“Stay put” is the message White Sox team captain Paul Konerko and manager Ozzie Guillen are sending to the media, but GM Kenny Williams likely has other plans.
As we race towards July 31st trade deadline, here’s the latest rumblings on Adam Dunn, Gordon Beckham and all that is south side from White Sox Central.
By Soxman
White Sox fans should not read too much into the public stances of Ozzie Guillen and Paul Konerko.
After all, as leaders, what message would you send to your team if you said, “we need more help to win?”
It could destroy team morale and negatively impact player performance. In addition to ruining the chemistry that appears to be contributing to the White Sox winning 16 of their last 17 at home. Everyone knows the areas the White Sox could improve in order to win the AL Central and perhaps even add another world series title: starting pitching and hitting.
Aside from the daily updates on the pursuit of Adam Dunn, what else do we know?
Gordon Beckham is off the trade market.
GM Kenny Williams assured Gordon Beckham in a closed-door meeting yesterday that he would remain a member of the White Sox. Despite all the rumors, this should really come as no surprise to true Sox fans as he’s been promoted as the face of the franchise since opening day. The impact?
Beckham is going to be the Sox second baseman for the rest of the year. This likely means the Sox pursuit of the Diamondbacks’ Kelly Johnson is over. Beckham responded yesterday by going 2 for 4, with an RBI and a run scored.
Phillies, Nationals, Diamondback Scouts Attended the Sox\Mariners game on July 27th.
This has all sorts of implications validating many of the rumors floating around regarding Adam Dunn and Adam LaRoche. Of particular interest however is Philadelphia, who have not been linked to the White Sox at all this season and have a similar need for a starting pitcher.
While it’s possible they could have been scouting Mariners players, could the Sox have interest in under performing lefty slugger Raul Ibanez (.260, 8 HR, 48 RBI, 3 SB, .754 OPS)?
It’s also possible they could be involved in a three-team trade with the Diamondbacks for Edwin Jackson, where they get a Sox player in return.
As the Phillies closer situation is far from stable, could they have interest in Bobby Jenks?
The presence of scouts from the Nationals and Diamondbacks strengthen the likelihood of the White Sox interest in Adam Dunn and Adam LaRoche, but exactly who were they scouting?
Williams has said he will not part with Carlos Quentin to add a left-handed bat.
Would the Sox have interest in a Daniel Hudson for Edwin Jackson swap?
Would Jackson’s 5.01 ERA and otherwise horrible season be worth the upside risk?
Of particular interest is the fact that rookie Dayan Viciedo played 3B yesterday, where he went 2 for 4 smacking two doubles. Could he be the player the White Sox are dangling?
Could the Phillies be trying to work a three-team deal between the White Sox and the Astros where they send Viciedo to a re-building ‘Stros team, and get Roy Oswalt and the Sox get Lance Berkman? All are interesting points to ponder.
Also remember, it is very possible for Williams to land a capable 5th starter back in a deal for either LaRoche or Dunn, especially if the Sox give up Daniel Hudson and either Jordan Danks, Tyler Flowers, or Sportsbank favorite Brent Morel in the deal, as has been rumored this week.
Both Rodrigo Lopez (4.68 ERA) and Livan Hernandez (3.12 ERA), will be free agents at season’s end and could be satisfactory “under the radar” pick-ups capable of bullpen duty in a short play-off series.
Did you Hear Hawk and Steve Stone praise Russell Branyan?
What better way to scout a player than to have your team play a four-game series against him? During yesterday’s game in Branyan’s first at bat, Steve Stone said:
“If Branyan is healthy, he’s a left-handed slugger you would want to have on your team.” They went on to praise how he has developed better plate discipline and become a more polished hitter. Branyan has battled back problems this season and has already been traded once. With Mariners slugger Mike Carp waiting for his shot at AAA, Branyan should be available for a song. He’s hitting: .260, 13 HR, 34 RBI, .822 OPS, in 219 ABs.
Was it simple color commentary or might the two know something Sox fans don’t?