The White Sox have been making major moves this off-season. Two glaring needs have suddenly been met: right handed starter and bullpen closer.
The White Sox traded for ex-Cub Jeff Samardzija, sending the A's utility infielder Marcus Semien, right hander Chris Bassitt and a player to be named later. This was less than Oakland's initial asking price which included Alexi Ramirez and prospect Tim Anderson. Samardzija trade is a one-year rental since he really wants to explore free agency, his one and only time to get such a huge contract. However, as a Chicago icon, the Shark may be convinced to stay with the White Sox if things go well in 2015.
The trade for Samardzija does not upset the White Sox top prospects or starting line up.
Samardzija moved into the Cubs' rotation in 2012 and has gone 26-42 as a starter with a 3.86 ERA. He
went a combined 7-13 last season with a 2.99 ERA with both the Cubs and
A's. He was 5-6 in 16 starts in the American League, posting a 3.14 ERA. He is expected to make between $9 million and $10 million in 2015,
his final year of arbitration eligibility.
The White Sox rotation gets seriously deep with this trade. Chris Sale, Samardzija, Jose Quintana, Carlos Rodon and John Danks.
In addition, the White Sox signed former Yankee closer, David Robertson, to a 4 year, $46 million deal. Roberston went 4-5 with 39 saves and a 3.08 ERA after taking over the closer role in New York. The 29-year old has a 2.81 ERA over seven seasons.
The Yankees
made a one-year qualifying offer of $15.3 million to Robertson for 2015,
ensuring them draft-pick compensation if he signs with another team. Because the White Sox had among the top 10 initial picks in next
year's amateur draft, they lose a second-round selection next June
rather than their first-round choice, which is eighth overall. The
Yankees receive an extra pick between the first and second rounds.
The White Sox had a 4.28 ERA from their bullpen this past season, 28th in baseball and only better than the Rockies and Astros. The club's combined 36 saves were better than just five other major league teams. By adding Robertson and Zach Duke, the White Sox are putting veteran pitching on the back end of the pen. Nate Jones is expected to be back in late July, 2015.
No White Sox fan can complain that their team has not been making serious moves to win in 2015.
UPDATE: The deal included 6 players; with the Sox sending catcher Josh Phelgley to Oakland and the A's sending a Class A relief pitcher.
