Chicago Gets a Little Cleanup: Sox Dump Dirty 30

The news slowly trickled in. First ESPN, then FOX, and soon the White Sox front page. The Sox did, indeed, trade Nick Swisher. To the Yankees, no less. The full deal is Nick Swisher and Kanekoa Texeira (minor league pitcher) for Jeff Marquez, Johnny Nunez (both minor league pitchers in the Yankee system), and Wilson Betemit. Betemit is a first baseman and utility infielder.

This deal puts to rest any rumors that may be remaining about Paul Konerko’s trade- now that we don’t have a backup first baseman and all... And it expands the White Sox budget just a tad.

The Yankees didn’t give up much- unless, of course, Williams knows more than we do and more than what the numbers show. But then again, either did the Sox. There is this little bloop by the [ESPN article]

Not even average

Nick Swisher in 2008 had the worst batting average among players with at least 502 plate appearances, the number needed to qualify for the batting title.

From the bottom up
Nick Swisher, White Sox	.219
Daric Barton, A's	.226
Michael Bourn, Astros	.229
Jack Cust, A's	.231
Mark Ellis, A's	.233
Rickie Weeks, Brewers	.234
Kevin Millar, Orioles	.234

I told you he was one of [the worst players in baseball] this season! Then again, a blind German boy who spoke no English and had no knowledge of baseball could have told you that, too.

What does this mean in terms of center field? Either a big trade is coming, or it’s time for BA to put his money where his big mouth is. Or Jerry Owens. So far, that’s all I got.

Siftin through the Rumors

It’s hard to sift through the garbage to get to what’s really going on with the White Sox organization. Honestly, if you listen to anyone that tells you the Sox are trading Paul Konerko for anyone, you should know that person is a liar of Boras-like proportions. To reiterate what was said repeatedly while Konerko was slumping this summer: no-trade clause. Lots of talk about Vazquez being traded. That might be even more laughable because, first of all, he is not a bad pitcher. He’s unreliable, sure, but he has lots of talent. Second, and most important, is that after a bad year, his trade value would be lower. If you’re gonna trade Javi, wait ‘till you can get something good. That’s the idea that the people suggesting we should trade Floyd have, anyway (sell high, buy low…). Anything is possible, but I'd have to see it to believe it.

What is reliable and what I do know comes from the official announcement that Cabrera, Crede, Hall, Griffey, [Horacio] Ramirez, and Uribe have officially filed for free agency. [And maybe this article.] Apparently, Williams told the press Swisher wouldn’t be playing center field anymore. Is it time for Anderson or Owens to take over? That’s how it seems. I was unaware of this decision, but completely onboard with it. Honestly. You have too much of the same thing. A surplus of pitchers is what we could really use.

And if they won’t bring back Crede, a new third baseman. How about this guy? Dayan Viciendo, 19, is on the White Sox’ radar [according to Cowley] as a possible replacement for Crede. (Seriously, look this kid up sometime. I think you might find yourself slack-jawed!) This seems like one of the best options for now at 3rd base. And can I just say, "HA! I knew they wouldn't settle for Josh Fields!"

Are the Sox Over Swisher?

I really think someone is toying with me. Read [an article today]- a blog post, really. The topic? Nick Swisher used as trade bait. We have enough sluggers (Not to mention outfielders!), they say, and KW wants speed. That leaves Swish the odd man out.

While noting would make me happier, I’m sure his trade value has plummeted and this may not be the best thing for the team overall. I mean, would you trade your start pitcher for a guy [who I personally] nicknamed BeatNick? I think not.

The truth is he’s just had a bad year. Understandable. But overall, he’s not a much better player. I’m thinking .260 at best. Or as God himself, Kenny Williams put it:

"He better," Williams told MLB.com, when asked if he expected Swisher to raise his numbers in 2009.

Add that to the men who’ve already filed for free agency and you’re looking at a whole new ballclub. In case you’ve lost track, Cabrera, Crede, Griffey, Hall, [Horacio] Ramirez, and Uribe have all filed for free agency. Some will find a home soon (Cabrera, Ramirez, Uribe), some could still come back with the Sox (Hall), and some will find the free agent market unfriendly (Cree, Griffey). We’ll find out soon enough.

Welcome to the White Sox House

Barack Obama has been the early projected winner of the 2008 Presidential Race. Not just that, but he has endorsed the White Sox during his run for office. So with that great endorsement from a man with much power, I have taken the liberty to suggest some ideas that will surely better Washington. First, I suggest that the White House be renamed the White Sox House. If not, this architectural change I've crudely photoshopped for you seems like a good way to change Washington Lanscape, and perhaps our government can be sponsored by U.S. Cellular, and be called U.S. Cellular House.