Levine: Jeff Samardzija Still A Possibility For White Sox
By Bruce Levine-
(CBS) White sox general manager Rick Hahn has stated his team is in it for the long haul as far as approaching free agency and making his club viable every season. Yet all that may go by the boards when the proposed acquisition of a pitcher like Oakland right-hander Jeff Samardzija is available on the trade market.
Every general manager who has interest in Samardzija already is aware that he plans to hold out for free agent status next November. This would preclude a sign-and-trade deal with the Athletics, who are preparing to trade him away. Oakland's general manager Billy Beane has a lot of young pitching returning from the disabled list next season. What Beane needs are hitters who have controlled and reasonable contracts going forward.
In the case of the White Sox, they have an All-Star shortstop in Alexei Ramirez who is under club control for the next two seasons at $10 million-per. The question is, would you trade an All-Star shortstop at age 33 with two years remaining on a contract for an All-Star pitcher who will soon be 30 with a year left before free agency making $10 million to $12 million in 2015?
Maybe Samardzija, a northwest Indiana native, would change his mind if he was dealt to his hometown team and sign a long-term deal, but that can't be the logic used for a trade like this if it's not set in stone. What the White Sox can tell themselves is if they get Samardzija, they'd have three elite pitchers (Chris Sale and Jose Quintana as well) going in any given series who could throw a complete-game shutout. Then, the question is would that type of rotation and a lockdown closer give you a chance at a World Series, regardless who is at shortstop?
Hahn has kicked the tires on the Samardzija situation often, talking to Oakland numerous times since the general manager meetings in early November. Of course, Hahn wouldn't get into too many specifics when addressing the media Friday ahead of next week's winter meetings in San Diego.
"If the right situation on a short term arises, a move like (Adam) LaRoche or somebody that addresses another need on a shorter time horizon, then our focus has been we would make that move," Hahn said, speaking generally.
Samardzija grew up a White Sox fan and would like nothing better than to help the team win a few championships. He's previously told me that the White Sox would be a priority for him as a free agent if they are interested.
Like all would-be free agents, he wants to to get paid and play for a team that is committed to winning now.
"We are certainly open to a short-term fix that makes us better in 2015, but ideally it's people we get that fit the longer term," Hahn said.
The White Sox still need another bullpen arm, preferably a closer, and a starting pitcher.
"We made no secret about becoming younger and more athletic," Hahn said. "We do have a fairly left-handed leaning rotation. We have made no secret about improving our bullpen. Zach Duke is a nice step toward improving our pen. In our mind, we are not finished in that area, either."
White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf remains in good health at 78, but don't believe for a second that he would let his front office pass up a chance to win another World Championship right now if the right players were available. The White Sox want to win now, and Samardzija may be that missing link.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.
