Alex Rodriguez probably is too costly for Ken Williams’ off-season wish list, but the White Sox general manager just might benefit from Rodriguez’s free agency.
If Rodriguez leaves, the Yankees could seek a third baseman unless they stick with perennial prospect Wilson Betemit, and the Sox may need to move one of their third basemen — Joe Crede or even Josh Fields — to shore up a shoddy bullpen in addition to fortifying the top of the lineup and stabilizing the outfield.
The Yankees have a surplus of young power arms, and the Sox’s evaluation of the Yankees’ prospects started last summer and continues into the Arizona Fall League. Here’s a look at whom Williams may consider buying and/or selling:
David Eckstein
This could be a case of one-stop shopping, with free agent Eckstein fulfilling the leadoff and shortstop duties. Eckstein provides a perfect fit with his bunting and hit-and-run capabilities.
But Eckstein will turn 33 in January and has been nagged by back problems.
Juan Uribe
In a conference call with reporters, manager Ozzie Guillen said the team was undecided whether to stick with Uribe or get “someone else.” The Sox could give Uribe a $300,000 buyout within 15 days of the end of the World Series and try to re-sign him for less if they can’t upgrade.
With no prospects ahead of 16-year-old Juan Silverio, the Sox could trade for a younger shortstop. For all the criticism levied at Uribe’s lack of patience at the plate, his 34 walks were fifth best on the Sox in 2007.
The Sox may need a veteran to play second base and help mentor Danny Richar. Uribe helped Richar acclimate to the majors in the final two months of the 2007.
Aaron Rowand
Rowand’s unselfish play would help spark a team lacking a vocal leader as well as help regain the fans’ faith, and his willingness to bat anywhere would give Guillen some flexibility in a pedestrian lineup.
But Eric Byrnes’ three-year, $30 million contract helped raise Rowand’s value after a career-best season.
Torii Hunter
In an interview with Fox Sports North, Hunter, 32, confirmed he was seeking a longer deal than the three-year, $45 million offer from Minnesota he rejected late last season. The $21.3 million that Texas saves by Rodriguez opting out of his contract with the Yankees (stemming from a 2004 trade) could be applied toward Hunter.
Finances to acquire a marquee free agent might not be a problem, but the Sox already have seven players 30 or order signed through 2009. That doesn’t include Jim Thome, 37, whose $13 million option for 2009 will become vested if he stays healthy next season.
Carl Crawford
It’s hard to believe Crawford batted leadoff in only seven games for Tampa Bay. Teammate Rocco Baldelli would be a cheaper alternative who can fill the Sox’s needs in center and leadoff, but he has played only 127 games over the last two seasons because of injuries.
Tampa Bay, however, could be enticed by some of the Sox’s struggling relievers who may need a change of scenery.
Boston’s Coco Crisp, who haunted the Sox during his Cleveland days, could be expendable with the emergence of Jacoby Ellsbury. Boston and the Sox are familiar with each organization’s talent because of trade talks last summer involving Mark Buehrle and Jermaine Dye.
Jon Garland
Aside from Paul Konerko, whose full no-trade rights go into effect next May, Garland would bring back the most value. Philadelphia, in the market for starting pitching, was among the teams that scouted Garland in late September.
He will earn $12 million next season and is one of the most durable pitchers in the majors. Garland has grown accustomed to trade talks, and getting a Willy Taveras-style player, a serviceable reliever and a major-league-ready position player could move Williams’ off-season in the right direction.
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mgonzales@tribune.com
