The Chicago White Sox continued their busy offseason, trading Carlos Quentin to the San Diego Padres in exchange for two prospects on Saturday. Sox GM Kenny Williams waited until the last day of 2011 to move Quentin, who had been involved in several trade rumors since the end of the season.
The White Sox received two pitchers, Simon Castro and Pedro Hernandez from the Padres.
Castro, a right-hander, was listed as the 58th best prospect before 2011 in Baseball America’s prospect ratings. The 23-year old has pitched in six minor league seasons, compiling an earned run average of 4.24 and a WHIP of 1.29. Castro has an SO/9 of 8.7, and an SO/BB of 2.80.
Pedro Hernandez, a 22-year old left-hander, has an ERA of 3.55 in five minor league seasons, along with a 1.23 WHIP. He has an SO/9 of 8, and a stellar 5.37 SO/BB ratio in 93 games.
While the White Sox will miss Quentin’s power, young outfielders Dayan Viciedo and Alejandro De Aza will be ready to step into right field. Both have the potential to be great hitters, but Viciedo is a defensive liability at this point in his development.
While the page is turning on 2011, GM Kenny Williams and the White Sox are probably not done making moves, as the team looks to rebuild and trade players who still have value. The White Sox have already reloaded with some young pitching talent this offseason, picking up pitcher Nestor Molina in a deal that sent Sergio Santos to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Pitchers Gavin Floyd and Matt Thornton have also been rumored as being on the trading block for the White Sox. With a little more than six weeks to go before pitchers and catchers report to spring training, Williams may have more transactions up his sleeve.
-James Kries
