Jerry_Manuel
07-31-2001, 07:34 AM
(I don't know if he messed up since the following is just rumors)
From the Sun Times:
New Year's comes early for these Sox
July 31, 2001
BY CHRIS DELUCA STAFF REPORTER
Any mention of a white flag touches nerves throughout the White Sox' front office, and the James Baldwin trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers last week doesn't exactly qualify as surrendering. The Sox did that in April and May.
What is happening is a quiet shift of attention to 2002.
Right-hander Dan Wright was promoted from Class AA Birmingham to the starting rotation. Right-hander Jon Garland came from the bullpen back to the rotation. They will start the first two games of a three-game series against the last-place Kansas City Royals that begins tonight at Comiskey Park.
Those are just the first steps in a new phase for the Sox.
Efforts to trade shortstop Royce Clayton, third baseman Herbert Perry or center fielder Chris Singleton before the 3 p.m. non-waiver trading deadline had hit their individual snags, though general manager Ken Williams always keeps his cell phone nearby.
Clayton, Perry and Singleton--and possibly closer Keith Foulke--are not part of that mysterious group of players Williams calls the Sox' core.
The final two months of the season will help determine who's in the core and who's not.
Definitely in: right fielder Magglio Ordonez, left fielder Carlos Lee, second baseman Ray Durham, designated hitter Frank Thomas, shortstop Jose Valentin and pitchers Mark Buehrle, Kip Wells, Bob Howry and Garland.
First baseman Paul Konerko seemed to be in that group last winter, when he signed a two-year, $6.1 million contract. But increased interest in Konerko from other teams and the power-hitting threat of Jeff Liefer have the Sox mulling their options.
Konerko continues to be a hot name on the trading market. Though he leads the Sox with 22 home runs, Konerko, 25, isn't expected to provide as much power as Liefer. But Liefer has been streaky and turns 27 on Aug. 17. The Sox, who nearly ran out of patience with Liefer during spring training, will use the next two months to see where his left-handed bat fits into their future.
The same kind of audition faces Aaron Rowand, who looked as if he would be squeezed out of a talented outfield until he was converted into a center fielder last month. Rowand, 23, is another power threat who has shown an ability to draw walks. Singleton, 28, has frustrated the Sox by his low on-base percentage.
While Singleton offers better defense, Rowand hasn't hurt the Sox in center. The Texas Rangers have taken a hard look at Singleton in recent weeks, and he is expected to be dealt before Opening Day 2002.
Nudging Rowand is Joe Borchard, the Sox' first-round draft pick in 2000. Borchard is expected to be ready for the majors next season and has spent this season trying to learn center field. Having signed a $5.3 million bonus, Borchard won't be stuck on the bench.
Moving to the infield, minor-league sensation Joe Crede is expected to replace Perry at third base next season.
Clayton is signed through next season, and the Sox are hoping desperately to deal him before Opening Day. His $4.5 million salary and low batting average have been stumbling blocks to any deals.
The Clayton-Valentin puzzle has been a constant struggle for the Sox. Valentin clearly is most comfortable at shortstop. Clayton has dazzled defensively, but his offensive struggles have hurt the Sox. Williams realizes pitching and defense are no longer the staples in the American League. A potent offense must come before defense in baseball's new era.
Clayton definitely doesn't fit into the Sox' long-term plans. And according to sources, he didn't fit into their 2001 scenario. Sources say Clayton was acquired during the winter from the Rangers with the expectation he would be dealt before spring training.
The Sox evidently misjudged Clayton's value on the market, and they were stuck with a shortstop they didn't need after they had signed Valentin to a three-year, $15 million contract.
The Sox' best bet for 2002 is to return Valentin to shortstop and leave him there.
Then there is the case of Foulke. Closers with his credentials are a rare commodity. The Sox appear headed to a second consecutive arbitration hearing with Foulke, whose 24 saves in 26 chances give him plenty of ammunition.
By signing Howry to a two-year deal, with an option for a third year, the Sox looked as if they were trying to give Foulke, 28, a gentle shove in his contract talks. Foulke's durability and dominance are enough to include him in that core group.
Looking back, the final two months of the 2000 season provided time for the Sox to plan for the postseason. This August and September, they will be looking much further ahead.
From the Sun Times:
New Year's comes early for these Sox
July 31, 2001
BY CHRIS DELUCA STAFF REPORTER
Any mention of a white flag touches nerves throughout the White Sox' front office, and the James Baldwin trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers last week doesn't exactly qualify as surrendering. The Sox did that in April and May.
What is happening is a quiet shift of attention to 2002.
Right-hander Dan Wright was promoted from Class AA Birmingham to the starting rotation. Right-hander Jon Garland came from the bullpen back to the rotation. They will start the first two games of a three-game series against the last-place Kansas City Royals that begins tonight at Comiskey Park.
Those are just the first steps in a new phase for the Sox.
Efforts to trade shortstop Royce Clayton, third baseman Herbert Perry or center fielder Chris Singleton before the 3 p.m. non-waiver trading deadline had hit their individual snags, though general manager Ken Williams always keeps his cell phone nearby.
Clayton, Perry and Singleton--and possibly closer Keith Foulke--are not part of that mysterious group of players Williams calls the Sox' core.
The final two months of the season will help determine who's in the core and who's not.
Definitely in: right fielder Magglio Ordonez, left fielder Carlos Lee, second baseman Ray Durham, designated hitter Frank Thomas, shortstop Jose Valentin and pitchers Mark Buehrle, Kip Wells, Bob Howry and Garland.
First baseman Paul Konerko seemed to be in that group last winter, when he signed a two-year, $6.1 million contract. But increased interest in Konerko from other teams and the power-hitting threat of Jeff Liefer have the Sox mulling their options.
Konerko continues to be a hot name on the trading market. Though he leads the Sox with 22 home runs, Konerko, 25, isn't expected to provide as much power as Liefer. But Liefer has been streaky and turns 27 on Aug. 17. The Sox, who nearly ran out of patience with Liefer during spring training, will use the next two months to see where his left-handed bat fits into their future.
The same kind of audition faces Aaron Rowand, who looked as if he would be squeezed out of a talented outfield until he was converted into a center fielder last month. Rowand, 23, is another power threat who has shown an ability to draw walks. Singleton, 28, has frustrated the Sox by his low on-base percentage.
While Singleton offers better defense, Rowand hasn't hurt the Sox in center. The Texas Rangers have taken a hard look at Singleton in recent weeks, and he is expected to be dealt before Opening Day 2002.
Nudging Rowand is Joe Borchard, the Sox' first-round draft pick in 2000. Borchard is expected to be ready for the majors next season and has spent this season trying to learn center field. Having signed a $5.3 million bonus, Borchard won't be stuck on the bench.
Moving to the infield, minor-league sensation Joe Crede is expected to replace Perry at third base next season.
Clayton is signed through next season, and the Sox are hoping desperately to deal him before Opening Day. His $4.5 million salary and low batting average have been stumbling blocks to any deals.
The Clayton-Valentin puzzle has been a constant struggle for the Sox. Valentin clearly is most comfortable at shortstop. Clayton has dazzled defensively, but his offensive struggles have hurt the Sox. Williams realizes pitching and defense are no longer the staples in the American League. A potent offense must come before defense in baseball's new era.
Clayton definitely doesn't fit into the Sox' long-term plans. And according to sources, he didn't fit into their 2001 scenario. Sources say Clayton was acquired during the winter from the Rangers with the expectation he would be dealt before spring training.
The Sox evidently misjudged Clayton's value on the market, and they were stuck with a shortstop they didn't need after they had signed Valentin to a three-year, $15 million contract.
The Sox' best bet for 2002 is to return Valentin to shortstop and leave him there.
Then there is the case of Foulke. Closers with his credentials are a rare commodity. The Sox appear headed to a second consecutive arbitration hearing with Foulke, whose 24 saves in 26 chances give him plenty of ammunition.
By signing Howry to a two-year deal, with an option for a third year, the Sox looked as if they were trying to give Foulke, 28, a gentle shove in his contract talks. Foulke's durability and dominance are enough to include him in that core group.
Looking back, the final two months of the 2000 season provided time for the Sox to plan for the postseason. This August and September, they will be looking much further ahead.