White Sox trade Gload for Sisco Kid

by The Cheat on Dec 16, 2006 11:45 AM CST in White Sox News

Back in July, I said that I liked Dayton Moore's moves to stock his farm system with arms. But today's trade of Andy Sisco to the White Sox for Ross Gload, is the third trade of a hard throwing reliever for a player of lesser impact. That's not exactly a recipe for success.

Andy Sisco became a Royal through the 2004 Rule 5 draft (first pick) from the Cubs. For some reason the Cubs saw no reason to protect the 6'9" lefty who had struck out about 10 batters per 9 innings on his career as a minor league starter. The Royals gladly took the 21 year old Sisco off the Cubs hands and stashed him in the back of their bullpen. He pitched about as well as could be expected in '05, his first season in the bigs, but regressed last year.

I can't give a good scouting report on Sisco other than to say that he has nasty stuff but little control. When I've seen him in the past, I dreaded him entering a game against the Sox, but prayed that he couldn't find the strikezone.

Like Gavin Floyd, Sisco has options remaining. He won't be guaranteed a spot in the Sox pen. In fact, I'd be ecstatic if he lost out on LOOGY duties to Boone Logan in spring training. It would give the Sox the option to turn the high-upside Sisco back into a starter.

I like what the Sox are doing with their pen. Jenks, Thornton, MacDougal, Aardsma, & Sisco can really bring the heat. Add in the former first rounder Floyd, the baffling knuckler of Haeger, or even the high-strikeout potential of Logan, and you've got one heckuva bullpen built for nothing (Sorry they couldn't spend more, Randy.) locked up for years to come.

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wow

Great trade. In Gload, we lose out on 100-150 at bats that can easily be replaced. Sisco isn't great, but he has a lot of potential and is a great guy for Coop to work with.

AIM: shaftr01

XBL: TheMattressMan

by shaftr on Dec 16, 2006 11:58 AM CST reply actions

Really like this deal

These are KW's strong suit. Larger trades...not so much.

I like Gload as much as the next guy, but he's never going to play enough for us to be useful.

Sisco adds nicely to our large, hard throwing, limited intelligence bullpen. I know he's had some serious alcohol issues in the past and he's so large he makes Bobby look like Gio Gonzalez.

KC has zero use for Gload with Shealy, Huber, the eventual move of Teahen, etc... Moronic deal for those clowns.

by Bull Pain on Dec 16, 2006 11:58 AM CST reply actions

Who backs up at first now?

Thome? Mack? Bueller? Bueller?

by brianekst on Dec 16, 2006 12:22 PM CST reply actions

Mack

Down at the winter meetings Ozzie made it sound like Mack wouldn't see much, if any, time in the OF in '07. He said that he would primarily back up 1B, 3B, with some 2B thrown in for comic relief.

That gives the Sox just 3 outfielders, and just one outfielder with an OPS over .700. I see more moves ahead.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Dec 16, 2006 12:28 PM CST up reply actions

3 outfielders?

1.) Jermaine Dye
2.) Scott Podsednik
3.) Brian Anderson
4.) Luis Terrero
5.) Ryan Sweeney

Now you can argue that Sweeney will be in AAA but Luis Terrero was signed to a major league deal, albeit a cheap one at $410,000. I honestly think he will end up being our fourth outfielder since he can play CF. Also, don't forget that Ozzie seems to think that Ozuna can play LF.

by SSH2005 on Dec 16, 2006 12:33 PM CST up reply actions

3

Terrero's hitting something like .236/.319/.384 in the DWL. He's not any good, even against a collection of latin minor leaguers. Maybe a 5th outfielder. I'd much rather he didn't make the team.

Sweeney needs to hit some lefties, develop some more power, and fine tune his batting eye. I wouldn't want him here unless he forced his way onto the roster with stellar play.

We all know how I feel about Pods and Anderson. We have 1.5 major league outfielders as it stands right now.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Dec 16, 2006 12:38 PM CST up reply actions

Solution...

trade for Ryan Church. I heard Bowden wants a ton for him though with the way he has been robbing other GM's blind lately.

by SSH2005 on Dec 16, 2006 12:58 PM CST up reply actions

The Nats are pitching starved

I wonder if they would take Heath Phillips for Church?

by hitlesswonder on Dec 16, 2006 1:15 PM CST up reply actions

Doubt it...

I heard one rumor that they asked the Cubs for Rich Hill for Ryan Church. Obviously this was Bowden's first offer and I'm sure his demands will lower if he really wants to trade Church.

by SSH2005 on Dec 16, 2006 1:17 PM CST up reply actions

Other moves ahead...

Mark Gonzales was on 670 this morning and said he expects the Sox to shop another starting pitcher, probably after Zito signs. He also seemed to imply the Sox would not be satisfied with an Anderson and Sweeney competition in spring training for CF. He specifically mentioned Baldelli as player he thought the Sox would be interested in, along with Jamie Shields. Why the DRays would trade Shields is beyond me. Anyway he concluded by saying that it would seem like McCarthy would have to be in the package the DRays would want, and he wasn't sure the Sox would trade him.

So, even though it's mostly speculation, it is interesting that the Sox beat writer expects another starter to be shopped and an upgrade in CF. Aside from Baldelli, I think we can expect to start hearing Andruw Jones rumors as well.

by hitlesswonder on Dec 16, 2006 12:47 PM CST up reply actions

Taveras

Gonzales also mentioned the Sox had been very interested in bringing in Willy Taveras. Gonzales then proceeded to gush about what an incredible fix for the leadoff position Taveras would be (Mark is apparently unfamiliar with the OBP stat). Rotoworld has said "There has been some speculation that the Rockies would trade Taveras, probably for more pitching.", so I suppose Willy T remains a possibility.

by hitlesswonder on Dec 16, 2006 1:25 PM CST up reply actions

Taveras

I wouldn't mind him if it came with the guarantee that he was here to platoon with Pods and be our fourth OFer (not our CFer), and if he came for one of our weaker pitching prospects, like Phillips.

by CWSKeith on Dec 16, 2006 1:38 PM CST up reply actions

I remember reading that comment,

but Mackowiak has played only 17.3 innings of first base in his major league career. I know he's supposed to be versatile, but he certainly didn't show anything but below average center field and average left field skills last year so I don't see how he can be considered more than their third first basemen.

by brianekst on Dec 16, 2006 1:03 PM CST up reply actions

and...

What if Konerko or Thome goes down? The latter certainly seems to be inevitable for some stretch of time. It sure was nice to have a capable first basemen both offensively and defensively to step in last year.

by brianekst on Dec 16, 2006 1:05 PM CST up reply actions

Injury...

The Sox have Fields and Rogowski in AAA, they could be potential fill-ins in case of injury. Rogowski is a somewhat similar player to Gload, although not as good of a hitter he has shown some ability to get on-base.

And a 1B/DH would also be available for trade in season if an injury occurs. It's a more easily filled position than almost any other. In fact, KC right now has Shealey, Huber, Gload, and Sweeney. Maybe the Sox can trade for one of them if someone gets hurt :)

by hitlesswonder on Dec 16, 2006 1:13 PM CST up reply actions

Anyone

that can handle 3B can easily handle the defensive duties at 1B.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Dec 16, 2006 1:26 PM CST up reply actions

yeah

first base isn't all that hard of a position. i realize that paulie provides more offense than mack, but we certainly wouldn't be losing any (heck, considering his limited range, maybe we'd be gaining) defense. i wouldn't be worried about mack playing there.

by larry on Dec 16, 2006 1:31 PM CST up reply actions

JD

can play 1st too. I'm not worried about a backup for Paulie.

Comonnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn You White Sox!

by zokmaad on Dec 17, 2006 10:46 PM CST up reply actions

Mackowiak...

he can play every position but SS, C, and obviously CF.

by SSH2005 on Dec 16, 2006 12:28 PM CST up reply actions

ross will be missed...

I liked ross a lot

hopefully he'll get more playing time...

HEY THIS IS JI
JIM THOME
THE PEORIA POUNDER

by The Wizard on Dec 16, 2006 12:24 PM CST reply actions

love this trade

i will miss gload but, for him, it's probably best to go someplace like KC.

sisco is obviously a bit of a project but i feel pretty confident that coop can get him back closer to 2005 form.

KW is just stocking up on arms right now. seriously, how many guys do we have competing for spots in the pen right now?

hopefully, on the anniversary of another good trade a couple years ago, we've struck another. as cheat notes, i'm sure there are a couple more moves ahead.

by larry on Dec 16, 2006 12:52 PM CST reply actions

Casey Rogo Rogowski

I like his stats and any one who plays with him says that he can just mash.... here are his stats.... had 26 steals last year and has driven in about 250 over the last 3 years....

http://cbs.sportsline.com/mlb/players/playerpage/533016

by ElDiablo on Dec 16, 2006 1:30 PM CST reply actions

Ross Gload got freed

now I gotta change my damn signature

Free Ross Gload

by james@lifeinthecell on Dec 16, 2006 2:00 PM CST reply actions

This has been my biggest

concern, James. The Man With No Name.

To be slighly contrarian, I thought we lit the Sisco Kid up pretty well in the last 2 years. Lots of hard throwing lefties with control problems, just not in our system.

Coop should ask for a goddamn LARGE raise with the expectations of straightening out Floyd/Gio/Sisco/Booner/Vasquez (he is still a project), Buehrle (hopefully a tweak here and there), Count (2nd half sucked), et. al.

I know Coop's been known to have a beverage now and again. My advice, as best stated by Bluto Blutarsky, is to begin drinking heavily, Coop.

by winningugly on Dec 16, 2006 4:58 PM CST up reply actions

Ross Gload...

http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/16256353.htm

He also has a reputation as an above-average defensive player at both first base and in the outfield.

Ummmm, no?

Gload also fills the Royals' need for a backup first baseman.

Gload gets screwed once again... at least until Mike Sweeney inevitably gets injured next season.

by SSH2005 on Dec 16, 2006 2:11 PM CST reply actions

"The cheapest bullpen in baseball !"

by SSH2005 on Dec 16, 2006 2:14 PM CST reply actions

Andy Sisco...

http://www.all-baseball.com/cubreporter/archives/008035.html

A second-round pick out of high school in Washington state in `01, Sisco is a huge 6-9, 250 pound lefty. Due to his size, people compare him to Randy Johnson. Sisco doesn't throw quite as hard, but his fastball is still above-average at 90-93 mph, occasionally hitting 95. His curveball is improving, and he has a solid split-finger pitch to keep hitters guessing. He still needs to work on his changeup, and his command, while good, will need to get better at higher levels.

by SSH2005 on Dec 16, 2006 2:19 PM CST reply actions

By the way...

These are John Sickel's comments on Sisco from November 24, 2003. Sisco's fastball was a bit better when I remember watching him pitch against the Sox in 2005. His fastball was consistently in the mid-90's. He is a freak to see pitching live at a game. He's a beast. If he ever finds some control, he will be sick.

by SSH2005 on Dec 16, 2006 2:24 PM CST up reply actions

I love it!

Wow, what a great deal. Sisco slots in perfectly as the second lefty in the pen, and the bench gets sorted out (other than backup catcher).

Where will Gload play in KC? They have a glut at 1B and DH already. Hope he gets an opportunity because he's a good hitter. Still, I'd rather have Sisco.

by asinwreck on Dec 16, 2006 2:39 PM CST reply actions

Backup 1B / OF...

and he will probably start at 1B when Mike Sweeney gets injured again.

by SSH2005 on Dec 16, 2006 2:47 PM CST up reply actions

Ross Gload for Andy Sisco...

Royals land Gload from Sox for Sisco
Versatile left-handed hitter likely to back up Shealy at first base

Gload, 30, is expected to be a backup at first base, behind Ryan Shealy, as well as in the outfield.

"Gload is a hard-nosed, tough-minded guy who battled his way through the Minors," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said on Saturday. "He fits with our team."

Sisco became expendable after the Royals signed closer Octavio Dotel and picked up relievers John Bale, also a left-hander, as well as Kenny Ray and Joakim Soria, both right-handers.

I know Sisco had an awful season last year but he was expendable because of John Bale, a 31 year old lefty who hasn't pitched in the majors since 2003?

by SSH2005 on Dec 16, 2006 2:46 PM CST reply actions

Maybe Dayton Moore hates strikeouts

You'd figure he'd get more -- or more useful parts -- for Burgos and Sisco.

It sounds like Gload is ahead of Huber in the depth chart, though still behind Shealy and Sweeney.

by asinwreck on Dec 16, 2006 2:50 PM CST up reply actions

i recall sisco had some troubles

may also be a clubhouse move. sometimes players just wear out their welcome with certain important people. of course, that doesn't mean you should give them away for ross gload.

by larry on Dec 16, 2006 2:55 PM CST up reply actions

I also heard that...

Sisco had clubhouse problems in the Cubs' farm system, similar to Jenks.

by SSH2005 on Dec 16, 2006 3:01 PM CST up reply actions

Which is why the Cubs let him go in the Rule 5

by SSH2005 on Dec 16, 2006 3:02 PM CST up reply actions

Royals fans

At mlbtraderumors have written that Sisco was arrogant and didn't accept instruction, FWIW. Buddy Bell has a reputation as a pretty hard-assed guy, so it wouldn't be a shock if Bell wanted Sisco gone. And to be fair, Sisco is a one-pitch pitcher right now that has never shown anything close to acceptable control. Moore clearly decided Sisco wouldn't learn to tnot walk people, and probably his view is that he got something for a guy he didn't want in his system. It's possible Sisco flops, Ross gets menaingful at-bats (he will hit), and Moore ends up looking OK.

It's still definitely a trade the Sox should make. Sisco is a big, young, LHP with great K numbers. He's a lottery ticket that could pay off big, and to me is definitely worth the risk.

by hitlesswonder on Dec 16, 2006 3:24 PM CST up reply actions

There really is no risk...

we gave up a good hitter but he only gets 150 AB's off the bench. Mackowiak will be fine as Gload's replacement.

by SSH2005 on Dec 16, 2006 3:41 PM CST up reply actions

Kenny still needs...

a backup catcher (not Sandy Alomar or Chris Stewart) and a decent LF'er.

If Kenny signs Toby Hall and trades for Ryan Church, I would be fine with that team heading to ST.

by SSH2005 on Dec 16, 2006 2:59 PM CST reply actions

OK next person

that brings up the backup catcher "crisis" has to spend Saturday night at home watching the entire "Weekend at Bernie's" series

Canada's finest

by MarkD on Dec 16, 2006 3:17 PM CST reply actions

Maybe KW has a trade and is collecting bodies...

I'm guessing that KW already has a deal somewhere for a good OF but the other team wants two live young arms in return. What would it look like if the Sox moved two of there recent acquisitions?

An alternative is that he is ready to move one of the Sox's established starters and is stocking up as much as possible as he will have two starting spots to fill.

Anyways, I'm hopeful that he can trade Buehrle and Garland and a top prospect and $2 million in cash for a good back up for AJ and Willy frickin Taveras...

Canada's finest

by MarkD on Dec 16, 2006 3:26 PM CST reply actions

Conference Call

[listen here]

Kenny says they'll let him start at AAA if he wants.
Wants to talk to him first. He's currently starting in the Mexican League.

Kenny says the Sox will make another smaller "peripheral type" move before the end of the day. The public won't think it's a big move but it'll help the ballclub.

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Dec 16, 2006 4:24 PM CST reply actions

Let's hope peripheral means...

Toby Hall in KW-speak.

by CWSKeith on Dec 16, 2006 4:43 PM CST reply actions

As long as it isn't Sandy Alomar as a catcher

I could live with having Sandy as a minor league coach though.

GO SOX!

by rhythm on Dec 16, 2006 8:02 PM CST up reply actions

Rany Jazayerli of BP

has some interesting things to say.

"Check this out: Andy Sisco, the 6′9″ kid from Eastern Washington who pitches for the Royals, was just cut by Mazatlan. He was pitching well enough, however the team director saw Sisco munching on a couple of tacos in the stadium concourse...during the first inning of the game. Apparently, he showed up in the dugout sometime in the second, but his fate was sealed.

"What a bonehead! Hadn't he been down there long enough to figure they take the game a whole lot more seriously in Mazatlan than they do in Omaha? Hope he got his tacos to go."

AIM: SouthSideCheat

by The Cheat on Dec 16, 2006 4:51 PM CST reply actions

mmm...tacos

I wonder if he got some horchata with his tacos - always a good move.

GO SOX!

by rhythm on Dec 16, 2006 5:14 PM CST up reply actions

Why Trade Gload????

Why would KW trade Gload and keep the defensively challenged Rob Mack? Mack cost the Sox probably 3-4 games this past season with his stellar defense. Whereas Gload was a consistent reliable backup. This is a mystery to me unless the Royals wanted no part of Mack, which would be understandable. Gload was a proven quality utility guy whereas Sisco is a huge risk. It is being written that KW is building a strong pen with a low budget but most of these guys are huge risks with the potential for little or no return. Why on earth does he keep Mack?

by waitonhim on Dec 17, 2006 11:11 AM CST reply actions