Despite a frenzy of activity and a ton of “possibilities” the 2010 MLB non-waiver trade deadline passed with the Chicago White Sox making only one trade.
While I’m an optimist that Edwin Jackson’s career will be revived under the guidance of Don Cooper, was his acquisition enough to help the White Sox win the AL Central?
World Series Contenders?
If GM Kenny Williams’ trade attempts are any indication of needs, he still thinks they need more hitting. Let’s examine the top trades that didn’t happen.
By: Soxman
Adam Dunn
It’s puzzling why the Washington Nationals didn’t move Dunn before the trade deadline. However, you have to applaud Kenny William’s patience in not “giving up the farm” for a player rental.
While Dunn’s .276, 25 HR, 66 RBI, .930 OPS would look good in the middle of the White Sox line-up, the everyday regulars, as a unit would become much slower (ok I know that’s a weak validation).
Seriously, the rumored price of Edwin Jackson, Dayan Viciedo and another top tier prospect such as Brett Morel or Jordan Danks was honestly a little ridiculous. If no other team was able to land him, you know the price had to be unrealistic.
Lance Berkman
Despite Berkman publicly saying that he would like to play for the Chicago White Sox shortly after Roy Oswalt was dealt, GM Kenny Williams confirmed on Saturday, that he had a trade worked out for him and Berkman declined. No details were available in terms of what players were included in the trade, but evidently Berkman preferred to play with close friend and former 2005 World Series teammate Andy Pettitte on the Yankees instead.
Manny Ramirez
Seemingly, this was the “huge” trade that created so much buzz on Friday. Evidently, there was belief that Ramirez was now expendable with the acquisition of Scott Podsednik. The Dodgers only commented that the offers they received were “pennies on the dollar” from Ramirez’ true value. There was some speculation that Viciedo was also part of this deal, but other sources indicated that the White sox were only offering middle tier prospects and salary relief.
Ramirez is getting ready to return from the DL, and is hitting .317, 8 HR, 39 RBI, .925 OPS, in 187 at bats this season.
It’s possible that Brett Myers was being pursued in the event the White Sox were able to flip Edwin Jackson in an Adam Dunn deal. As Myers signed a three-year extension with the Astros shortly after the trade deadline expired, its obvious they were never serious about trading him.
The Take
While the PED free Manny is still likely considered one of the greatest hitters ever, this move would have been a major gamble in interrupting the chemistry of the White Sox clubhouse.
Additionally, as we see more of “The Cuban Babe Ruth” Dayan Viciedo, Sox fans become less willing to part with him. While his defensive future is clearly at first base, he has performed just as well as Mark Teahen, and appears to have a special bat, especially if he learns plate discipline (.318, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 1 SB, .818 OPS in 66 ABs.