Trade Idea

In the past decade the history of White Sox third basemen has been the story of Joe Crede, and everyone else that they've tried to use as a replacement. Its an ugly story. Crede was a strong defender and occasionally strong batter was the clear inheritor of the position, the first natural since Robin Ventura left after disputing the White Flag Trade. He also struggled greatly with health concerns, especially going into the 2008 season on, necessitating a solid Plan B for the position. Over time several candidates were tried out - Josh Fields, Juan Uribe, Gordon Beckham and most recently Mark Teahen (who was flat-out awful as both a batter and position player) and Omar Vizquel (who overperformed the position in all respects, despite being over 40 years old). And now, it looks like the job is Brent Morel's to lose.

Morel is being touted as the next coming of Crede, albeit in very rough form. There aren't any questions about his defense which has been solid at all levels and projects to remain solid, but his bat remains a question. Baseball experts have argued that the White Sox are approaching it as if they can sacrifice bat production from a traditionally strong offensive position in favor or Morel's plus defense. But, if the rumors are true, the Texas Rangers are shopping Michael Young, who is an average to poor defender at Third Base but who has a plus bat. If the Rangers are willing to eat some of the cash on the transaction, and take the lefty Teahen in return, this is a deal that could benefit both sides as it gives Morel more time to develop and the Sox a capable third baseman in their arm and bat race to beat the Twins. If the money can work out, it could be a great deal for both teams.