posted on Thursday, January 03, 2008 3:01 PM by Jim

White Sox mortgage future for Swisher

I don't know what to say:

In the past half hour, I've confirmed with three sources that the A's have dealt outfielder Nick Swisher to the Chicago White Sox for three top prospects: outfielder Ryan Sweeney, left-hander Gio Gonzalez and right-hander Fautino De Los Santos.

And it's been confirmed.

Three initial thoughts:

1. Does this foreshadow another deal?

It would seem to, unless Swisher is the new center fielder.  Otherwise, he's either blocked by Jermaine Dye, Paul Konerko or Jim Thome, or he's blocking Carlos Quentin, who cost a valuable prospect in Chris Carter.

2. The Sox's top prospect: Jack Egbert.

If that isn't scary enough, he's followed by Aaron Poreda and John Shelby, two players who haven't reached Birmingham.  Now the Sox's minor-league system is officially Astros-bad.

3. Can Swisher pitch?

This trade doesn't change the fact that some combination of Jose Contreras, John Danks, Gavin Floyd, Jack Egbert and Lance Broadway will comprise three-fifths of the rotation.  This might put a renewed emphasis on the development of Charlie Haeger, for all we know, because the Sox don't have much else coming up now.

A lot more later, believe you me.  In fact, here it is.

Comments

# re: Sox mortgage future for Swisher

Thursday, January 03, 2008 3:07 PM by Roy Dean Bream
1. I have been thinking this all along, but Swisher's addition all but makes it an absolute must. You're stuck with Dye, Quentin just got here so that leaves Konerko and Thome. Konerko has the most value of any position player and Thome is a one year rental for an AL team with a need for a bat. Whatever the case, a subsequent move had BETTER follow this one.

2. The farm system just went from bad to worse, yes. There is nothing in Birmingham and Charlotte.

3. This is where Kenny Williams is failing us. He believes this team can compete now even though the pitching is brutal. I am also confused as to how this has suddenly become a "softball team" yet again despite their countless comments that they needed to get away from that again.

# re: White Sox mortgage future for Swisher

Thursday, January 03, 2008 5:32 PM by MattTheRock
Perhaps they're not as high on Quentin as previously thought... Unless there's a big move on the horizon, like a dumping of Thome or Konerko for prospects, I'm lost here. At this point, I'm used to that feeling with this team.

# re: White Sox mortgage future for Swisher

Thursday, January 03, 2008 5:41 PM by Jeff from AH
1. I really like Nick Swisher.

2. Not sure if I really like the deal, though. I am not opposed to dealing minor league talent and wearily trust Kenny’s track record when dealing from the farm for a proven MLB commodity. However, Swisher does not come to Chicago with a glowing endorsement as a center fielder. Is there a chance Quentin shifts to Center? Will they have a all-out competition in Spring Training between Owens, Anderson, and Quentin; adjusting accordingly?

3. Assuming Swisher’s trend continues, I really like the terms of his contract. He is by no means a rent-a-player and the salary is affordable.

4. More than likely this clears up 2009 as Swisher slides to right-field and Dye shifts to DH, but does this preface a larger move involving a “big-gun” in 2008 involving Thome or Konerko? Doubtful.

# re: White Sox mortgage future for Swisher

Thursday, January 03, 2008 9:59 PM by Jim Margalus
They have to like Quentin still -- he hasn't played a game for them, and he cost Williams a prized power prospect. It's possible Quentin may not be ready for Opening Day, or that Spring Training might be for rehab, so it gives the Sox some options there.

Anderson "won" the center field competition in spring training last year, and a fat lot of good that did him. Quentin seems like he has the best shot of being a decent non-Owens CF, and he'd have a leg up since he cut his teeth for the D-Backs in Tucson.

# re: White Sox mortgage future for Swisher

Friday, January 04, 2008 12:04 PM by soxfan1
Who cares about the farm system! I want the Sox to win in 2008 and this helps us do it!!

# re: White Sox mortgage future for Swisher

Friday, January 04, 2008 2:48 PM by Roy Dean Bream

Who cares about the farm system? At this point, nobody since they've sold everyone off and there is no farm system left to care about. Who cares about the farm system is a Brian Sabean attitude and not a good one. To stay consistent and "win now" the idea is to have talent trickle through via the farm system. Right now, that ain't happenin'.

Does this help them win in 2008? No, this helps them become what is PERHAPS a third place team on paper. It makes them better, but their pitching is still very suspect to where if you believe they can contend for their division and or wild card, you've got another thing comin'.

If they've soured on Quentin already, they're a bunch of idiots.