White Sox and Cubs Noticeably Quiet at Winter Meetings, But Still Expect Moves

By Jake Guidry in News on Dec 12, 2009 5:15PM

While we have seen memorable MLB Winter Meetings in the past, this year's events held in Indianapolis were anything but, especially for the White Sox and the Cubs. Neither team made any substantial moves, perhaps most notably the Cubs and their inability to rid themselves of Milton Bradley. While the meetings yielded minor results for the Chicago ball clubs, both will still look to fill (and make) gaps in their lineups in the coming weeks. [Update: Shortly after Jake filed this post, the Sox signed reliever J.J. Putz to a one-year, $3 million contract.]

The buzz around Bradley continues (we all know he's going at some point), with the most obvious suitor remaining the Tampa Bay Rays, in a trade that would potentially bring Pat Burrell to the North Side. Other notable targets for the Cubs are Mike Cameron (Lou Piniella has expressed interest) and Marlon Byrd; both are veteran outfielders who would bring leadership and stability to the clubhouse. Unsigned Cardinals also appear to be the object of the Cubs' interests, after drafting Mike Parisi in the Rule 5 draft, and Joel Pineiro and Rick Ankiel surfacing as rumored targets.

The White Sox were even quieter at the meetings and perhaps have as many holes as the Cubs. They are still searching for a lead-off hitter, as the talks with Podsednik seem to be going nowhere. The Sox are said to be in the hunt for Coco Crisp, who would serve in that role as well as play center. Another rumored target appears to be the young, up-and-coming center fielder from the Yankees, Brett Gardner.

Of course, the economic climate will be a major factor as both clubs try to move forward to the 2010 season. Both have legitimate shots to contend within their division, but as the meetings have indicated, few teams are willing to give out the kind of major contracts that we saw earlier in the decade.