With the Cubs going through hard times once again, it’s the Cubs manager who’s defending his players against those calling for wholesale changes by the July 31 trade deadline.
“I don’t see a whole bunch of guys going,” Dusty Baker said before Sunday’s loss to the Nationals. “You might see a guy or two [traded]. But I don’t think you’ve got to blow this thing up and start all over again. I highly disagree with that.
“Keep the nucleus. Some of the young players, you want to get better, just through experience. Then you add a few and delete a couple, and then you’ve got a good team again.”
Among those expected to be deleted are second baseman Todd Walker and utility player Phil Nevin, neither of whom fits the team’s future.
As for the White Sox, General Manager Ken Williams didn’t deny rumors Sunday that his team is among four “finalists” in the running for Washington left fielder Alfonso Soriano. Believed also to be in the bidding are the Tigers, the Yankees and the Angels.
The Nationals want young players in return, especially pitchers, and the Sox are as well stocked as any team in baseball.
Asked about rumors that his team is interested in Soriano, Williams replied: “It doesn’t surprise me. I knew it would come out. Whoever gets him, it will be a high price to pay.”
On Sunday, backup catcher Chris Widger was designated for assignment Sunday and replaced by Sandy Alomar Jr., obtained from the Dodgers for Double-A pitcher B.J. LaMura. It’s Alomar’s third tour of the duty in Chicago.
Widger, who joins reliever Cliff Politte as released non-producers from last season, was hitting .184 in 27 games.
