Wee Willy?

by The Cheat on Jan 4, 2006 1:08 AM CST in White Sox News

With one Willie out the door, are the Sox looking to bring another one in to fill their desire for more speed?

Last week MLBTradeRumors reported that the Sox were exploring a Contreras for Willy Taveras trade. I didn't link it here, because, well, I don't like spreading rumors -- My mother taught me not to talk behind people's backs -- Now that the Astros have signed Preston Wilson, however, I think we may have to give some credence to these rumors.

The Astros now have 8 players(Lane, Bagwell, Biggio, Berkman, Burke, Taveras, Lamb, & Wilson) to fill 5 positions (2B, 1B, LF, RF, & CF). I suppose if you consider Bagwell as just a glorified pinch hitter, the Astros could carry all of them, though I think it's unlikely. Crawfish Boxes thinks Lane is the odd man out.

At any rate, I think it's more likely that Lane becomes a fourth outfielder again, while Burke stays in left and Taveras in center. Less likely, Burke is traded. Burke improved streadily through 2005 and even if the Astros ultimately plan on moving Burke, they probably see 2006 as his showcase year, and figure it foolish to trade him before he can be displayed.

With the Sox carrying 6 starting pitchers and the Astros seemingly in a roster crunch, it's very easy to see why these rumors are circulating. If we are talking to the Astros, however, it better be for Brad Lidge, not an overrated speedster. I find it hard to believe that we have no interest in Lidge because we "believe in Bobby Jenks," yet have interest in Taveras despite his Podsednik-like abilities. -- Lord knows, if such a trade goes down, a certain someone will still be complaining about an open roof.

Another Sox trade may not be imminent, however, as the Baltimore Sun reports that the Astros are now one of the top three teams contending for Tejada. With Burnitz shunning the O's to play for the Bucs, and the Astros signing of Wilson, it would appear that both Corky and Taveras are available.

Also, Scott Merkin of Chisox.com echoes our sentiments about the Sox rotation, right down to his surprise on the Garland signing.

I really believe the White Sox will arrive in Tucson in February with six starting pitchers on their roster. Then again, I didn't think there was a chance Jon Garland would sign a new multi-year contract extension

Decide for yourself.

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Taveras...

What's Taveras like in centerfield? He looked pretty solid during the series, but is he anywhere near Rowand on a consistent basis?

Great players make great plays.

my blog

by simplesinger on Jan 4, 2006 9:23 AM CST reply actions

Interesting

To me Taveras looks like Pods, but can actually play CF. But he also has a significantly poorer OBP.

There's no way I make that trade. Even though he's young, I doubt Taveras will learn to take walks. Some players do, but it seems pretty rare to me. Without a decent OBP, I think he's not that useful.

If the Sox need to dump Jose's salary, I'd rather do it for minor league pitching.

It's funny how people on the rumors board and Astros boards don't want the deal either. And people accuse Sox fans of overrating their own players...

by hitlesswonder on Jan 4, 2006 9:49 AM CST reply actions

Taveras and Garland Report

I don't want Taveras, certainly not for Contreras. If you make that trade, you've turned Chris Young and Contreras into Taveras and Vazquez. I don't like either end of that exchange. Taveras isn't anything special; a fast, light-hitting center fielder who doesn't walk enough to have real offensive value. Thanks, I'll pass.

Buster Olney of ESPN, who seems to be a fairly reliable reporter, tossed off a note last week that surprised me. "It's been a frustrating winter for the Orioles. They nearly had a deal completed for Jon Garland, before the White Sox asked for Bedard at the last second." There was no mention of who else was included in the deal. Seems like water under the bridge now, but I was surprised since I hadn't seen that deal reported anywhere else. Did you all already know about this one and do we have any reason to doubt the report?

by Landfill on Jan 4, 2006 2:29 PM CST reply actions