Alright, I think this is a great deal. Orlando Hernandez was the worst of our five starters last year. While he threw some good games at times, his strikeout rate was at an all time low and he was still walking over 3.5 every nine innings. His WHIP bordered on 1.50 and by most estimations, he was lucky to have that .500 record. Throw in injury concerns and he’s not a guy we could rely on going into next year.
Javier Vazquez will be three years removed from his monster season in 2003. On top of that, his 2005 wasn’t as bad as his 11-15 record would indicate. Vazquez’s strikeout rate was up and he nearly struck out 200 batters and his walk rate was down. He did give up 35 homers, and while that’s a concern, Vazquez still has the ability to get the big out. I also think the change of scenery will be good for him.
And I hate to say this, Ozzie Guillen might be the best thing for Vazquez. While I’ve been critical of Guillen for some of his methods, I do think he’s good at dealing with the players and I think he’ll be able to utilize Javier Vazquez to his fullest extent.
The White Sox also gave up Luis Vizcaino (good riddance) and Chris Young. Young wasn’t on Sickel’s radar last year, Young had a very solid season for AA Birmingham. He led the team in homeruns (26), slugging (.545) and doubles (41). We’ll see how he does next year.
I’m really getting excited about next year because I really like the moves the White Sox have made.
February 1st, 2006 at 7:01 pm
Yeah, on the surface it’s a good trade.
Vasquez has a great arm though he lacks
guidence. But Hernandez is a legend who
would still be a god if he wasn’t
injured. His performance in game 3 of
the ALDS should teach people how dominant
he still is even today with the injuries.
Hernandez was a major influence on
Contreras and he filled in when he was
most needed. I doubt Vazquez will fill
that role. The Sox benefitted from close
(and ugly) calls last year against the
angels, and they were tired. We’ll see
who wins this year. We might need a 3rd
baseman still. Alfonzo looks like a
post-steroid era baby who wont last but
I could be wrong.
February 1st, 2006 at 7:10 pm
By the way, I personally think people should
stop using stats to describe a player’s worth.
It’s misleading and foolish. Take basketball
for example: Even on the crappiest of teams
someone is still probably going to score 20
ppg. But is that player able to produce and
succeed in a winning, team atmosphere?
Personally I think the White Sox could end
up like the ‘85 Bears. All the right pieces
but no solid foundation. I also think the
White Sox will miss El Duque and his influence,
but the chance to harness a tanelted arm
like Vazquez is too good to pass up, not to
mention El Duque’s injuries.