Ben Davis = trade bait?

[CWSGuy406]

Hmm... If the Mets traded Scott Kazmir just to aquire Victor Zambrano, think they'd give us Philip Humber for Davis and Diaz?

 

(It's funny because I'm actually half serious -- well, no I'm not, but Minaya might be crazy enough to do it.)

[JUGGERNAUT]

But don't the White Sox have more power to wield over Davis than either Widger or Burke?

 

Let's assume all of them our out of options. That means they have to clear waivers to remain with the Sox. If Davis doesn't clear then someone is willing to pick up that salary. If he does clear the Sox can designate him for assignment. Either go to Charlotte or refuse, give up the $ & become a FA. Am I wrong about that?

 

With respect to Burke & Widger they are expected to clear & not making much will most likely accept assignment if it's offered to them. So when you say we have C'g depth in the event AJP goes down I don't see how that depth will be depleted if we don't keep all 3 on the major league roster.

 

Do we all agree that while AJP is the starting C that Burke offers the most of the bench? It seems to me then that Burke has earned himself the 25th spot.

 

As for trading Davis that goes w/out question. If the potential for placing him on waivers this yr is high then we should get as much as we can for him. A trade would be better than waivers.

[Guest JimH]

But don't the White Sox have more power to wield over Davis than either Widger or Burke?

 

Let's assume all of them our out of options.  That means they have to clear waivers to remain with the Sox.  If Davis doesn't clear then someone is willing to pick up that salary.  If he does clear the Sox can designate him for assignment.  Either go to Charlotte or refuse, give up the $ & become a FA.  Am I wrong about that?

 

With respect to Burke & Widger they are expected to clear & not making much will most likely accept assignment if it's offered to them.  So when you say we have C'g depth in the event AJP goes down I don't see how that depth will be depleted if we don't keep all 3 on the major league roster.

 

Do we all agree that while AJP is the starting C that Burke offers the most of the bench?  It seems to me then that Burke has earned himself the 25th spot.

 

As for trading Davis that goes w/out question.  If the potential for placing him on waivers this yr is high then we should get as much as we can for him.  A trade would be better than waivers.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

You're all over the map here, I highly doubt anyone is talking about putting Davis on waivers. The Sox traded for this guy only 9 months ago, I cannot figure out why they'd be interested in trading him or getting rid of him already.

 

As for the depth issue ... I didn't follow your post. Simply put, with Pierzynski and Davis the White Sox have very solid major league catching depth. Burke already agreed to a minor league contract so there's no question he'll play in Charlotte if asked ... he's already said he would in fact.

 

Here is my take on Widger ... they like something about him otherwise he wouldn't have gotten an invite. Before we go too far, let's also remember there are 30+ spring games and someone has to catch all those innings. Very frankly it helps a pitching staff prepare better if a veteran guy is behind the plate. A veteran guy can also help all these young pitchers the Sox are trotting out as well.

 

It wouldn't surprise me if when talking to Widger they told him, hey, you'll get a lot of playing time. There's a chance we'll carry three catchers plus you'll get to show your wares for other teams. If no one wants you come 4/1 and you don't make the big club, we have a spot for you in Charlotte. We like you and want you in our organization but if some other team comes calling we won't stand in your way.

 

I tend to agree with what Darrin Jackson said on the telecast - Pierzynski and Davis are set, they are still making a decision on all the fringe guys, which includes Burke, Widger, Adkins, Ozuna, etc. etc.

[Jabroni]

The Sox aren't going to cut Davis. If they do, they would still have to pay out his $1 million contract. It's not going to happen. Either Ben Davis is the backup catcher OR he is traded and Burke or Widger gets the job. It's as simple as that.

Edited March 26, 2005 by Jabroni