In a move to further strengthen their infield depth, the White Sox have acquired Conor Gillaspie from the Giants in exchange for minor league fireballer right-handed pitcher Jeff Soptic. Gillaspie, a supplemental first-round pick in 2008, is a left-handed bat who plays third base and first base. To make room for Gillaspie on the 40 man roster, the White Sox designated Lars Anderson for assignment.
Gillaspie has played in parts of three season with the Giants, including in 2008 shortly after he was drafted, after agreeing to sign for slot bonus in exchange for the September call-up.. In 48 plate appearances, he's batted .205./271/.295. He spent most of 2012 with Triple-A Fresno in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League and batted .281/.345/.441. The 25-year-old's career Triple-A line is .289/.368/.447.
Gillaspie played with Kenny Williams Jr. at Wichita State.
Baseball America ranked Soptic as the No. 29 prospect in the White Sox organization. The White Sox drafted him in the third round of the 2011 draft out of junior college. He can throw 100 mph, but his inconsistent mechanics and lack of any secondary offerings make him a long-term project for any team.
The White Sox claimed Anderson off of waivers from the Diamondbacks on Feb. 1.
Because he negotiated that quick call-up, Gillaspie is out of options and must clear waivers if he does not make the White Sox opening day roster.