White Sox Give Up on Borchard

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Mar 22, 2006 2:54AM

Seems like forever that we've been hearing that Joe Borchard was the next White Sox superstar. A former quarterback for Stanford, the Sox gave the once-promising outfielder a then-record $5.3 million signing bonus after drafting him in 2000.

While he put up impressive power numbers in the minor leagues, and hit the longest home run in U.S. Cellular Field history, he just couldn't get it together enough to stick with the Sox. His inability to hit a curveball meant his average hovered south of the Mendoza line for his entire time in a Sox uniform.

Out of options and without room for him on the roster, the Sox traded Borchard to Seattle in return for lefty reliever Matt Thornton.

While Sox GM Kenny Williams and pitching coach Don Cooper claim that they've coveted Thornton for a number of years, we wonder if they're just putting a little spin on the story. What would we expect them to say when they've just dumped their highest-profile prospect? Sure, the Sox needed another lefty in the bullpen. But how excited can one get for a guy whose career numbers include a 1-6 record and a 4.82 ERA in 74 appearances over the past two seasons. Certainly the Sox need the bullpen help more than they need another outfielder, so at least for 2006 this move should help. Only time will tell if the Sox dumped Borchard too soon.

Image via Comcast SportsNet