This has been an odd week for the Chicago White Sox, all things considered. While Thome and Konerko continue to slump their way through the season (with Swisher still bringing up the rear of the terrible threesome), Jermaine Dye has suffered a (for now) minor injury, while Jose Contreras has found his way to the DL.
In addition, the pitching, which used to be the one thing the Sox could rely on, has been bad, especially in regards to the bullpen. Defensively, the Sox haven't been much better.
While I don't like ragging on the guy, I do believe someone swapped Crede's golden glove with a glove made of lead. He's been atrocious this season.
With all that in mind however, the Sox are still (somehow) in first place, and honestly, they don't need much more than a bit of a tweak. So without further ado, I present you the Chicago White Sox's trade-deadline wish list.
1) A.J. Burnett Toronto Blue Jays, P
Yes, I know that Burnett has been less than stellar this year, but he's still much better than Contreras. Assuming that call-up Clayton Richard doesn't work out, the Sox could certainly use the arm of Burnett, who at the very least will rack up some innings for the Sox.
With a change of scenery, and an opportunity to work with Don Cooper, I think trading for Burnett would have shades of the 2004 deal the Sox made with the Yankees where they traded Esteban Loaiza for Jose Contreras.
This time around, the Sox would have to give up a bit more, but I doubt very seriously if they'd have to give up Josh Fields. Plus, with the Blue Jays looking for a SS, the Sox could also finally dump Juan Uribe.
2a) Frank Francisco Texas Rangers, P
While everyone is talking about Huston Street and other former White Sox pitcher Jon Rauch, I've got my eyes on another former Sox pitcher. Frank Francisco's got the kind of power arm that GM Kenny Williams tends to fall in love with, plus he's been able to get ahead of hitters for the most part this year—a weakness of his in the past.
While he wouldn't come dirt cheap, I think he'd be a relative bargain compared to what Rauch and Street would probably command.
2b) Dave Weathers Cincinnati Reds, P
Yes, Dave Weathers is old. Yes, Dave Weathers has pitched in the National League for most of his career. But you know what? It doesn't matter. If Scott Linebrink can make the transition as well as he has, Weathers should also perform admirably.
He's still a crafty veteran, who may not have the best stuff all the time, but he knows how to outsmart hitters (think Dustin Hermanson without the injuries).
He's also a good clubhouse guy to have and could, along with Linebrink, bring some more experience for the young guys—which is always a good thing. Best part, I'm pretty sure the asking price isn't too high.
3) Clint Barmes Colorado Rockies, SS/2B
While it's true that Barmes hasn't hit that well away from Coors Field, the Sox's park is also rather hitter friendly and could actually play to Barmes' strengths.
Furthermore, Barmes can play a bit of third if necessary, and his defense has improved tremendously this year, compared to years past. With Pablo Ozuna gone, the Sox could definitely use another guy on their bench that can play multiple positions, and Barmes would be perfect in that spot.
So there you have it.
The Sox really don't require much as of right now. There are a lot of nice things they could do, but it would be hard for Williams to do any of that now without ruining the team chemistry.
In the meantime, here's hoping that Clayton Richard works out for the Sox, but if not, I really hope to see Burnett in Sox pinstripes soon.
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2 months ago
At first I kind of shuddered at the idea of AJ Burnett, but, as you point out, Coop could get him right. Coop certainly has a track record for correcting pitchers' mechanics. I also agree that Barmes would be a nice utility player this year, with a shot at starting at 2B next year after O-Cab walks and Alexei slides over to SS. Good ideas, dude.
2 months ago
don't lump Swisher and Thome is with Paulie. Swish and big Jim are heating up and have both had a pretty darn productive last 30 games or so. I like the Burnett idea, if Coop gets him right he could go out there and shut people down, maybe be this year's version of the 2005 Jose Contreras. And if Fields needs to go in the deal, than he needs to go. Forget Barmes, the Sox have way too many infielders with the emergance of Alexi, the drafting of Beckham, Chris Getz, and oh yeah, don't look now but Mr. Uribe just put in two nice games in a row at the plate. One last thing, "Say it's so" Joe Crede may have misplaced his glove for a while, but there is still no one I would rather have at third base day in and day out.
2 months ago
Thome has definitely been hot as of late-- how long that lasts remains to be seen, but Swisher is hardly the model of consistency, he's only hitting .232 in the last month and while he's gotten a few clutch hits he hasn't fully turned it around.
Considering Getz is still a young guy in the minors and Beckham hasn't even signed with the White Sox yet, I don't think either of them are possible choices as backup infielders this year. Also, given the amount of money Uribe is making, it's a bit sad that we should be getting excited over two competent performances.
I still don't quite get the Rowand-like lovefest people have with Joe Crede-- I like the guy and all, but let's call a spade a spade and agree he's struggling on both ends this year, only batting .186 in the last month and still coughing up errors. That aside, he's been out lately with a bad back, which should be a red flag and should be yet another reason why the Sox don't even think about trading Josh Fields right now.
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