| Tim Donakowski. 10th August, 2005 - 4:46 am
 As the trade deadline approached, White Sox fans waited eagerly. They knew with trigger-happy General Manager Ken Williams, something big was going to happen.
They waited until the seconds ticked down on that Sunday afternoon, only to see the Sox acquire utility man Geoff Blum. Not to down play the addition, every team could use a guy who can play almost every position, fans just had higher expectations.
For weeks their were names like A.J. Burnett, Jason Schmitt, Billy Wagner, all rumored to be heading to the south side. Instead all the Sox could get was Blum.
With all the talk about the White Sox World Series drought, and the Red Sox finally overcoming their drought, how could Williams not have put all the chips on the table? Isn’t forfeiting the farm system worth the hope that maybe, just maybe this could be the year? It’s not like they are in the middle of a wild card race, or battling a team for the division lead, they have the best record in the entire league.
The good news is just because the trade deadline has passed, it does not mean that the Sox can not make a significant move. Using the waiver wire, talent can still obtained for the stretch run.
The Sox have been rumored to be interested in using the waivers to get Ken Griffey Jr. Acquiring Griffey has a lot of question marks considering his passed health problems and enormous contract. It’s debatable what would be more amazing: the Sox winning it all, or Griffey staying healthy for an entire season.
Although Griffey is not the same Griffey that signed that big contract, I think this could be that significant move the Sox need.
With Frank Thomas out for the year and Carl Everett dinged up, Griffey fits in quite well as the designated hitter and outfield substitute. With the Sox great pitching, starting and bullpen, another bat moves ahead of any other need.
Another starter would be nice with Jose Contreras struggling and the health of Orlando Hernandez always a worry. Considering they have essentially already clinched the playoffs, a fifth starter really is not necessary as in the post-season, teams only use a three or four man rotation.
The bullpen seems to be an area where a team can always improve, but for the Sox, they seem to be okay. Manager Ozzie Guillen has depth in the bullpen and a go-to closer in Dustin Hermanson.
Their have been questions about Hermanson’s back and if he will be able to stay healthy for the remainder of the season. Hermanson might be hurting but he has not shown any signs of it. He has not let up a run in his last eight innings pitched which spans over seven games.
Considering it is a little harder to orchestrate a trade through the waivers, Griffey might be the best they can do. Knowing the Sox and how they feel about money, this deal will never happen unless the Reds help out paying Griffey’s contract. |
