Politte replacement?

[DBAHO]

Looks like someone at the Trib has been listening to our ideas;

 

Seattle: The Sox and Mariners are familiar with each other's personnel, with former Sox scouts Bob Fontaine Jr. and Rick Ingalls and executive Dan Evans in high-ranking roles with Seattle.

 

Mariners relievers Julio Mateo and Rafael Soriano would be pleasant additions, though Soriano has a history of arm problems. Each would be welcomed in a clubhouse with ex-Mariners Matt Thornton and Garcia.

 

Pittsburgh: No, Damaso Marte isn't coming back. But until the Pirates can catch the Cubs for fifth place in the National League Central, they must look (again) to the distant future.

 

Former Sox reliever Roberto Hernandez might have a few bullets left in his 41-year-old arm, as evidenced by his 2.05 ERA.

 

Salomon Torres has a live arm but a plump ERA at 4.66. He can fill a variety of relief roles, which could fit well with Guillen's tendency to use the most effective relievers in late-inning roles.

 

Torres, 34, signed a two-year, $6.5 million extension through 2008.

 

Washington: GM Jim Bowden isn't afraid to deal, and the Nationals should be in a selling mode for their new owners.

 

With Jenks regaining his second-half form, the Sox don't need Chad Cordero. But former Sox prospect Gary Majewski (3.13) is having a decent year and is affordable at $352,500, though he has walked 16 batters in 371/3 innings.

 

If Anderson's struggles run deeper, the Sox might look at center fielder Marlon Byrd, who is batting .227 but hit .303 with Philadelphia in 2003.

 

Milwaukee: The Brewers, like the Nationals, could help the Sox in two areas. Dan Kolb failed as a closer last year in Atlanta, but the Sterling native has succeeded in a secondary role (2.79 ERA).

 

Brady Clark doesn't provide much power, but he's hitting more than 100 points higher than Anderson and would be less vulnerable to the Sox at the bottom of the batting order.

 

The Sox also could look within the division and seek Kansas City's versatile sinkerball specialist, Elmer Dessens, but he is signed through 2007.

 

Tampa Bay has a surplus of outfielders, but the Devil Rays need help in several areas, including relief pitching.

 

The list will grow as teams start to separate themselves as contenders and pretenders. And there's plenty of time to shop.

[Kalapse]

Why exactly would the Sox have any interest in Marlon Byrd? The guy hasn't hit a lick and is a hot head. He manages to hit .300 3 years ago so he might be a fit?

 

Brady Clark continues to be the best option.

[Balta1701]

The good news? The bullpen surrendered a whopping 0 runs against Detroit.

[Chisoxfn]

AZ asked about him not long ago and the package they wanted was something like this, Steven Drew + Micah Owings and Miguel Montero which is to step of a price to pay

Ridiculous. I wouldn't deal Steven Drew for many guys and I'm a fan of Owings (They got him for a good value in the draft).

[Flash Tizzle]

Before the season began and Contreras/Garlands contract were signed, I was a huge proponent or trading either to Seattle for a package which centering around Soriano, Putz, and several top minor leaguers. Soriano's health status wasn't entirely known prior to spring training, but if he were merely a throw-in piece it would have been worth the risk.

 

If Contreras were traded, we'd certaintly be worst off, although our bullpen would have been substantially better. If Garland were traded, well, it would have been quite the steal.

 

As of now, I don't believe we can even discuss the possibility of Putz. Maybe Soriano. Torres sounds like an interesting option, only because it's possible we can obtain him without giving up much. His contract isn't appeasing, though.

Edited June 9, 2006 by Flash Tizzle

[Frankensteiner]

Another name: Armando Benitez. Has a ridiculous contract and really hasn't been all that good... but he is coming off an injury and we're desperate, I guess, so he is worth tracking.

 

4-0, 4 SV, 3 BLSV, 1.88 ERA, 1.67 WHIP.

[AngelasDaddy0427]

Hows his fastball?

[DBAHO]

Another name: Armando Benitez. Has a ridiculous contract and really hasn't been all that good... but he is coming off an injury and we're desperate, I guess, so he is worth tracking.

 

4-0, 4 SV, 3 BLSV, 1.88 ERA, 1.67 WHIP.

I doubt the Giants will trade their closer while they've still got Bonds.

[DBAHO]

Hawkins mentioned again;

 

The White Sox have identified a right-handed reliever as their top need on the trade market. Plenty will be available closer to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, but one prominent name -- former Cubs setup man LaTroy Hawkins -- is being shopped now by the Baltimore Orioles. Hawkins, who will be eligible for free agency after this season, entered Saturday having allowed only three runs in his last 14 2/3 innings.

[greasywheels121]

I'd like Hawkins.

[ChWRoCk2]

Hawkins I like but also Rafael Soriano who I want the most because he has lots of potential, I also like Elmer Dessens, groundball pitcher.

[VAfan]

I've looked again at the workhorses who have the most appearances in MLB this year. Of all of those, I think Luis Vizcaino actually makes the most sense.

 

In 31 appearances, he is 2-2 with 13 holds, an ERA of 2.37, and only 22 hits and 11 walks in 30.1 innings. Last year, he was shaky to a large extent because Ozzie didn't use him. When he started appearing more, he improved. Sure, he can't match what Politte gave us last year, but who can?

 

Of course, Arizona is still in first and unlikely to deal. But they have dealt with us twice already this offseason, so it is just a matter of price.

 

Roberto Hernandez would likely be my second choice if Arizona balks. His numbers are similar, but he has more walks and one more hit in 3 fewer innnings. I think Vizcaino is more likely to help us.

Edited June 12, 2006 by VAfan