Boston’s final series before the trade deadline could be altered based on the movements made by the Sox. The White Sox, that is.
Coming off a 5-2 homestand, the Red Sox head to Chicago for three games at U.S. Cellular Field, where both teams will be looking to make changes to the roster prior to the deadline Sunday afternoon. Just one club’s activity could have an actual impact on the three-game set.
The White Sox already made a significant move, shipping away right-hander Edwin Jackson and infielder/outfielder Mark Teahen away in a multi-team trade. Gavin Floyd, Chicago’s scheduled starter for Friday’s series opener, has also been rumored to be on the market alongside fellow starter John Danks.
As the first pitch of the series opener approaches, rumors are swirling around the head of slugging outfielder Carlos Quentin, who was 4-for-12 with four RBIs in a three-game series at Fenway earlier this year. Quentin could be headed to Philadelphia or Atlanta. The Red Sox could even get in the mix, but they would probably be down the list if the right fielder is made available.
While Boston could make a move of its own in the next three days, it would more likely involve the acquisition of a starter. If any of the big names — Erik Bedard, Ubaldo Jimenez and Hiroki Kuroda — are acquired, they wouldn’t start for the Red Sox in this series. It’s very likely that Boston enters Chicago with a certain roster, and leaves with that roster intact, for it would only take prospects to acquire those arms.
As for Chicago, it all comes down to whether the team sees itself as a buyer or a seller. The Jackson trade didn’t necessarily suggest one or the other, for the team has some capable starters to absorb that loss and did receive some assistance in the bullpen with the acquisition of Jason Frasor.
The White Sox are just three games out in the very vanilla American League Central. In past years, bigger deficits have done little to stop general manager Kenny Williams from pursuing upgrades.
Williams may stand pat with a team that has talent but has underachieved, hoping some of the disappointing bats wake up. If not, he could pull the trigger on a move that alters his team just as Boston arrives.
