The Chicago White Sox are going nowhere. It's plain and simple. The A.L. Central division belongs to either the Cleveland Indians or the Detroit Tigers. The White Sox's 35-53 record has them in last place in the division and is the second worst record in the American League. They have plenty of talent other teams would love, so they can give the trade market a shot and see how they can improve in the future. Who are the five players the White Sox might move?
Alex Rios- Right Field
Rios is owed close to $40 million in the next three years, including 2013. However, at age 32, Rios has been getting better and better as the years go by. In 2012, his third year in Chicago, Rios hit .304/.334/.516 with 25 home runs and 91 RBI, while stealing 23 bases. In the outfield, he had nine assists. The White Sox can try getting another team to eat a chunk of the money left in Rios' contract. A team like the San Francisco Giants might be willing to go after a guy like Rios as their outfield needs some rebuilding and they could use some offense as well.
Jake Peavy- Starting Pitcher
He hasn't pitched since June 4, but Peavy is expected to leave the disabled list any time soon. Once active, it's possible the White Sox will be willing to move the 2006 Cy Young award winner. However, who knows if there is a team out there willing to pay $14.5 million for Peavy this year and $24.5 million for Peavy in the next two years. He is 6-5 with a 4.30 ERA, but an impressive 1.19 WHIP.
Matt Linstrom- Reliever
This righty can appear in a bunch of games for any organization. He's already made 42 appearances through the White Sox's first 88 games of the year. He is 2-3 with a 3.06 ERA and is only due $2.3 million in 2013 with a $4 million contract in 2014.
Jesse Crain- Reliever
Crain is another guy on the disabled list who the White Sox might ship out of Chicago. He would truly improve any bullpen with his 0.74 ERA in 36.2 innings pitched. However, Crain hasn't appeared in a game since June 29. Crane has 46 strikeouts for an impressive 11.3 K/9 Ratio.
Matt Thornton- Reliever
He's been rumored to drawing interest from the Atlanta Braves. With an 0-3 record, 4.00 ERA in 27 innings pitched and a total of around $11.5 million owed in the next two seasons, Thornton looks quite expendable. He is a left-handed reliever who has had success in the past, which might make him attractive for those teams looking for a lefty specialist.
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