MLB Trades: 5 Pieces of Trade Bait If Kenny Williams Taps out of the 2011 Season
The Chicago White Sox are 10 games out of the AL Central as we begin the second quarter of the season. Chicago is loaded with high-priced veteran talent that hasn't gotten the job done so far this season.
So how long before GM Kenny Williams starts selling off parts of his attempt to be "all in" this year?
Williams resisted being a seller a year ago when the White Sox were in similar straights. His patience was rewarded as Chicago rode a red-hot July to the top of the division before faltering down the stretch.
With over $110 million in payroll, will Williams exhibit that same restraint when teams inquire about his players? Or will he pare down expenses and trade experience for a run next season?
Here are five candidates that may be on the block if the White Sox can't make a dent in their current deficit in the next month or so.
Mark Buehrle
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Some contending club may find themselves an arm short in July, opening the possibility that the White Sox icon may be dealt.
Buehrle is currently 3-3 with a 4.07 ERA, but he's an innings-eater and a left-handed arm that has pitched in big games throughout his career. Chicago may have to eat a portion of Buehrle's $14 million 2011 salary, but his is 23-6 with a 3.36 ERA lifetime against the National League.
Could his home state Cardinals come a calling?
Edwin Jackson
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Jackson is a free agent after 2011 and again, the White Sox may have to absorb what's left of his $8.35 million deal.
His name has surfaced as one in a possible deal with the Yankees, who are looking for help in the pitching department.
John Danks
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With each passing day, it appears that the signing of Danks to a long-term extension may not be in the cards for WIlliams.
If he doesn't believe he can get a contract done for the services of the young lefty, look for Williams to dangle Danks into the trade market.
Danks has yet to win a game this season, but that may be more of a reflection of the team around him that the way he has pitched. Danks is a talented left-handed arm and has quite a bit of trade value.
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Juan Pierre
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His best days may be behind him, but Pierre may hold value to a National League team looking for some speed as the pennant chase heats up.
Pierre is slumping badly in all phases of the game right now. He has been a consistent base stealer in his career and is a lifetime .296 hitter, but he's strictly Punch and Judy.
If the White Sox want to give some prospects a look in left field (Dayan Viciedo, perhaps?), they may be happy to dump the rest of Pierre's $8.5 million salary to a team that needs a veteran on it's bench.
Carlos Quentin
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The oft-injured Quentin has been healthy so far this season, playing in 41 games for Chicago. He is on pace for a 30-homer season.
Quentin is a free agent at season's end and the White Sox need to make a decision on the talented but streaky outfielder.
Might a contender gamble on one of Quentin's hot streaks with the bat? With a slugger like Viciedo in the wings, would the White Sox elect to get younger and cheaper in right field?
Other Names To Watch
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With Jake Peavy back with the club and manager Ozzie Guillen currently using a six-man rotation, all of Chicago's starters could be on the market, including Gavin Floyd and Phil Humber.
If Omar Vizquel can continue playing like a veteran 10 years younger that his 44 years, he would be an inexpensive piece to someone's bench.
It all hinges on how the White Sox play in the next 40 games. Will Chicago climb into contention or start waving the white flag?
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