While the White Sox made their major off-season moves early -- trading Javier Vazquez and Nick Swisher -- they may not be done retooling in hopes of going deeper than four games into the playoffs, as they did last season.
But even though one source said things "were quiet" for the time being, the rumor mill hasn't stop churning. The most interesting gossip is a supposed trade of pitcher Gavin Floyd to his hometown Orioles for second baseman Brian Roberts. A trade for Roberts makes plenty of sense, given that second base is the Sox's most inexperienced position, but general manager Ken Williams said Monday, through a spokesman, he hasn't spoken to the Orioles since November. Plus, Williams has said he wants to give younger players a chance.
That doesn't mean Roberts, one of the game's best leadoff men, won't be with the White Sox by Opening Day. It does mean the sides have had trouble agreeing on who goes in return for the 31-year-old speedster, who can become a free agent after the season.
It would seem that Floyd, who just had a breakthrough season, would be too much to give in return for an aging player who lives on his legs. Plus the departures of Floyd and Vazquez would reduce the Sox's rotation by 40 percent and put pressure on Jeff Marquez, acquired from the Yankees in the Swisher deal, and former first-round pick Aaron Poreda to produce, perhaps before either is ready.
The Orioles also are looking for outfield help, which would put Jermaine Dye into play if the Sox had another outfielder to take Dye's place. A much-rumored trade of Dye would appear to be to a team that has lost out on a free agent outfielder. The free agent market has been slow in developing, although Pat Burrell signed with the Rays on Monday.
