Should the White Sox take a chance on J.J. Putz?

Apr 18, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher J.J. Putz (40) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

This just came to my mind this evening when I read an article about J.J. Putz being designated for assignment on Venom Strikes, the Fansided site about the Arizona Diamondbacks … Should the Chicago White Sox be interested in signing Putz to their bullpen?

Venom Strikes wrote the following about Putz:

"“(Putz) was given his walking papers after posting a 6.59 ERA in 18 games, covering 13 2/3 innings.”"

Remember Putz did play for the White Sox in 2010, where he pitched in 60 games that season, with three saves in 54 innings. He had a 7-5 record that season in Chicago. Again, that was four seasons and many pitches ago.

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Since then, Putz (2011-14) is 7-9 with 83 saves, with 77 of those saves coming in ’11 and ’12. In ’13, Putz had six saves in 34.1 innings (40 games).

Sure, he is 37 years old, and he hasn’t had had best stuff lately, but what could it hurt if the White Sox take a look at him?

The bullpen right now can’t be trusted, and the White Sox don’t really have a “real” closer with Nate Jones and Matt Lindstrom on the disabled list for most of the season.

The bullpen ERA before Friday’s game was 3.83 with 33 holds and 15 saves. The bullpen has allowed 98 earned runs and walked 128 batters.

This team needs a player that has some real-deal closing experience, so why not take a chance on Putz? Maybe being around Don Cooper could help out as well. Who knows unless they take a chance.

What are your thoughts on Putz, and do you believe he would be a good fit in the White Sox bullpen?

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