Publicly insistent that they are not seeking a destination for center fielder Colby Rasmus, the Cardinals have made the struggling 24-year-old talent available for the right deal with the Chicago White Sox, according to several sources familiar with the situation.
… Negotiations with White Sox general manager Kenny Williams have accelerated in recent days, according to sources, with the Sox able to dangle pending free agent pitcher Edwin Jackson or high-salary lefthanded reliever Matt Thornton.
Talks also hinge on minor-league or cost-controlled talent the White Sox could include in a deal and, according to a source, a third team may be sought to facilitate a trade.
Dammit Kenny. That’s too much. Rasmus had a good year last year due to a high-BABIP. He hit .276/.361/.498/.859 with a .356 BABIP. He had the 7th highest BABIP-xBABIP difference in baseball (chart)! This year when his BABIP is down to a normal .286, his batting line is down to .241/.327/.402/.730. And why give away Thornton too and weaken the bullpen? When Chris Sale goes to the rotation next year, the bullpen will be 2 lefties down. And I don’t see any good, not even adequate, lefties in the minors (starters or relievers).
UPDATE: Oh, I forgot Hector Santiago and his new screwball. He MIGHT be an option.
BTW,
For what it's worth, Kenny Williams has long been a fan of Colby Rasmus and Edwin Jackson's value is at a season-high.—
Chuck Garfien (@ChuckGarfien) July 24, 2011
