Earlier today, the White Sox traded pitcher Edwin Jackson and utility man Mark Teahen to the Blue Jays for reliever Jason Frasor and minor-league pitching prospect Zach Stewart. Jackson may not even have time to put a Jays cap on as he is expected to be traded to the Cardinals in a deal for CF Colby Rasmus. Rasmus was recently the center of trade rumors with the White Sox in a deal for Carlos Quentin and Matt Thornton. Jackson was inconsistent in his time with the White Sox but has been solid as of late. He is 7-7 with a 3.92 ERA in 19 starts for the White Sox.
Does this trade indicate White Sox GM Kenny Williams has officially waived the white flag on the 2011 season or is he building on strengths for a stretch run?
Well, first the move secures a five-man rotation for the rest of the season. Phil Humber, who could be this year’s most pleasant surprise for the White Sox will remain locked in at the fifth spot in the rotation. But multiple sources have confirmed that Gavin Floyd and John Danks are also on the trading block.
Today’s game against the Detroit Tigers could very well decide whether or not they are moved in a trade.
John Frasor has a 2.98 ERA in 42 1/3 innings this season, striking out 37 and walking 15. He has a $3.2 million option for 2012.
Baseball America ranks Stewart as the Jay’s 5th best prospect, which means that in addition to dumping salary and Teahen’s roster spot, Williams received some value in return.
Many White Sox fans consider Teahen a bust as he never really capitalized on his opportunities in Chicago. If it were not for Adam Dunn and Alex Rios’ miserable years, Teahen would likely be hearing more boos as he hit .203 with a paltry .277 OBP this season. Stay tuned White Sox Fans.
The next five days could get very interesting. Stay tuned!
Soxman is a Sports Bank senior contributor and White Sox columnist and contributor to the Chicago Red Eye. You can e-mail him at thesoxman72@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter: @thesoxman72.