Sox Should Make a Trade

Last night's performance against Detroit once again underscored Javier Vazquez's inability to pitch to a line-up more that twice. This is inexcusable on a team trying to win a championship.

Meanwhile, much has been made about the possibility of trading Vazquez or Freddy Garcia for a relief pitcher. The thought is that the release of Cliff Politte means that the White Sox need another relief pitcher. Politte was replaced by Sean Tracey earlier this week.

However, I disagree that the bullpen is the Sox biggest need. For the most part, the bullpen has been exceptional for the past month and a half. A far more important aquisition would be a replacement for Vazquez who would not only give the Sox a better chance to win on the new pitcher's day to pitch but would also take pressure off the bullpen.

The obvious question to be asked is, "What available pitcher fits that role?" The answer is Brandon McCarthy. Sliding McCarthy into the rotation would leave a second hole in the bullpen, which means that aquiring a solid set-up man for Vazquez would be must and would probably require throwing in a top prospect. Ryan Sweeney would be fine since Brian Anderson appears to be the long term center fielder. This would still leave Tracey managing Politte's old role. However, as I mentioned before, the bullpen has been good despite that hole for the past month and a half, and a viable fifth starter is more important.McCarthy would be that fifth starter.