Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Big Mistake

The Sox have sent Aaron Rowand and two minor league left-handed pitchers, Gio Gonzalez and Daniel Haigwood, to Philly in exchange for former Sox-killer Jim Thome pending the players passing physicals. The Sox will also receive cash considerations to pay for some of the remaining $43.5 million due to Thome over the next 3 seasons.
So the Sox are sending a proven rock-solid center fielder and their two best young left handed arms, and in return we get a 35 year old, injury riddled slugger on the downside of his career. Peachy. I know we need a LH power hitter, but wouldn't it be wise to try and get one who we can count on being healthy for the entire season next year? Before going down with a season ending elbow injury which required surgery in August, Thome hit .207 with seven homers and 30 RBI in 193 at-bats. He also has battled back and shoulder problems in years prior to this season.
This trade should pretty much officially end Frank Thomas era on the South Side. In my opinion, counting on Thome to be healthy all year next season is just as much of a risk as depending on Frank to be healthy next year would be. If anything, Thome is a more of a risk because he is under contract for 3 more years. Thomas could have been had for a incentive laden 1-year deal that I guarantee would cost less than 1 year of Thome's salary, even with the Phillies paying a huge portion of it. Granted, KW probably felt his hand was forced if he wanted a LH slugger after Delgado went to the Mets this morning.
I'm upset about this in every way possible. We are giving up way too much, including one of my favorite players in Aaron Rowand. Throwing two of our top 10 prospects in the trade is absolutely insane. Not only two top 10 prospects, but two LHP's if early reports are accurate. I don't like getting Thome at his age with the history of injury problems that he has had. As if all that weren't enough, the move will most likely force my favorite White Sox player of all-time (Frank Thomas) out the door. I hate to say it, but I hope Thome fails his physical so this whole thing doesn't go down.

3 Comments:

At 11/23/2005 5:05 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

A few months of Brian Anderson, or Juan Pierre and no one will remember who Rowand was

 
At 11/23/2005 9:33 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Here we go again.....just like the cubs trading lou brock....we just lost another defensive gem for an old relic. And for what? They gave us 22 mil on a 45 mil contract? That really doesn't make sense.....If they'd really consider the consequences, they'd be better off keeping Frank Thomas and a cheaper salary.

 
At 2/21/2006 2:25 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

You have got to be kidding me guys. If you dont count last seasons Thome averaged 45 home-runs for 5 straight years. Rowand is going to be missed he was awesome and I hate to see him go but he will never hit 50 jacks. Thome is a Peoria boy and went to college in Illinois so he has come home to win.

 

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