Levine: White Sox Working To Close Samardzija Deal
By Bruce Levine-
SAN DIEGO (CBS) -- How would you like to face the White Sox in a three-game series with pitchers Chris Sale, Jeff Samardzija and Jose Quintana taking the hill for Chicago?
That is what the American League will have to adjust to if the White Sox can close out a trade with Oakland for the 29-year-old Samardzija at the Winter Meetings that began Monday. As of late Monday night, the White Sox and Athletics were close to finalizing a deal, with prospects going Oakland's way still being sorted out. Barring an unforseen snag, the deal was expected to be completed, according to reports.
The White Sox have been on the prowl, trying to trade for Samardzija since October. Chicago has talked to Oakland general manager Billy Beane dozens of times since the initial conversations began. The question is, how much inventory are the White Sox willing to trade for a pitcher who can be a free agent in 11 months?
"We have a lot of conversations going on multiple fronts right now," Chicago general manager Rick Hahn said. "Some are frankly further along than others. We are in a couple of things where we can be in a phone call or two of getting things done. We have been in these positions before without results. It is important to stay diligent until we are able to convert on one of our high-priority targets."
The White Sox's other priority is a lockdown closer. Former Yankee closer David Robertson is their target. He's said to be looking for a four-year deal at $50 million-plus. The White Sox are dead serious about winning in 2015 and aren't afraid to spend the $45 million to $50 million in payroll flexibility they have for the right pitchers.
Beane may be asking for the Sox's top prospect in Tim Anderson or the team's everyday shortstop, Alexei Ramirez. Anderson is the heir apparent at shortstop to Ramirez, who has two years remaining on his four-year contract at $10 million per season.
Beane might make a move either way. He would like to replace the top young shortstop he traded (Addison Russell) to the Cubs in July for Samardzija by getting Anderson. The Oakland boss could also use Ramirez to help his club compete and win the division or flip him for other young players come July. Beane has been successful using both methods in procuring top talent in the past.
Samardzija told me previously if he does get traded, he would love to go to the White Sox. The team must gauge whether they can sign Samardzija to a long-term contract as part of the equation.
The pitcher and his agents are on the record stating they will wait until November 2015 to test the free-agent market. Despite that claim, the White Sox would have a great chance of getting a leg up on the field by showing him their love as a pitcher on this year's club.
"If a couple of free agent names come off the board the next couple of days, we may have to refocus on trades," Hahn said.
Translation: Getting both Samardzija and Robertson would be a huge offseason start for the White Sox.
