On The Block:  Brandon McCarthy

Why He’s On The Block:  If the White Sox do keep Mark Buerhle, Brandon McCarthy is ####.  Thus, his status shifts from potential starter to high quality trade chip. 

Negotiable:  Hell no.  McCarthy is a highly touted starting pitching prospect.  The White Sox will probably demand good bullpen help.

What He Offers:  Here’s what Buehrle offers:

·          Plus:  Young pitcher with oodles of talent.

·          Plus:  Inexpensive.

·          Plus:  Strong command.

·          Minus:  Still unproven in the Majors.

·          Minus:  Gives up the long ball.

He Stay Or Will He Go:  No Percentage available, because of the status of Mark Buerhle.  However, if Buerhle get’s a deal done, McCarthy's days in Chicago are numbered.  With that in mind, here’s where he could go:

·          Minnesota Twins – 30%.  If the Twins are really going to dismantle, then they could possibly make a run for McCarthy, as he would be able to provide the Twins with a future pitcher in their rotation to be partnered with Francisco Liriano.  They could offer the White Sox closer Joe Nathan or Juan Rincon, either of which would be great in the bullpen.  

           Texas Rangers – 25%.  Texas is also close to the top of the list thanks to the depth of their pitching prospects in Triple A.  Again, Texas could offer a package of reliever Fabio Castro, and pitching prospect Andres Gallaraga or starter John Rheinecker to send back.  Chicago would gain two pitchers that are major league ready and can serve in relief.  If Gallaraga is dealt, he could net another reliever for another team.  However, Texas likes Castro a lot and would likely be very gun shy about dealing him to the White Sox. 

·          Tampa Bay Devil Rays – 20%.  The D-Rays need another pitcher to complement Scott Kazmir.  McCarthy is exactly the type of player they’re looking for:  a young player that can be a good starter and is very affordable.  Tampa has a depth of people they could send to the White Sox, namely one of their cheaper outfielders, like Joey Gathright, who is highly coveted by many teams, or prospect Delmon Young if they decide he’s a lost cause.  Either one could be dealt to a young team with a surplus of arms needing a powerful outfielder, namely the Marlins or the Twins, giving the White Sox the bullpen help they need. 

·          Boston Red Sox – 10%.  I would rate the Red Sox higher up, but Boston has such a good amount of starters already in the minors.  Plus, the White Sox need someone that can help them now, and I doubt that Boston will gut it’s bullpen, which is improved but still shaky in some areas, with the exception of  Papelbon, Timlin, and possible Foulke, just to gain another starting pitcher. 

·          Houston Astros – 8%.  Houston could possibly make a bid for McCarthy, but Houston has a nice amount of young pitchers in their farm system.  Unless McCarthy shows something really special, the Astros will probably pass.

        New York Yankees – 7%.  New York needs pitching, as Randy Johnson is flaming out faster than expected.  And while I expect Brian Cashman to make an inquiry about him, the Yankees don't have anything to offer Chicago in terms of bullpen health.  However, they could offer them a couple of prospects, such as right-handers Matt DeSalvo, Darrell Rasner, or Tyler Clippard.  It all depends on whether or Chicago is willing to take the prospects, then deal them to someone else for help.