just takes away another year, because the will likely need at least a season to get acclimated to ML, like Moncada, Giolito and Jimenez have. Not giving chances to potential bench players like Mendick and Mercedes this year makes zero sense. I still have no idea why Jordan Stephens wasn’t given a shot last year, or even this year. Now, he looks like a keeper as a reliever in Houston’s organization. Kept down in favor of who, Covey?
None of that is rushing anything. It’s simply giving guys a chance instead of worrying about what is going to happen in five years. Trading those guys will just give Hahn more players he won’t call up.
I completely agree – Hahn has great job security telling the fans be patient and we’ll be good in a few years. I’d love to tell my boss I’ll make my quota in a few years. Next years lineup will be fun to watch, MCCann and Colome add stability. Next year it is otherwise risking the fan base. Oh correction to earlier post: Cordero promoted to next years long relief. Covey designated to pitch home run Derbyshire at All Star game.
Agree with comments accept, Mendick a .270 hitter in AAA. Hard to get excited about that. Mercedes on the other hand has produced over and over in AAA.
Don’t think he’ll be much if anything – Saladin tops – but it makes more sense to give him the at bats than adding yet another retread like goins to roster. Don’t care if Goins is hitting. He has one more year of control and no trade value. Give chances to young guys under control.
I wonder what move is getting made. Covey (unsurprisingly) just got optioned. Combine that with Rondon getting DFA’d, someone’s coming up by Tuesday. Plus, I would think at some point soon they will send an OF down once Eloy is healthy enough to take the field. The roster will look a little messy until the deadline, not knowing who (if anyone) gets moved. Maybe Mendick finally makes it up, maybe Kubat makes it up also, or Santiago.
I’m not crazy about Reed, definitely not now, but since the Sox have flushed their season down the toilet with an exclamation point since the ASB, what’s it hurt to keep putting him in the lineup. Maybe, by some miracle, something will finally click with him in August. One can dream.
Yes TA coming up.
@ChiSox_Fan
That was a serious brain fart on my part. No idea what I was thinking. That was embarrassing LOL.
I am still a bit curious to see which P gets brought up, but if it ends up being Fulmer yet again, for crying out loud keep him up the rest of the season, no matter how bad he is. I don’t know what, if anything, will get Fulmer to figure it out, but I know bouncing him between AAA and Chicago will not do it. That’s a sure recipe for failure, especially for a pitcher. If it were to be him and he’s that bad the rest of the season, just cut him, or at the very least get him off the 40-man roster. Just let the guy try to figure it out. It’s not like the Sox have anything left to play for this season.
Latest rumor Colome to Phillies for 2 top 100 prospects. If Hahn does this I’m done. He has Colome locked through next year – adds bullpen depth and knock on wood is durable. Can’t prolong the rebuild. I remember top prospects like Kodi Modeiros 5.46 era, AJ Puckett, out of baseball, Ian Clarkin – out of baseball. Toto Polo and Luis Basabe not able to hit out of a paper bag. Hahn only HR has been Eloy and Yoan. Our prospects are not very good.
@Djc57
I suppose it depends on who they are. If both are very close…again, it depends on who they are. But I do agree, they can’t keep prolonging the rebuild. Otherwise, the naysayers and trolls will be right, it will turn into a 5 to 7 year rebuild. I believe they’re ready to compete next year, not sure about getting a playoff spot though.
But anymore, it’s hard to believe any rumor until it actually happens. The writers have really ruined the rumor mill the past few years, especially earlier this Winter. It will be good once Wednesday passes, because we’ll get a reprieve from the rumors for a while.
The Phil’s only two top 100 guys are a AA pitcher who has been down this year, and Alec Bohm, who was taken ahead of Madrigal. If that was the return, I’m all over it. They need the pitching Depth, and Bohm has potential as a great power hitter, even if he is another corner guy. I wouldn’t think twice about making that deal for Colome.
@maximumvelocity
I can’t see Bohm being a part of that deal. I agree with you, I would also be all over that deal. In fact, I would trade Colome straight up for Bohm. I can’t see that deal happening. Hahn’s a magician if he pulls that deal off.
I wish these writers would quit throwing these stupid rumors out there that don’t make sense. Anything to get a rise (and false hope) out of fans.
White Sox very quiet.
Something big gonna happen!
@ChiSox_Fan
Why do I sense sarcasm in that statement? LOL
Even though it sounds like Hahn’s leaning toward keeping him, Colome is the only one I can see him trading that would bring back anything meaningful in return.
I suppose McCann, though his numbers have nosedived since the ASB, not exactly great timing to go into a bad slump. I’m fine with keeping McCann and see how the rest of his season plays out. Plus I think he’s in the same boat Avi was early last year for the Sox, other GM’s wondering if he’s just a one-year wonder.
Even if they trade Abreu (which I seriously doubt), he won’t bring back anyone meaningful. Ditto for Leury, Yolmer, and Nova. The only way Castillo gets off the roster is getting DFA’d. Hahn probably won’t trade Bummer, with the rest of the bullpen in shambles (other than Colome). None of the existing young core will get touched.
Who else is there? No one. It’s pretty much just Colome. Unless they are making an attempt to get a finishing piece, then that’s a different story altogether. But I can’t see that happening either, not now anyway.
I agree on Fulmers behalf bring him up and sink or swim as the season is a loss. I want to see what Mercedes can do behind the plate and DH. Reed is Dunn and the guy with the clubhouse kid reincarnated. Way too many holes on low sliders amongst just about anything else. Hahn needs to get creative with Nova – Milwaukee is in pitching disaster mode as are the Yankees.
@Djc
Yeah, not crazy about Reed. Give him a couple more weeks to do something, otherwise move on.
Mercedes is a good idea. The other two C’s still aren’t ready and they really need a reason to boot Castillo. Mercedes numbers look good. No idea of his defensive skills, but even if he’s a sieve behind the plate, he could still be useful as a DH.
If the Sox won’t work out any trades, I wish they would just extend some players like McCann and Abreu.
Take advantage of their recent performance. They will rebound by next season.
Uncertainty potentially messing with players’ heads.
@ChiSox_Fan
I agree, I wish they would extend both. Even if McCann regresses all the way back to his norm, he’s still has value. At worst, he would still be a capable backup, and you need one of those on your team, with the C being a brutal position. Plus, he can be at the very least Giolito’s personal C, and who knows, he may click just as well with Cease and/or Kopech.
Abreu, even with his regression, he’s still a solid player who has enormous value in the clubhouse and the transition from rebuild to contender. I’m not saying to give him a 5 year, $150MM contract, but extend him by maybe 2 or 3 years. He should still be productive enough to be more of a strength than a liability by then.
…… Per the Athletic (with a paid subscription)
Lastly for those calling for Hahn’s head. It has been an ugly 3 year rebuild watching guys like Derick Holland (ironically Cubs left savior) and Mike bats in the Pelfrey. We have suffered but this was to be the year to see some fruits (Moncada) honestly has been it. I love Eloy but he is going to hurt himself unless you send him to Winter Ball. Lopez and Gioloto have not panned out to expectations. I like Lopez’ approach rhythm after break but still remains a question mark alongside Giolito and Cease.