Who should stay with the Chicago White Sox long term?
By Brian Draus
With the Chicago White Sox looking as though they will be sellers at the trade deadline, I want to go over who they should keep around for another potential rebuild.
This is about no just for this year, but for long term, as this time I will focus on the position players, unlike in a previous article where I spoke on the pitching of the White Sox.
• Definitely keep: Jose Abreu, Adam Eaton, Avisail Garcia
While I am not sure which direction the Sox will head in moving forward, if this team has any fantasies of winning over the next couple of years they need to hang on to these three.
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First of all, Abreu is on a very reasonable contract for a player of his caliber. Eaton may be having a down year, but due to the fact that he is signed long-term at a price that many teams would love it would be wise to keep him around.
Garcia also needs to stay, as he could become another Magglio Ordonez. That will take time due to the fact that he needs time to develop.
• Possibly keep: Carlos Sanchez, Melky Cabrera, Adam LaRoche
Both Cabrera and LaRoche are both signed to multi-year deals, not to mention they still have something left in them.
Sanchez is interesting, due to the fact that he is a very good defender at second base. His big weakness right now is at the plate, where he is not a major league caliber hitter at the moment.
LaRoche could have some value due to the fact that he hits righties well, not to mention he is a solid defender. Cabrera is an interesting case, due to his struggles and the fact that he may be over the hill.
• Definitely move: Tyler Flowers, Geovany Soto, Gordon Beckham, Emilio Bonifacio, Conor Gillaspie, Alexei Ramirez, J.B. Shuck
The White Sox do not have a major league catcher on their roster right now, as both Flowers and Soto need to go.
Ramirez is starting to age, and considering the fact that will likely only get worse it is the right time to deal him. Bonifacio could provide a team with speed off the bench, as well as versatility in the field.
Beckham is another utility caliber player that the Sox could deal before the end of 2015, however I doubt he would bring back a huge return.
May 31, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman
Conor Gillaspie(12) bats against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Chicago won 6 to 0. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Gillaspie might have some value, but he really doesn’t have a position due to his lack of power, not to mention the fact that he isn’t the best defender. If Gillaspie could learn to play multiple positions he might be able to stick around in the big leagues as a bench player.
Shuck is another player the team could try to move, though he is nothing more than a backup outfielder/pinch runner.
Looking at the Sox position players, there is a lot to be desired right now. If they have any chance of competing in the near future, many changes need to be made especially at catcher and third base.
This offense is terrible, and needs an infusion of young bats that can really hit.
I am not sure if they have that in the minors, however it may be possible to make some deals over the next six months that can bring young talent to the South Side.
Next: Chicago White Sox: Is it time to give up?