QUOTE(AddisonStSox @ Jan 8, 2005 -> 01:07 PM)
Now that Kenny has devoted himself to the "New Look White Sox," who on the current roster is expendable and proves valuable in the trade market? Whether it was the inability to snag Omar Vizquel, the trade of Carlos Lee, or the surprise signing of El Duque and Pierznski, the future of the White Sox has become painfully obvious. The White Sox we have been accustomed to over the past 2-4 years may no longer fit the dynamic of this ball club.
Who, in your best judgment, is expendable? Do we have players on this roster that would undoubtedly bring a nice return in the trade market? Do we have players on this roster that would qualify as a salary dump?
I ask these questions because I have identified at least two members of the Sox that would best serve this ball club in the trade market.
1. Cliff Politte. I believe with the addition of Dustin Hermanson and Louis Vizcaino and the improvement of both Cotts and Adkins, Politte no longer plays a necessary role in the bullpen of 2005 and beyond. Politte, a right-handed set-up/long reliever has found his match in Dustin Hermanson. Hermanson can set-up, provide long relief, and spot-start. Although you could never have too many strong arms in the bullpen, I believe Politte would best serve this team in a trade for either a middle infielder, a young IF prospect, or a younger arm for the bullpen. If the Sox prove to be contenders in 2005, look for Politte to draw heavy interest around the trade deadline.
2. Willie Harris. I will try to make this claim with no anti-Willie bias. With the addition of a middle infielder on the horizon, does Willie become a necessity in 2005? IMO, he does not. I believe trading Willie Harris could be rather productive for the Sox. Many clubs out there have a need for speedy, rangey middle infielders, and I think many of those clubs would overpay. Why? I don't know. Anyone that has watched Willie play on a day-to-day basis like we have over the past few seasons knows Willie remains one of the biggest question marks on this club. Do we have a legit, everyday starting second baseman or do we have an average glorified pinch-runner? It seems both Ozzie and Kenny don't like Harris and I think he stands just as good a chance as anybody in terms of getting dealt.
Have at it fellas. Who can/should be dealt?
Nobody wants worthless Harris he has NO trade value at all.