Just when White Sox fans were waving their White Flags on the 2010 season, outstanding performance in inter league play has the White Sox within striking distance of the AL Central lead. Riding a hot streak of outstanding pitching and just enough hitting to win, White Sox GM Kenny Williams recently told reporters that if he adds any pieces to the team, he’ll be looking for a left-handed bat. What is realistically available?
By Soxman
Not more than two weeks after writing an article on what to expect if the White Sox became sellers, their recent win streak has them back within striking distance in the AL Central. Kenny Williams appears to have taken down his “Clearance Sale” sign and is replacing it with a Help Wanted: Left Handed Hitter, advertisement.
Who might be available on the open market? Who might make the most sense? Let’s take a look around the major leagues at left-handed hitters who could fit the bill:
Lance Berkman, Houston Astros, (1B/DH)
Berkman, like ace pitcher Roy Oswalt, became the face of the Astros after the Craig Biggio\JeffBagwell era ended. The Astros are ready to be sellers, and Berkman would provide switch-hitting versatility in the middle of the White Sox line-up. The risk is in determining if Berkman has anything left in the tank as he’s hitting only .237, 6HR, 29 RBI in 198 ABs.
The career .958 OPS would make him a worthwhile gamble if the price were right. While Berkman can veto any trade, the chance to make it to the post season should peak his interest.
Kenny Williams almost completed a trade with them in 2006 for Jon Garland. Sox fans, his nickname is the Puma.
Kelly Johnson, Arizona Diamondbacks (2B)
As written last week, Johnson would added a left-handed power hitter to the White Sox line-up, while allowing Gordon Beckham to find himself in the minors. The Diamondbacks are willing to deal Johnson, who is hitting .265, 13 HR, 34 RBI, 5 SB on the season. The downside? The asking price will likely be high as he’s under team control in 2011 and he’s only hitting .240 over his last 75 ABs.
Stephen Drew, Arizona Diamondbacks (SS)
The Diamondbacks rumor mills in Arizona also have Drew available. His acquisition could cost the Sox Alexei Ramirez or a couple of prospects. This acquisition could allow Gordon Beckham to return to 3B, Ramirez back to 2B, and push Mark Teahen back to a super substitute role; which is where he’s best suited. Drew is hitting .271, 4 HR, 28 RBI, 5 SB on the season.
Luke Scott, Baltimore Orioles, (1B, OF, DH)
Scott is always “the little engine that could” producing a career .845 OPS with good power. The asking price might not be unreasonable, and he’s hitting .276, 10 HR, 24RBI in 196 ABs this season.
Lyle Overbay, Toronto Blue Jays (1B)
The Blue Jays cannot realistically compete in 2008 in the AL East, and have a trading history (Alex Rios) with the White Sox. After a slow start to the season, Overbay is hitting .316 in his last 57 ABs. While the price could be right, the offensive potential here is a little under-whelming. He’s hitting .236, 7HR, 28 RBIs on the season.
Adam Dunn, Washington Nationals, (1B\DH, OF?)
The Nationals want to make Adam Dunn part of their future plan, hoping to re-sign him to a multi-year deal, but how realistic that is may ultimately depend on how many paying fans Stephen Strasburg brings into our nation’s capitol. Dunn is hitting .275, 16HR, 40 RBI on the season and would likely be the biggest prize on the market. The downside? The team becomes slower and the asking price could be huge. Dunn has played outfield, but he would be best served at DH, with the occasional spell of Konerko at 1B.
David DeJesus, Kansas City Royals, (OF)
DeJesus, would be another ideal addition to the White Sox. As his name has come up in trade rumors with the San Francisco Giants, the always payroll conscience Royals could be ready to part with him. Williams has a trade history with the Royals and DeJesus would allow Carlos Quentin and Juan Pierre to split time at DH, as his defense is superior. Offensively, the move would be a no-brainer as DeJesus is having a fine season, hitting: .323, 5HR, 31RBI, 3SB. I’d ink him in at the number two spot in the batting order.
Kosuke Fukudome, Chicago Cubs, (OF)
Stranger things have happened right? Remember, the Sox actually outbid the Cubs for Fukudome when he came to the states to play. And while “Mr. April,” is not likely to ever become “Mr. October,” there is the concept of Williams always getting his man. This move could come down to how much salary the Cubs would eat. His offensive line, which is likely to fall is currently: .281, 6HR, 24 RBI, 4SB.
Jack Cust, Oakland Athletics, (DH)
Good at hitting homers and drawing walks, Cust could be had for a song. The short porches at the U.S. Cellular launching pad might like him. There is a good trade history between Billy Beane and Kenny Williams.
Milton Bradley, Seattle Mariners, (OF\DH)
Just making sure you are still reading. Hopefully you thought: Are you serious Soxman? Hey, at least you know he’s available.
What do you think Sox fans? Are there any other left-handed hitting possibilities out there the Sox could have a shot at acquiring?