The White Sox finally traded away one of their starters last night to make room for Brandon McCarthy in the rotation. The odd man out was Freddy Garcia and the White Sox got two minor league pitchers for him. I like this because it gives us two prospects who are close to the majors that can either fill in the gaps in the rotation in the next couple of years or they can provide nice trade bait at the trading deadline.
Gavin Floyd has really struggled the past couple of seasons as he made efforts to make it in the major leagues. Control is his biggest problem. In 108 2/3 major league innings, Floyd has walked 64 batters versus 75 strikeouts. Floyd even struggled in the Arizona Fall League this year. But at some point, he showed a ton of promise and was the fourth overall pick by the Phillies.
Gio Gonzalez was part of the White Sox organization until he was traded last year as part of the Jim Thome deal. He had a better AFL season but he struggled a bit in Double A for the Phillies. His strikeouts were there but his walk rate spiked and he gave up 24 homeruns in 154 2/3 innings. He’ll probably start the year in Triple A this year.
This is a solid deal and it could turn into a really good one if Floyd finds his way.
December 7th, 2006 at 6:12 am
I certainly hope you are right that this is a “solid deal.” However, I have a great deal of trouble seeing that right now. I thought we had finally movedbeyond having to d beyond having to worry about economizing. For a contending team to give up a 17 game winner and get back nothing that really fills our current needs–indeed, perhaps getting back nothing that will even be on the major league roster–seems very strange. Perhaps another trade is coming, so I guess I must reserve judgment. But standing alone, this deal surely doesn’t look “solid” to a Sox fan hoping and expecting the Sox to continue contending. Perhaps Floyd will win 15 games and I will have to eat my words–and I couldn’t be more happy if I do. But at this point this looks nuts.
December 7th, 2006 at 7:41 am
[…] Freddy Garcia to Philly: Dealing Garcia opens up a spot in the White Sox rotation for prized stud Brandon McCarthy. Gavin Floyd may be regarded as a throw-in, but give him a year or two and he could make the Sox rotation. […]