A big, big bat is still available on the free agent market.
First basemen Paul Konerko and his 39 home runs are willing to listen to offers.
Last year Konerko had the best season of his career by hitting .312 with 39 home runs and 111 RBI.
So who might be willing to spend some money to bring in the big bat?
Rumor has it that the Orioles have emerged as the front-runners for third-baseman Mark Reynolds.
Buster Olney reported the whispers this morning, confirming what Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman suspected last night.
So far, the only real pieces being discussed in a possible trade are Chris Tillman and David Hernandez, who has been linked to more teams this off-season than Adam Dunn.
Tillman, 22, emerged as one of the Orioles top prospects after coming over from Seattle in the trade that sent Erik Bedard to the Mariners. He made his big-league debut in 2009, and over the course of two seasons has posted a 4-10 record with a 5.63 ERA.
Hernandez, 25, began with the Orioles as a starter, dominating with a extremely deceptive delivery at every level of the minors. He arrived in Baltimore in 2009 also, struggling as a member of their rotation. However, he thrived last season after being moved to the bullpen, and that is where his future almost certainly lies.
It would likely take more than two players to get a deal done for Reynolds, who last season became the first player in Major League history to strike out more than 200 times in three consecutive seasons. Both sources believe that the Orioles side of the deal will be very “pitcher centric.”
One would have to think that Tillman, Hernandez and possibly a lesser known arm, maybe like Ryan Berry or Wynn Pelzer could get the deal done.
The only two other teams really in on Reynolds are the Blue Jays (please God no) and the Padres, who if another set of rumors are true, aren’t actively pursuing the slugger.
Reynolds hit a paltry .198 last season, making him the most sought-after hitter in history to fall short of the Mendoza line. He did, however, crank 32 homers, good for sixth in the N.L. last year. He also drove in 85 runs and walked a career-high 83 times.
Now, on to the news on the Konerko front.
The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec thinks that any interest the Orioles have had in Konerko has been extremely overblown, stating that “the next person I speak to in the organization who feels the O’s have a shot at Konerko would be the first.”
Meaning that the Orioles’ dire need for a power-hitting, corner-infielder simply makes them one of the more plausible scenarios, not necessarily the most likely. Especially in the eyes of the O’s front-office who missed out on Victor Martinez, and low-balled Adam Dunn, who spurned their offer to sign with the White Sox for $16 million more.
The longer Konerko remains a free agent, the more likely it appears that he will re-sign with the White Sox.
In other news outside the Charm City, the Red Sox have apparently agreed to a deal that would bring San Diego first-baseman Adrian Gonzalez to Beantown.
Most believe that this makes the likelihood of them bringing back Adrian Beltre very, very unlikely.
But imagine if they had them both.
This makes me think the O’s might make a serious run at Beltre. They could use a third-baseman a tad bit more than a guy at first anyways. Brandon Snyder should get his chance this season, and he could thrive, but I know one thing—he certainly won’t thrive at third-base, where the Orioles best minor league hope is strikeout king Brandon Waring and on again-off again third-baseman Billy Rowell.
Beltre just makes too much sense to not consider.
He makes your team instantly better, gives you a legitimate middle-of-the-order presence, and offers solid defense. Not to mention the fact that he gives the O’s some star-power and takes some of the attention off of their young core.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
What a difference a day can make for a baseball team during the offseason.
The Chicago White Sox went from watching the reigning American League Central champ Minnesota Twins earn a right to talk to the “next Ichiro,” to the Detroit Tigers signing Victor Martinez to bat behind Miguel Cabrera, to arguably becoming the best team in the division with one swoop of signings.
Two days ago, the White Sox were a team with no catcher, no first baseman, no DH and a lineup that would feature Alex Rios and Carlos Quentin in the middle power positions.
With an awful defense, the White Sox were going to ask a whole lot from the team’s pitching staff to simply compete.
It looked as though the White Sox would be drowning at the bottom with the Cleveland Indians and Kansas City Royals rather than swimming to the top with the Tigers and Twins.
After parting ways with closer Bobby Jenks, the White Sox signed Adam Dunn to a four-year, $56 million deal, adding a left-handed power bat to the lineup.
We’ve seen the numbers. His worst on-base percentage of his career in a full season was last season at .356. He’s the only guy in baseball who has hit 38 home runs or more in the last seven seasons. He takes pitches, hits bombs, walks and strikes out a lot.
Dunn is entering a hitter’s ballpark, but changing from the National League to the American League, which generally is not good for any player. However, in interleague play, Dunn hit .247 with 36 home runs and an OBP of .362 in 478 bats in 134 games. Switching leagues shouldn’t be a huge problem.
What was the problem for White Sox fans was whether or not Dunn’s glove would be anywhere near the field.
Well, as soon as Dunn was signed, the return of Paul Konerko rumors began. GM Kenny Williams has stated that the White Sox have the resources to bring back Konerko.
Latest MLB rumors had Konerko being eyed by the Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago Cubs. The Diamondbacks, however, recently withdrew from Konerko.
News out of Konerko camp was that the Orioles offered Konerko a significant deal, however, having Dunn batting behind you with the team you’ve played for for the last 12 seasons could be hard to pass up, especially in favor of the lowly Orioles.
The grape vine passed a note to this girl in class who whispered to my best friend that Konerko could sign with the White Sox today (Friday).
Rumors aside, the White Sox may have to wait until the winter meetings to go after Konerko, as he is logically going to test the waters.
Rumors moved from aside to in front of us, if the White Sox bring him back, Konerko would sure up keeping a glove away from Dunn, which is huge for the White Sox defensively.
Williams has said the White Sox are going “all in” this season, which seems to mean they are going to spend more than expected. One would think, Konerko, being 34, will not leave unless it is for a contender and with the Yankees going after Cliff Lee, the Red Sox having David Ortiz and the Angels and Rays showing no interest, his best option seems to be Chicago for a little less money.
Then again, athletes tend to surprise everyone, which makes following them such a joy.
Which leads us to the final question among White Sox faithful. Who is going to be catching for this team?
Well, that was also answered late last night, as the White Sox re-signed A.J. Pierzysnki to a two-year, $8 million deal.
Although he can’t always hit nor can he throw out batters, the man can call a game behind the plate and has worked with the entire White Sox pitching staff, which is a tough thing to replace.
A lineup of:
Juan Pierre
Gordon Beckham
Alex Rios (perhaps Dunn)
Paul Konerko
Adam Dunn (perhaps Rios)
Carlos Quentin
Alexei Ramirez
A.J. Pierzynski
Mark Teahen
with a starting staff of:
Mark Buehrle
Jake Peavy (Chris Sale if Peavy is out)
John Danks
Gavin Floyd
Edwin Jackson
doesn’t look too shabby.
But, and there has been this but for most of the decade for White Sox fans, is this team good enough to beat the Minnesota Twins?
Unfortunately, that question will have to wait.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
It has been reported that free agent Slugger Adam Dunn has signed a 4-year, $56 million deal with the Chicago White Sox. This is a huge move for the White Sox, who are unsure if first baseman Paul Konerko will return next season.
It is not certain that Konerko will leave Chicago, but Adam Dunn certainly replaces Konerko’s power if he does not re-sign. The deal will be finalized after Dunn takes a physical with the team. Dunn has been a big time power hitter throughout his career and he showed off his power again in 2010.
Dunn, 31, finished the 2010 season with a .260 batting average and 38 home runs. Dunn has now hit 35-plus home runs in seven straight seasons. On the flip side, Dunn is a career .250 hitter, but his power numbers have been so consistent that, overall, this is a good move for Chicago.
Whether Konerko departs or not will determine what position Dunn will play next season. He will certainly play a lot of DH, but if Konerko is not with the team, Dunn will see some time at first base.
The White Sox’ offensive production should increase significantly with Dunn in the lineup. They are getting a guy who is second in the MLB in home runs since 2004 with 282, just behind the St. Louis Cardinals‘ Albert Pujols.
Notable Stats:
Source: Bob Nightengale of USA Today via Twitter
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
According to various reports, The Chicago White Sox have pulled off the tremendous coup of slugger Adam Dunn. Sports Illustrated’s Jon Heyman reported earlier on his Twitter account that terms of the deal are said to be $56 million over four years.
As a member of the White Sox, Dunn’s long-ball ability should fit well U.S. Cellular Field. In his last two seasons spent with the Washington Nationals, he 38 hit home runs in consecutive years at Nationals Park. His new home in Chicago is considered to be a power hitter’s paradise and Dunn could well eclipse 50 long-balls in the upcoming 2011 season.
ESPN.com lists their “Ballpark Factors” home run index for every major league stadium since 2001. For those who are unaware, the mathematical equation takes into account home runs hit by clubs at home and on the road to decide which ballpark is the most long-ball friendly.
U.S. Cellular field came out on top of the rankings in 2010 and since 2003 has been amongst the top five in all of baseball, according to the formula. During Dunn’s two seasons in Washington, Nationals Park has placed 19th and 15th, respectively, from 2009 to 2010, making the stadium “middle of the road” at surrendering home runs.
Judging by the evidence presented, Dunn should have a significant surge in power numbers in 2011. His signing makes perfect sense for the White Sox, who are yet to re-sign their previous foremost slugger in Paul Konerko.
The first baseman who hit 39 home runs in 2010 is reportedly being chased by the Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox. If the White Sox are unable to retain Konerko, Dunn would fill his absence in the lineup.
White Sox general manager Kenny Williams will do his best to keep Konerko on “The South Side” of Chicago. Losing him to inter-city rivals in the Cubs or the American League playoff contending Red Sox or the defending AL champion Rangers would be a hard pill to swallow.
If Williams is able to hold on to the loyal Konerko, the White Sox would have a dominant pair of No. 3 and 4 hitters in their lineup and make a stronger push at making the playoffs in 2011. Last year, the “Pale Hose” finished six games behind the division-winning Minnesota Twins and failed to meet the expectations that many baseball writers had of playoff berth.
With Dunn in the mix and the probable re-signing of Konerko, the White Sox will have an excellent chance at overtaking the Twins and clinching a postseason place in 2011.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
The Chicago White Sox made a major move today, locking up free agent slugger Adam Dunn to a 4-year $56 million deal.
This provides the ChiSox with a huge power bat in the middle of their lineup who can possibly DH, backing up first basemen Paul Konerko if the White Sox captain re-signs with his long-time club.
Add to this lineup the possible re-signing of catcher A. J. Pierzynski, and the South-Siders could have a formidable lineup to back up one of baseball’s better rotations.
A possible lineup could look as follows:
1. LF Juan Pierre
2. SS Alexei Ramirez
3. CF Alex Rios
4. 1B Paul Konerko
5. DH Adam Dunn
6. RF Carlos Quentin
7. C A. J. Pierzynski
8. 3B Mark Teahen
9. 2B Gordon Beckham
The rotation would look like this once Jake Peavy returns from his injury, with rookie Chris Sale likely filling in until then:
1. RHP Jake Peavy
2. LHP Mark Buehrle
3. RHP Edwin Jackson
4. LHP John Danks
5. RHP Gavin Floyd
This team could make the AL Central THE division to watch in 2011.
With the Detroit Tigers improving by acquiring All-Star catcher Victor Martinez, and the 2010 Division Champion Minnesota Twins only having to re-sign Carl Pavano to keep their team intact, this could be a tight race all the way through next season.
The White Sox need to re-sign Paul Konerko and A. J. Pierzynski, or else this move will almost surely wind up being a bust.
Having to watch Adam Dunn man first base all year would be a painful sight to say the least, and replacing the high average and power of Paul Konerko with a low-average power hitter like Dunn would be a step down, not up.
This signing has the potential to be a home run, but unless White Sox GM Ken Williams can retain his old, reliable players, it could be a swing and a miss—something Adam Dunn does a lot of.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
With the Major League Baseball Hot Stove season almost at its boiling point, many fans across Dodgertown can’t help but recollect the most notable trades in the history of the Los Angeles Dodgers franchise.
Since officially moving to Los Angeles in 1958, many player trades occurred that were instrumental in winning nine National League pennants and five World Series championships. However, along with the deals that were beneficial came the deals that were dreadful, and people wonder what may have transpired if a number of these trades could have been undone.
The following slides rank the 50 worst trades in the history of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, as well as offer a bit of commentary for each transaction. Please note that the rankings don’t include any free-agent signings, nor do they contain any deals made prior to the Dodgers moving to Los Angeles. The list is not syndicated in any fashion and it is purely opinionated and subjective.
Although some of the transactions listed may seem more prominent than others, the logic used in the rankings is based on the players ability at that time and into the future, weighted against what the Dodgers actually received in return.
Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride through 52 years of Dodgers history.
The 2010 Free Agent class for hitters is similar to many Free Agent classes of the past. It contains many aging sluggers nearing the end of their careers, players coming off outstanding years; or terrible ones, and then the three guys that every team wants to have suit up for them. Everyone knows the headliners of this years class, the speedy Carl Crawford, the shaggy power threat Jayson Werth, and the talented slugger Adam Dunn.
Today I will be taking a look at where some of the top sluggers available will sign, and what kind of numbers they will put up for their new teams.
One of the best players, Victor Martinez, has already reached a deal with the Detroit Tigers on a four year $50 million deal. Which as was about eight million dollars less than I expected when I started my draft for this article, however, I was correct in expecting the Tigers to be his new team.
When Chicago White Sox GM Kenny Williams needs some talent, he’s proved that he’d rather harvest players from other clubs than go the home grown route.
Williams’ strategy over the years has been to use Chicago’s farm system to pick up more experienced commodities.
Look at how the current roster is constructed. Mark Buehrle is the only starting pitcher that came through the White Sox system. Of the everyday starters last season, just Gordon Beckham was drafted by the team and was developed in the minors.
Excluding Alexei Ramirez, who was signed as a free agent from Cuba, the Sox have depended on trades to fill out the lineup card.
Williams may very well be planning on dealing for some of Chicago’s needs (first and third base, catcher, bullpen) at the winter meetings. However, big deals in the last two seasons have left the farm system a bit thin. Williams has dealt most of his stronger pitching prospects to try and stay competitive in the now.
There is some talent, but do these prospects factor into the White Sox roster or as tender for a player outside the organization?
Here are my thoughts on some of the more prominent South Side prospects and how they may fit into the major league mix in 2001.
Chris Sale, Pitcher
2010’s first round pick was up with the club in August and made 21 appearances out of the bullpen. The tall southpaw was used in relief and performed well in that capacity, but in the long term, Sale has more value as a starter and should be allowed to develop in that role.
Jake Peavy’s availability on Opening Day is in doubt. It’s possible that Sale starts the season in the rotation and moves into the bullpen or to Charlotte when Peavy returns. I’d like to see him as a starter, and I think the White Sox feel the same way. However, if he can help them in the bullpen this season, he may stay up with the club throughout the season. Remember, Buehrle spent time in the pen and found his spot as a starter.
2011 Projection: Sale should be around in some role for a majority of the season, though he may spend time in Charlotte if the White Sox want him to throw starter’s innings all year.
Brent Morel, Third Base
Morel came up and impressed White Sox management with his glove last September. His .231 batting average left a lot to be desired, but he hit over .320 at Birmingham and Charlotte last season.
Given some time to find his offensive game at the big-league level, Morel should bring stability, if not a ton of power, to the hot corner for Chicago.
I think that the Sox have figured out that Mark Teahen is not an every day player at third. The White Sox should show the patience they did with Joe Crede, who eventually found some pop in his bat.
2011 Projection: If the White Sox re-sign Paul Konerko or another big name bat to patrol first base, expect Morel to head into spring training as the starter at third.
Dayan Viciedo, First Base
If Viciedo has a spot in the White Sox roster, it probably won’t be at third.
The Sox had hoped the Cuban free-agent signing of 2008 could fill that role, but his glove is a big question mark. Morel’s arrival in Charlotte moved Viciedo to first base. Any talk of him helping out the White Sox in 2011 starts there.
Viciedo has a heavy bat. He had 20 dingers in 86 games with Charlotte last year before being called up this summer, but he swings at a lot of poor pitches.
The amount of time Viciedo spends with Chicago will depend on Konerko’s possible return and what Williams finds available at first base. I could see some at bats for him at the DH spot, but it’s likely Williams will want more game-tested production out of those positions than possibly trotting out the next Joe Borchard or Josh Fields.
2011 Projection: Viciedo starts the season at AAA trying to develop some plate discipline, then may be up mid-season or in 2012.
Tyler Flowers, Catcher
Traded along with Brent Lillibridge and two minor-leaguers for Boone Logan and Javier Vasquez before the 2009 season, Flowers was looked at as the future behind the plate for the White Sox.
It doesn’t appear that he’s quite ready to assume that position just yet.
Flowers hit just .220 in Charlotte this season, despite 16 home runs. His two short looks in Chicago the last two years didn’t get anyone excited.
At 24, Flowers is probably going to be a below-average defensive backstop at best. Until he proves he can be a .280, 20 homer type of guy, I don’t see the White Sox turning over the everyday catcher’s spot to him. He may be that type of guy in two years, but he’s not that guy right now.
The fact that the White Sox bid in the Victor Martinez sweepstakes tells me the club feels the same way.
2011 Projection: Flowers plays everyday, in Charlotte. He gets a call up in September, but I think the Sox either re-sign A.J. Pierzynski or bring in another veteran (Miguel Olivo, perhaps) to bridge the gap to the Flowers era.
Gregory Infante, Pitcher
Infante wasn’t with the club long in 2010, but did not allow an earned run in his five September appearances.
He’s the prototypical Kenny Williams reliever. He’s got a live arm, big fastball, impressive curve ball when it’s going well, may be a little spotty with control.
The bullpen is a major priority for improvement. If the memory of the Scott Linebrink signing is still fresh in his mind, Williams trades for that arm or fills the need through the farm system.
2011 Projection: Infante gets a long look in the spring. Depending on what the White Sox are able to add in the arms department, he could find himself in a seventh inning set up role. However, I don’t think the team is going to sit still in addressing the bullpen for long this winter.
Trade Bait?
The White Sox have showed over the years that they aren’t afraid of dealing a hot prospect to make the club better. Any of the above guys could be sent packing if Williams gets the right offer. He likes making deals, and I think overall his success rate gives him the benefit of the doubt when we hear of a trade on the South Side.
I think Sale and Morel are safe bets to be on Chicago’s 40-man roster come spring, and I don’t think the organization is ready to give up on Flowers. But there are many highly touted players who found their way onto other rosters, and the wheeling and dealing of the Hot Stove League has just begun.
Read more MLB news on BleacherReport.com
Remember this picture White Sox fans? It’s the reason Paul Konerko is a White Sox legend. At the end of arguably his greatest professional season, Konerko is now a free agent.
The White Sox just also just met with Adam Dunn’s agent. Is Dunn a potential replacement for Konerko in Chicago? If so, would it be a smart move for the White Sox?
Here are the pros and cons of the White Sox replacing Paul Konerko with Adam Dunn.