Sox shouldn't give up the farm for Fielder or Dunn
There have been times over the years where I have been eagerly anticipating the Major League Baseball July 31st trading deadline. This year does not happen to be one of those, but I still am paying attention anyway.
One of the reasons the anticipation is not there so much is due to the position of the White Sox in the standings. Before Thursday night's game, the team is a game ahead of the Twins and they are also playing good baseball.
So far, all of the trade rumors and talks that have been bandied about have not resonated with me.
Adam Dunn? — Not unless Washington would take Randy Williams and or Scott Linebrink for him.
Prince Fielder? — Again, not at the cost of mortgaging the future.
Dunn is a capable hitter but he's only an average base runner and a horrible defender. He does walk a lot and hit home runs, but he really is so one dimensional and he could very well end up being a rent-a-player since he's a free agent after the year.
Fielder is a bit different but I'm still not sold on him for some reason. I also view him as a sub-par defender at first and by trading him, it would likely mean Paul Konerko will not be asked back next year. Fielder is not only hefty, but he is going to command a hefty salary when his current contract expires and I just don't know that he's worth Ryan Howard-like numbers.
I'm not sure what's out there, but if Sox GM Kenny Williams is looking to add something, I hope it's another starting pitcher. I know they are high on Daniel Hudson, but I'm not sure he is the answer this year. On top of everything, Sweaty Freddie Garcia still worries me at times. If he can keep up what he's been doing for the team as a fifth starter, then bless him, but do you think he can repeat this next year? Maybe that's where Hudson gets slotted.
Williams has been known to go out and hook some big fish over the years, but someone like Zach Grienke would be an outstanding addition. Even if you gave up top flight prospects, it would be worth it. Maybe even Dayan Viciedo, Hudson and others ... dare I say Gordon Beckham?
We know that it won't be Roy Oswalt because he got traded from the Astros to the Phillies already. He is due a large chunk of change next year — 16-plus million, but apparently the Astros are including cash in the deal to offset the cost. In return they got Spring Valley native J.A. Happ, though he's only pitched three times this year and been disabled the rest of the time, and two minor league outfielders.
As far as the Cubs go, this is a sad lot. Overpriced players with no-trade clauses virtually has this team all knotted up as they, in all likelihood, try to be sellers. But who is going to take the contracts of Alfonzo Soriano, Carlos Zambrano and Kosuke Fukudome? Cubs GM Jim Hendry tried to trade Derrek Lee to the Angels and I even heard maybe Texas but turned them down because he has 5 and 10 rights. Nice try, though. Hendry gets style points because Lee is 35, making 13 million and he's a free agent next year.
I keep hearing Ryan Theriot's name being thrown out there as Colorado and Texas have shown interest but I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Aramis Ramirez. I know he's making almost 17 million dollars but he has started to come around. You'd think he'd be worth something to someone.
Ted Lilly may stand as the one who has the best chance to move. He's another who will be a free agent at the end of the year and he's making 13 million. He's been hit and miss this season, however, and has just three wins in 18 starts this year.
Maybe to the Sox for Scott Linebrink?
Mark Tehan?
Randy Williams?
And a player to be named later?
Hehe.
Comments
More T.G. Smith - Gapshots and Whiffs News
- Cubs will have their chance to make a move
- White Sox are looking like the 80-loss team I thought they'd be
- I'm taking half-brother of Mine That Bird to win Kentucky Derby 138
