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| Kenny Williams of the Chicago White Sox. |
Rick Hahn & Kenny Williams were extended this offseason, inheriting a roster with overpaid Free Agents, virtually no farm system & failed draft selections. The White Sox are one of the loan Front Offices that continues to besmirch advanced statistics. Basically, Money Ball represented a new way of thinking, an analytic process that has further evolved, and engulfed 28 other Front Offices. Building an MLB Roster now requires statistical reverence, albeit it's applied to varying degrees across baseball. But not for the Chicago White Sox, who are traditionalists in the truest sense.
Look at the Results. The Sox enter the break 37-55, with a multitude of questionable decisions in the past 3-5 years. But more than one particular decision, it comes down to a philosophy. The White Sox firmly believe they can Acquire via Trades a talented roster, and have allowed their Farm System to fall into disrepair. As they near the Trade Deadline, the entire roster has been made available, aside from Pitcher Chris Sale. The issue is to consummate trades, the White Sox would have to contribute financially to the acquiring team to pay the residual contract commitments.
RHP Jesse Crain -32-
Earning 4.5 M in 2013, Crain will be eligible for Free Agency in the offseason. Prior to landing not he DL with soreness in his shoulder, Crain was pitching exceptionally in the setup role. When he returns from the DL, he'll be a target of teams looking to add veteran arms.
Logical Fit: Arizona Diamondbacks
RHP Matt Lindstrom -33-
Earning 2.8 M in 2013 w/ a Team Option for 2014 at 4.0 M (500 K Buyout). Type of bullpen arm that comes relatively cheap to bring veteran stability. Won't return a glut of prospects, but moving prior to deadline saves team roughly 1.0 M in salary, and 500 K on next years buyout.
Logical Fit: St. Louis Cardinals
RHP Jake Peavy -32-
Owed 14.5 M for 2014, Peavy's durability is a major question mark. The Sox could be willing to contribute to next years salary. Why Peavy is intriguing is because a team willing to take risk could add a Top End arm. Type of pitcher that could get hot and lead a rotation to the World Series. A really intriguing player that comes with risk.
Logical Fit: Baltimore Orioles
LHP John Danks -28-
Owed 42.75 Million from 2014-2016, the type of player that would intrigue me but not at that price tag. After making only 9 starts in 2012, he's battled injuries again this season. Entering his prime age wise, wouldn't be surprised to see a team consider adding him if the White Sox assume a portion of the contract.
Logical Fit: Texas Rangers
OF Alex Rios -32-
Guaranteed 13.5 M through 2014 w/ a 2015 Option.
An acquisition that never made sense, team put in a waiver claim on Rios & anticipated a negotiation would open with the Blue Jays. Per their right, the Jays simply awarded Rios & the contract to the White Sox. Maybe it wasn't a mistake, but Rios never lived up to expectations of his talent. White Sox are desperate to move Rios, wanting to turn the page on this acquisition altogether. The issue is whose willing to pay Rios 13.5 Million for 2014. As with other potential trades, it requires the Big Market Sox eating portions of the deal.
Logical Fit: Pittsburgh Pirates
SS Alexei Ramirez -31-
Guaranteed 27.5 M through 2015 w/ a 2016 Option.
Lack of capable hitters at the position could create a market for Ramirez, but his lack of OBP will be a concern for the acquiring team. Ramirez is a slick fielder that is better than peers at the plate, but has holes in his game.
2B Gordon Beckham -26-
Earning 2.975 M in 2013. Arbitration Eligible for 2014 & 2015
The 8th overall selection in the 2008 Draft, Beckham has failed to live up to expectations. Since returning from the DL, he's started hitting & the overall lack of hitters at the 2B position could intrigue a team looking to upgrade. Simply a guy that could benefit from a change of scenery.
Logical Fit: Atlanta Braves & Oakland Athletics
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