May 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija throws a pitch against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Christmas might be a bit of a let down for Chicago White Sox fans this year. They may feel like they’ve already received the greatest gifts of the holiday season while their favorite team was in San Diego for the MLB winter meetings this week.
Before the annual gathering began Sunday, December 7th, I wrote about the White Sox potential Wishlist heading into the winter meetings. White Sox general manager, Rick Hahn, and executive vice president, Kenny Williams, wasted no time getting to work.
Shark Attack!
They say that pitching wins pennants. If the age-old adage holds true, the White Sox should have a leg up on the competition in the American League Central Division. During the winter meetings the White Sox addressed the pitching staff by trading for Jeff Samardzija, a much-needed right-handed arm in the rotation. “Shark” posted a 3.14 ERA and 3.30 FIP in 111.2 innings after being traded to the Oakland A’s July 5th, 2014.
Fangraphs credited Samardzija with a 4.1 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) last season between both leagues. Scott Carroll and Andre Rienzo took turns as the Sox fifth starter last season, compiling a -0.1 WAR between them. Samardzija’s presence alone in the starting rotation should add a few wins to the Southsider’s record. Just don’t ask the Shark to bunt, you won’t like him when he bunts.
Aug 24, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher
David Robertson(30) pitches during the ninth inning against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. New York Yankees won 7-4 in ten innings. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
What A Relief
The most glaring weakness for the Sox heading into this offseason was their bullpen. White Sox relievers had the second highest ERA, and highest FIP, of any bullpen in the American League in 2014, according to Fangraphs. The biggest takeaway from the winter meetings is the lengths the team was willing to go to turn the White Sox biggest weakness into arguably their biggest strength. Signing David Robertson, a top-tier closer, to a lucrative contract and trading for LHP Dan Jennings put the league on notice that the White Sox were, indeed, done rebuilding.
If a team is going to spend money, they should spend it on a player that can perform successfully and consistently. Robertson seems to fit the bill.
David Robertson has only been a full-time closer for one year, but it’s because he was pitching in front of one of the greatest closers of all time, Mariano Rivera. As soon as he was handed the reigns to the position in 2014, he flourished, savings 39 games in 44 opportunities, while posting a 2.68 FIP and 1.06 WHIP.
What amazes me about Robertson is his consistency. He has posted an FIP lower than 2.70 and a WHIP lower than 1.20 each of the last four seasons. He has also boasted a K/9 (strike outs per nine innings) greater than 10.0 in each of his seven major league seasons.
When the terms of the deal were first reported, $56 million over four years, I couldn’t believe the team was willing to commit that much cash to a closer. However, if a team is going to spend money, they should spend it on a player that can perform successfully and consistently. Robertson seems to fit the bill.
Dan Jennings is an interesting acquisition, in that nobody saw this one coming. Jennings will only be 28 at the start of next season, and has three seasons of major league experience to his credit.
Next: White Sox trade for Dan Jennings
He owns a career 2.43 ERA and 3.57 FIP. CSNChicago’s Dan Hayes wrote that White Sox pitching coach, Don Cooper, “likes what he has seen on video…” and he already, “intends to make a mechanical alteration.” The mechanical alteration might be needed, as Jennings has posted a 1.46 WHIP during his career.
It’s clear the potential is there for Jennings to be a stalwart in the ‘pen under the tutelage of Cooper. The trade for Jennings gives the Sox two solid LHP options in the bullpen before throwing the possible springtime addition of Carlos Rodon into the equation.
A bullpen consisting of Daniel Webb, Zach Putnam, Javy Guerra, Jake Petricka, Zach Duke, Dan Jennings, Carlos Rodon and David Robertson should be a scary thought for the rest of the league.
May 24, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox right fielder
Dayan Viciedo(24) hits an RBI double during the first inning against the New York Yankees at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
What’s Left?
The only task the White Sox did not accomplish at the winter meetings was finding a replacement for Dayan Viciedo in left field. While he is still a member of the team, the Sox don’t see him as a permanent solution in left. According to MLBRumors.com, the Sox are currently working on a trade that would send Tank to the Mariners.
White Sox, Mariners In “Serious Talks” On Dayan Viciedo http://t.co/bVCvn3YZOg
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) December 11, 2014
We’ve heard the Viciedo to Seattle rumors before, however, so it’s not a given Dayan will end up there. The Mariners haven’t been able to complete a deal with Melky Cabrera yet, which may have some Sox fans dreaming about bring Melky to the Southside. It’s doubtful the Sox will spend another ten million dollars plus annually on one player at this point though.
As I have mentioned before, free agents Nori Aoki and Colby Rasmus both remain on the market. Former White Sox center fielder Alex Rios and Ichiro Suzuki also have not found a home for 2015. Whenever Melky Cabrera settles on a deal to his liking, the rest of the outfield dominos will likely fall down, one of them, perhaps, right into Rick Hahn’s lap. Until then it’s probably a waiting game.
Next: Rule 5 Draft: White Sox select Peter Tago
The White Sox ended the winter meetings with a lot of buzz and fans can be very excited about the direction of the team. They turned a glaring weakness into a strength where their bullpen was concerned, and addressed their need for a right-handed starting pitcher. Not bad for four days of work in the San Diego sun.
Keep an eye on Southside Showdown for future developments. The White Sox have accomplished a lot this offseason, but they’re definitely not done!
* All advanced stats, unless otherwise noted, courtesy of baseball-reference.com.