White Sox not as active as expected at winter meetings
The White Sox were expected to be one of the most active teams at the winter meetings, exploring trades for LHP John Danks, OF Carlos Quentin and left-handed reliever Matt Thornton.
But as of mid-afternoon on Wednesday the team had traded only closer Sergio Santos in what many in the industry perceive to be a curious move. And, surprisingly, the White Sox player drawing the most interest was utility man Brent Lillibridge, according to major-league sources.
One issue with trading potentional free agents such as Danks and Quentin is that under the new CBA the only way to secure draft-pick compensation is to make them a qualifying offer, and the minimum for such an offer next offseason is expected to be in the $12 million range.
Danks might merit such an offer on a one-year basis, but if he has a poor year or is injured, the White Sox would be extremeily reluctant to commit that kind of money to him.
Quentin, meanwhile, is a player they likely would not want to pay $12 million to.
— Ken Rosenthal
