Comings and Goings

With the trade deadline approching, the White Sox are becoming a major player in the festivities. On Sunday they acquired Sandy Alomar, Jr. for the third time. Alomar was acquired for RHP BJ Lamura with Chris Widger being designated for assignment. On Monday they aquired Kansas City Royals closer Mike MacDougal. The hard throwing Scottsmen cost the Sox Tyler Lumsden and Daniel Cortes. Sean Tracey was designated for assignment to make room for MacDougal. There are also rumors of an impending trade of Brandon McCarthy to Washington for OF Alfonso Soriano.

Alomar replaces the light-hitting Widger due more to pitching than hitting. Yes, Alomar is hitting over .300. However, a catcher's primary responsibility is to handle his team's pitchers, and White Sox pitching coach Don Cooper has said that Widger has failed to attend staff meetings before series. Alomar, on the other hand, is a professional, nineteen year veteran. He should be an improvement over Widger, and White Sox pitching will benefit from his presence.

MacDougal could be the key aquisition for the Sox this July. He throws over 100 MPH with a wicked slider. The trouble with MacDougal has been his health, but he only has to stay healthy for half a season to benefit the Sox. The presence of MacDougal and Bobby Jenks will force teams to beat the Sox in seven innings. They have little chance of scoring against MacDougal and Jenks.

As for the Soriano deal, I will believe it when I see it. This has all the earmarkings of a smokescreen. By talking offering Brandon McCarthy to Washington for Soriano, White Sox GM Kenny Williams can force Detroit to give up one of their young pitchers, most likely Jonathon Verlander, in exchange for Soriano. This is a brilliant move by Williams, who is rapidly becoming the best GM in baseball.