White Sox trading for Dunn?
The trade deadline ends at 4pm on Saturday so what are the White Sox looking to do?
According to ESPNChicago.com, six teams are in the running for Adam Dunn: The White Sox, Tigers, Angels, Rangers and two unidentified National League clubs — with one of those likely being the Giants. In order for the White Sox to get him, the Nationals require top pitching prospect Daniel Hudson, plus one of outfielder Jordan Danks, catcher Tyler Flowers and infielder Brent Morel.
So what do I think? Well this is a tough one for me. I have yet to question Kenny Williams and his aggressive trade deadline strategy. It has worked in the past. However, this year I am not sure this is the right move. Adam Dunn will no doubt give some left-handed power in their lineup, is it needed? Didn’t the White Sox decide to go with “small-ball” and get rid of those slow base-logging players (ala Jim Thome and Jermaine Dye). And although Dunn would add power and hit some home runs–his walks vs strikeouts are no where as good as they had in Jim Thome.
Plus what would you give up? Hudson as of right now is the White Sox 5th starter. If you trade him, who starts? Carlos Torres? Lucas Harrell? Jeff Marquez? Does that make us better?
And giving up Jordan Danks, Tyler Flowers or Brent Morel along with him isn’t smart either. Danks will have the opportunity to start next season with Andruw Jones retiring or being released. A.J. Pierzynski (33) and Ramon Castro (34) are not getting any younger. Tyler Flowers and/or Donny Lucy could start next season so I don’t think we should trade away the young talent yet. I am not sure about Morel because Beckham is not going anywhere, Alexei Ramirez has been amazing and Dayan Viciedo could be here to stay. Omar Vizquel may retire at the end of the year, but with Brent Lillibridge doing well and Mark Teahen locked in a contract I don’t see Morel getting a shot yet, but who knows.
Then there is the chemistry. This team has went 32-11 since June 8th. That is one of the best in baseball from that point. Haven’t these players earned their shot? If anything I would like to see the White Sox add a starting pitcher that would be able to bolster their rotation. Someone like Jeremy Guthrie (4-11; 4.23 ERA) from Baltimore could be a good fit. Baltimore is a clear seller and Guthrie’s stats are deceiving. He always goes against the “ACE” of the other teams. He is in the AL East playing New York, Boston, Tampa Bay and Toronto quite a bit. He could be really cheap and could be a great 4th or 5th starter with a lot less pressure on him. Just a thought. I would love to hear other opinions.
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Besides getting some hitting help, Dunn comes with a possible two draft picks in the 2011 Draft, but I am not sure if that is worth losing A guy about to hit the MLB level, plus another player that might bring up his game before the 2011 Spring Training season.
If the White Sox think Dunn is the missing piece of their puzzle,and are willing to bet their job on it…..Then it will be a Southside Russian Roulette for the Sox Front Office.
That is the worst part of the Trade Deadline deals, they have to pan out with authority, or they are considered a bust because the player can walk in about two months.
White Sox have to be sure before the mortgage a bit of their future for another weapon for a Playoff chance in the present.
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