The 2010 MLB trade deadline has passed and while the Chicago White Sox may have landed another diamond(back) in the rough in Edwin Jackson, the August waiver trade process will define whether or not the White Sox get their much coveted left-handed power bat. Even if the Sox don’t make a trade they could get a boost from an often over-looked source: September roster expansion.
For those who don’t follow the Sox farm system closely, this article has you covered, introducing you to names you might hear as Hawk Harrelson’s “pick to click” soon.
By: Soxman
The sands of time are quickly pushing toward Sept. 1, perhaps the next biggest date in Major League Baseball, because all teams can expand their rosters up to 40 players.
There is no rule that stipulates a minimum number of players to be called up, or that a team has to make all call-ups on Sept. 1. This especially holds true for teams whose minor league affiliates are in the play-offs. It is not uncommon for team rosters to grow as the month wears on. The only stipulation is that any player called up must be on the 40-man roster.
Roster expansion can add pitching depth, pinch hitting help, and in the case of the White Sox, late inning pinch runners for plodders like Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski. It also is a fun way to see possible future stars of your favorite team.
Based on the White Sox current 40-man roster, here are some call-up possibilities and the strength(s) they might bring to the White Sox playoff push:
Catchers:
Tyler Flowers
Ranked by Baseball America as the 60th best prospect in baseball, Flowers’ questionable defense might not get him many starts behind the plate. Known for his potential with the bat and plate patience, Flowers has disappointed this year at AAA, hitting .225, 16 HRs, 50 RBI, .783 OPS in 298 ABs. However, Flowers could be the Sox 2011 opening day catcher.
While Ramon Castro was on the disabled list earlier this season, Lucy made the most of his opportunity, providing adequate defense, and an exceptional bat 1.178 OPS, in 15 ABs. However, he’s also struggled offensively at AAA, hitting .221, 2 HR, in 48 games.
Outfielders:
Alejandro De Aza
The former Florida Marlins prospect could contribute as a defensive replacement, pinch runner, and even as a pinch hitter as his .296 2 HR, 33 RBI, 16 SB line might suggest. He has a perfect 1.000% in 23 games at CF and RF and a .984 fielding percentage in 33 appearances in left field.
Think pinch hitting help. Gartrell is hitting .268, 24 HR, 67 RBI, .809 OPS at AAA.
Pitching
Lucas Harrell
The 2004 fourth round pick made the most of his spot start on July 30th, picking up the win, while giving up one run in 6 IP. He’s 9-9 at AAA with a 4.46 ERA.
Lefty specialists are always valuable, so long as they can actually get left-handed hitters out. Williams failed miserably at that task during his time with the White Sox in 2010, posting a 5.40 ERA with a 2.32 WHIP in 25 IP. Since his demotion to AAA, he’s played much better, posting a 3.00 ERA, 1.09 WHIP in 21 IP.
Freddy Dolsi
In two seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Dolsi had a respectable 3.55 ERA, with a lower strikeout rate than most (4.9 K\9). He’s post a 4.66 ERA in 63.2 IP for AAA Charlotte.
Jhonny Nunez
His 5.93 ERA in 30 IP does nothing to warrant a call-up, let alone being deemed a “quality prospect” the White Sox got in return for Nick Swisher.
See Nunez above as the other arm received for Nick Swisher. At least the 2010 ERA (4.04) shows that this 25 year old has some upward promise. Right now, he’s not a player you would want to see get the ball in a division race however.
Chris Sale or Eric Threets
Sale is up in the majors now but is essentially holding the spot for Eric Threets, who was not scored upon in 9.1 IP in 2010, and was equally impressive at AAA (0.53 ERA in 17 IP). Sale has a chance to stick, but was wild in his major league debut.
It’s possible you could see the White Sox add or subtract to the 40-man roster as September approaches, but those waiting to see the likes of Jordan Danks (.246, 8 HR, 14 SB at AAA), might have to wait until 2011.
Sox Fans, who would you like to see re-called in September?
