Chicago White Sox GM taking objective look as trade deadline nears
After talking to reporters before Friday's doubleheader against the Royals at U.S. Cellular Field, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said so long until August.
It's a statement he has used before as the July 31 nonwaiver deadline nears, and Hahn prefers being not seen and not heard.
"If we have something to announce, we'll discuss it at the time of the transaction," Hahn said. "But otherwise, for me to come out here all the time and talk about speculations, that's wasting our time."
Trade talk at this time remains speculation, and Hahn still wants to see how the Sox perform over the next two weeks before moving on any deal.
"I think based on our play over the last couple of weeks, things have become a little bit more interesting in terms of what the potential options are," Hahn said. "I think that we've made no secret that given our expectations and our desires and our aggressiveness, we certainly would prefer to be in a position to add to enhance our chances to win this year.
"That said, we do have to remain somewhat objective and try to do what is best for the organization in the longer term not, I don't want to say throw good money after bad, but not continue to invest in something that might not make the most sense for the long-term health of the franchise."
Sale starts Sunday:
After throwing 115 pitches against the Cubs at Wrigley Field last Saturday, Chris Sale was in need of some rest.
The ace starter didn't pitch in Tuesday's All-Star Game, which made the White Sox happy.
"It's a great thing, and if he threw (last) Thursday or Friday, you might think it differently," manager Robin Ventura said. "But the way he's been going and the way Saturday was, how he exerted himself and what he felt like the next day, you're careful with the guy. I understand the All-Star Game is a great game, a great opportunity. He's done it before. You want to see your guy as healthy as possible."
Sale will start on Sunday against the Royals.
Montas up:
The White Sox were allowed to designate a 26th player for Friday's doubleheader against the Royals.
Even though it was only a one-day deal, pitcher Frankie Montas was thrilled to get the call and come up from Class AA Birmingham.
"When they said you've been called up to the big leagues I was like, 'Man don't play like that. Are you serious?'" Montas said.
According to the Sox, Montas has a seriously bright future.
"It wouldn't shock me if it were similar to Jose Quintana, who originally came up for one 26-man experience (in 2012) and then returned, if Montas followed the same path and we see him again at some point this season," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said.
He's been a starter at Birmingham this season, and Montas was 2-1 with a 2.47 ERA with the Barons before joining the White Sox. He has allowed 3 runs or less in each of his first 15 starts.
Montas also pitched for the World team in the All-Star Futures Game and was named to the Southern League midseason all-star team.
With a fastball that regularly hits or exceeds 100 mph, Montas might be a closer in the major leagues. At this point, starting or relieving is not a concern.
"If they want me to be a starter, I'll start," Montas said. "If they want me in the bullpen, I'll go out to the bullpen."