White Sox take gambles on Peavy, Rios

Prior to the July 31st trade deadline, GM Kenny Williams and the White Sox pulled off a big trade acquiring a front-line starter.

Was it Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay? No. Was it the Seattle Mariners’ Felix Hernandez or Jarrod Washburn? No, and no. Was it the San Diego Padres’ Jake Peavy, who is under contract through the 2011 season, and is currently on the disabled list? Oddly enough, yes.

The White Sox traded four young pitchers for the 28-year old Peavy, who has $52 million left on his deal that lasts through the 2012 season. He is set to return in September, but considering they have no idea how he will perform, this was a move for the future.

In the years to come, this could pay huge dividends on the field. But financially, it puts them in a bind whether he succeeds or not.

In early June, Peavy, severely strained a tendon in his right ankle running the basepaths in a win against the Chicago Cubs. Interestingly enough, this happened a day after he turned down the White Sox' first attempt to acquire him.

With a month to go in the season, Peavy is progressing nicely. Yet, no one knows the extent of his ankle or shoulder injuries which can be long term issues.

So questions remain.

This week, GM Kenny Williams didn't stop his wheeling-and-dealing. He acquired 28 year old outfielder Alex Rios off waivers from the Blue Jays.

Rios, a power hitter with good speed, has struggled this season, batting 21 points below his career average of .284, while reaching base a paltry 31 percent of the time. Like Peavy, he’s owed an obscene amount of money, but in his case, he’s paid $64 million through the 2014 season.

Though he has struggled of late, he should bolster an already potent White Sox lineup. But with his acquisition, the White Sox outfield becomes crowded and an issue for Ozzie Guillen.

Left-fielder Carlos Quentin has been injured for a better part of the season, but over the past ten games has hit .375. Scott Podsednik, their speedy center-fielder, has hit .295 this season scoring 51 runs. Jermaine Dye, their right-fielder, has 27 home-runs this season, and given his power production, has been a valuable asset in the middle of their lineup.

So, who takes the seat on the bench for Rios?

It depends. Rios has 30-home-run type power, so he could supplant either Quentin or Dye, neither of whom hit for average. Or, he could send Podsednik to the bench, giving the White Sox a outfield full of power hitters. But, considering their numbers and history, none of the three deserve to ride the pine.

Therefore, Rios’ arrival could ruin the White Sox already strong chemistry.

The White Sox are trailing the Tigers by three games in the AL Central, and have been inconsistent since Buerhle's no-hitter. Yet, none of their outfielders could be blamed for this slump, so it will be interesting to see if Rios will start.

The two major acquisitions of Rios and Peavy can bring the White Sox back to the promise land for years to come. But, if Rios and Peavy fail to live up to their billing, the White Sox franchise could be hampered with untradeable contract for years to come.