Sox deal Vazquez, Logan to Braves for prospects
The winter meetings open next week, and it's typically a time when rumors - if not actual trades - are flying.
White Sox general manager Kenny Williams operates by his own calendar, and he generally is open for business year round.
Williams proved that again Tuesday, trading starting pitcher Javier Vazquez and reliever Boone Logan to the Atlanta Braves.
While Williams politely declined to comment, a source confirmed the move. Vazquez reportedly is going to have a physical today in Atlanta.
On Nov. 13, Williams traded outfielder/first baseman Nick Swisher to the New York Yankees for infielder Wilson Betemit and pitching prospect Jeff Marquez.
Williams also has reached a tentative agreement on a multiyear contract with 19-year-old infielder Dayan Viciedo, reputed to be one of the best talents ever to come out of Cuba.
According to the Braves' Web site, the Sox are getting four minor-league prospects in exchange for Vazquez and Logan. One appears to be infielder Brent Lillibridge, who could give the White Sox some needed speed.
Tyler Flowers is another name that has surfaced. The power-hitting catcher led the Arizona Fall League with 12 home runs. After declining to pick up their 2009 option on backup Toby Hall, the Sox are thin at catcher behind A.J. Pierzynski.
Finishing the 2008 regular season with three straight dismal outings and following up with another dud in Game 1 of the American League division series against the Tampa Bay Rays, Vazquez was hoping to redeem himself in '09.
The 32-year-old right-hander can try bouncing back with the Braves.
Vazquez was 12-16 with a 4.67 ERA for the Sox this season. In his last 3 starts, Vazquez pitched just 16 innings and allowed 18 earned runs on 18 hits.
In Game 1 of the ALDS, Vazquez was tagged for 6 earned runs in 41/3 innings.
Vazquez, owed $23 million over the next two seasons, was the Sox' best starter in 2007, going 15-8 with a 3.74 ERA.
This season, Vazquez did win at least 10 games, start 30 or more games and strike out at least 150 for the ninth straight year. No other current major-league pitcher can match that feat.
But when big games presented themselves, Vazquez's resolve seemed to recede. Manager Ozzie Guillen, a close friend, questioned Vazquez's ability to handle the pressure in late September, and the veteran pitcher did not respond well.
Logan was 2-3 with a 5.95 ERA in 55 appearances for the White Sox this season. The left-hander faded in the second half, posting an 18.90 ERA in his last 19 outings.
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