According to a report from USA Today’s Bob Nightengale the Dodgers are aggressively seeking a trade with the White Sox for shortsop Alexei Ramirez. The Dodgers appear to be preempting the departure of Hanley Ramirez as he heads to the last free agent mega-deal of his career. Is it possible that the Dodgers are indicating their desire to exercise some financial responsibility under new team President Andrew Friedman? In exchanging Ramirezes the Dodgers would bring a steady glove and bat; and a lot less baggage.
Also, an early report from Comcast SportsNet’s Dan Hayes indicates that the White Sox have signed Milwauee left-hander Zach Duke. The White Sox bullpen was regularly rocked during the 2014 campaign. Duke would bring some stability; but the back end of the bullpen, especially, will be a priority for GM Rick Hahn. The White Sox were brutal at the ends of games – especially after trading 25-year old Addison Reed to Arizona for “prospect” Matt Davidson. Davidson struggled down on the farm in 2014 battting .199, and may never see a big league ballpark again.
Hahn has taken a slightly different approach than his counterparts on the Northside of town. He is carefully acquiring and flipping veteran players for prospects. A good example of his machinations was the giant three-way deal that sent Jake Peavy from the White Sox to the Red Sox. The Red Sox sent Jose Iglesias to Detroit, and the White Sox acquired promising young right-fielder Avisail Garcia from the Tigers.
The White Sox have been extremely active on the Cuban market signing Ramirez, Dayan Viciedo, and of course, Jose Abreu. Abreu has been lauded for his leadership and consistency amid a very difficult season for the White Sox. He was an obvious and ironic choice for AL Rookie of the Year considering he is 27 with almost a decade of professional experience.
Stay tuned.
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