Baseball News

World Series titles aren't won on paper, aren't won in December, aren't always won by the best team. But White Sox general manager Ken Williams, always aggressive, never afraid, is extending his team's October roll into the off-season. His killer trade for right-hander Javier Vazquez gives the Sox — on paper, in December — a legitimate chance to repeat.
The addition of Vazquez makes the game's deepest rotation even deeper, putting further distance between the White Sox and the rest of the AL Central. Jim Thome, if healthy, will be an upgrade at designated hitter over Carl Everett. Rob Mackowiak, a versatile utility man, gives the Sox a viable backup for third baseman Joe Crede, who is recovering from two herniated disks in his lower back.
Lest anyone forget, the White Sox also accomplished their biggest off-season priority — re-signing first baseman Paul Konerko. The Vazquez deal, though, is the topper. The players the White Sox traded — "El Duque" Hernandez, reliever Luis Vizcaino and minor-league outfielder Chris Young — all should be replaceable.
Vazquez will take Hernandez's rotation spot, allowing right-hander Brandon McCarthy to pitch in the bullpen, possibly in Vizcaino's role. Young is a top center-field prospect who had a monster season at Class AA despite being only 21. But the White Sox plan to play an even more highly regarded prospect, Brian Anderson, in center next season.
Here's the best part: By acquiring Vazquez, Williams suddenly is in a position of strength with his rotation. Just as the signing of free-agent right-hander Esteban Loaiza gave A's GM Billy Beane the flexibility to trade left-hander Barry Zito, Williams now can entertain offers for right-handers Jose Contreras and Jon Garland, both of whom can be free agents after next season.