MLB Trade Deadline: 6 Chicago White Sox Who Could Switch Teams to Cut Payroll

The Chicago White Sox may still have designs of an AL Central pennant in 2011, but they may want to continue that quest with a shade less on the payroll.

Ken Rosenthal of FoxSports.com has reported that White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf would like to trim a bit of the payroll while still making a run at the division. 

Is that possible?

Oddly enough, it might be.

With six starting pitchers and a few expiring contracts, GM Kenny Williams could make a deal to shave overhead while still maintaining the integrity of the ball club.

Could Williams be serious when he talks of "turning over the entire roster?" It would be a side of him we've never seen in his tenure.

Williams really wants to give the team he assembled a shot.  If he can lose some salary without dismantling the team, he will do it.

If the Sox can avoid losing multiple games in a row in the next few days, look for Williams to try and keep most of the club together through the end of the season. 

However, don't be surprised if one of these six players is toiling in another uniform next week.

Edwin Jackson

Jackson is making more than $8 million this season, is a free agent after the season and doesn't figure to be re-signed.

With six starters for much of the season, Chicago could deal Jackson and hope John Danks and Jake Peavy stay in the rotation from here on out. 

To me, Jackson being dealt is just a matter of finding a team in need of pitching, which should not be difficult.

Moving?  Unless another starter comes up with an injury, Jackson should start packing.

Matt Thornton

The Yankees are reportedly interested in a left-handed reliever, according to ESPN.com's Doug Padilla.

The White Sox could jettison $11 million over the next two seasons and pick up some prospects in return. 

Chris Sale has pitched well enough to hold down the left-handed relief spot.

The ship may have sailed on any hopes of Thornton being able to close for the White Sox. Williams can get the younger Sale and Jesse Crain to pick up the slack.

Moving? Keep an eye on how Thornton is used this week.

Juan Pierre

This would be a case of striking while the iron is hot, as Pierre is playing as well as he has all season.

Pierre is hitting .342 this month and has been more efficient on the base paths.  Turning his expiring contract into a prospect or two might be a possibility.

The only problem with this plan is that it really leaves the White Sox without a viable option for a leadoff hitter. 

As bad as Pierre has been through the first half, he's setting the table now.

Moving? I'm not sure he found his stroke soon enough.

Mark Buehrle

This isn't an option any White Sox fan likes to think about, but Williams could cut $14 million from the payroll and could find a taker without much trouble.

If Jackson leaves town, expect Buehrle to stay in Chicago. 

However, should teams lose interest in Jackson, No. 56 is by far the most attractive arm for prospective suitors.

Moving? Would Buehrle waive his no-trade clause?

Mark Teahen

Teahen has played the utility role for the White Sox, but there are cheaper options for the White Sox than the $5.5 million owed to him next year. 

Between Omar Vizquel and Brent Lillibridge, Teahen won't be missed on the field.

Could Williams get anything for a left-handed bat with Teahen's brand of "versatility?" 

Never sell Trader Kenny short. 

Teahen is a player who could fit with another club, even if he probably won't fetch much.  There is also the possibility that his spot on the bench is filled by Dayan Viciedo.

Moving? Wishful thinking...

UPDATE, July 27, noon:...or not.  ESPN.com is reporting that Jackson and Teahen are on their way to Toronto in exchange for reliever Jason Frasor and pitching prospect Zack Stewart.  The move looks to cut about $9 million from the payroll.

Carlos Quentin

Moving Quentin, whose $5-million price tag figures only to get higher in arbitration after a solid season in 2011, may be a move Williams considers this week.

Assuming Viciedo—who is currently nursing a sore thumb in Charlotte—can come in and immediately supplant Quentin's power numbers is a sizable leap of faith. 

Losing Quentin leaves a power shortage on a team already lacking in this area.

It will be difficult for Williams to sell fans the notion that trading Quentin and still contending is a realistic possibility. 

Selling him off may be just part of a larger salary dump.

Moving? Only if Williams is ready to spit the bit.