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North: Sox GM Hahn not at Epstein's level yet

When positive and good things happen, many people fail to stay grounded and break out the rose-colored glasses.

I am referring to the White Sox general manager Rick Hahn's recent extensive trades and deals, and his elevated status. He is now being referred to as a "shrewd" business man who has been able to take advantage of poor little teams like the New York Yankees, the Boston Red Sox and the Washington Nationals, all clubs currently in contention.

Please, let's slow down a bit, because I'm just now getting used to the idea that Hahn may finally have the power his title indicates.

I do need to remind everyone that Hahn is still third in command behind Jerry Reinsdorf and vice-president Kenny Williams. And in fairness to Hahn, I believe he is finally getting to do what he wanted from the beginning.

That said, it is nonsensical to believe he has taken three contending teams to the woodshed.

The jury is still out on these deals, but Yoan Moncada, acquired in the Chris Sale trade, did made his first appearance Wednesday night at Guaranteed Rate Field, giving the local media all they needed. Lost in the hoopla was that the White Sox lost 9-1 to the league-leading Los Angeles Dodgers, but no one seemed to care.

The "shrewd and calculating" Hahn has his team 16 games under .500 and in last place. Let's also not forget that these are the same architects who gave shortstop Tim Anderson millions and signed him through 2022.

I assume the 24-year-old Anderson is part of the youth movement, but with 21 errors half way through the season, I would like to see Anderson give full speed when running to first on a grounder, which he failed to do in Wednesday night's game against the Dodgers.

Correct me, but Anderson is a Hahn guy, is he not?

I think manager Rick Renteria should have benched Anderson for his lack of hustle.

As for Moncada, I like what I see. He hast a great base, and looks like a thicker version of Roberto Alomar. Considered the No. 1 prospect in baseball, Moncada seems confident but grounded.

I am curious to see what happens next because Hahn is still looking to deal.

Now I'm reading that Hahn is on par with Cubs president Theo Epstein. Sorry, not yet, although the Sox have no way to go but up.

Although Jose Quintana is a big plus for the Cubs, I like what the Sox gained in that trade. The Yankees deal looks good too, but I believe Sale, who was traded to the Red Sox, should have been considered an "untouchable."

It still bothers me the Sox didn't get a major leaguer in that deal, and basically acquired the same number of bodies as they did for Quintana.

There is plenty of time for these moves to be evaluated, but the room is crowded with minor leaguers. Only time will tell if it will stay that way.

• Follow Mike on Twitter @north2north. Check out his podcast Monday-Friday at mikenorthpodcast.com. His column appears Fridays in the Daily Herald. For more, visit northtonorth.com.

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