Will White Sox Make One More Impact Move?

Aug 10, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher

(38) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

TYSON ROSS

The San Diego Padres financial arrangement with the Dodgers regarding Matt Kemp’s salary gives them the flexibility to add a top arm per Jon Heyman.

Theoretically if the Padres were to land James Shields or swing a deal for Cole Hamels, one of their current starters could go on the block. The White Sox would be wise to call on the availability of righty Tyson Ross.

Ross was an ace caliber pitcher for the Padres last season with a 2.81 ERA and 195 strikeouts over 31 starts, on the strength of a career best 9.0 SO/9 ratio. Ross would be an excellent fit in the White Sox rotation, because he isn’t even set to hit arbitration until ’16, and would fit right in with young starters Chris Sale, Jose Quintana and eventually Carlos Rodon.

The Padres acquired power hitting third baseman Will Middlebrooks from the Boston Red Sox earlier this offseason to compete with Yangervis Solarte for the third base job. Considering the way Middlebrooks performed last year, I’d say Solarte has the edge.

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However, current White Sox third baseman Conor Gillaspie could be a more attractive option for San Diego. Gillaspie had a solid year in 2014, but he’s struggled mightily against left-handed pitching and the White Sox have enough infield depth to dangle him in a trade.

Aug 13, 2014; San Francisco, CA, USA; Chicago White Sox third baseman Conor Gillaspie (12) tosses his bat after drawing a walk against the San Francisco Giants during the second inning at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Davidson is better suited for third base long-term anyway, since it is a power position after all, and Gillaspie doesn’t hit for much power.

Davidson should rebound after a disappointing year in Triple-A Charlotte, and could platoon with the likes of Gordon Beckham or Emilio Bonifacio, leaving Gillaspie expendable.

The White Sox outfield is locked up for the next few years, with Melky Cabrera, Adam Eaton and Avisail Garcia all in place for the long haul. This makes ’12 first rounder and outfield prospect Courtney Hawkins another potential piece in a deal for Ross.

Throw in a lottery ticket like Cleuluis Rondon and Ross could find himself going from the West Coast to the Windy City.

Out of all three potential trade ideas, Fister has the most name value, Roark is the most feasible target and the acquisition of Ross would be one way for Hahn to essentially put Executive of the Year in the bag.