Red Dye? Jermaine Could Get Dealt

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Dec 5, 2008 3:45PM

Kenny Williams has been actively retooling a White Sox roster that, while squeaking into the playoffs, was not anything close to a true contender for a championship. Three years removed from their World Series title, Williams finally realizes his roster has changed from what got them over the top. In addition to this week's trade of Javier Vazquez, who's the exact opposite of a big game pitcher, he has also traded Nick Swisher and the team has, for all intents and purposes, parted ways with free agents Orlando Cabrera and Joe Crede.

Is Jermaine Dye the next to go? While the Sox's GM said pretty much the opposite yesterday, Phil Rogers believes that might not be the case if one reads between the lines. And supposedly there is interest from the Reds, Mets, Dodgers and others. Rogers suggests that the team's desire to convert 19-year-old Cuban third baseman Dayan Viciedo to the outfield is one clue. Carlos Quentin's got a lock on left field after last season, and a third baseman isn't likely to be converted to center field, where the Sox would like to add a leadoff-type hitter. But Dye's currently in right field...

While Dye's offensive numbers remain impressive, his range in the field is diminishing with age. Do the Sox want to move him while he still has value? And removing his $11.5 million salary off the books would free up even more money for chasing free agents. It's time to add some speed and defense! But can Kenny make those upgrades?

With baseball's Winter Meetings coming up next week, it'll be interesting to see what Williams does. Personally, we like the steadiness of Dye in the offense and don't want to see him traded, unless the Sox are able to add a true star either through the trade or via free agency. If Williams can't do that, then we'd prefer to see Dye's bat remain in the lineup. If this isn't a rebuilding year -- which Williams made clear yesterday -- then they need some vets in the mix.

Nam Y. Huh / AP