Sox ship McCarthy to Texas
Land 2 prized prospects in return

By Mark Gonzales
Tribune staff reporter

December 23, 2006, 1:29 PM CST


In their never-ending quest for more young pitching, the White Sox shook up their staff Saturday by trading 23-year-old Brandon McCarthy to Texas for prized pitching prospects John Danks and Nick Masset.

The two teams also will swap two lower-level minor league players.



Danks, a 21-year-old left-hander, was ranked as the Rangers' top pitching prospect by Baseball America. Masset, 24, was ranked eighth. The trade comes after the Sox heavily scouted the Rangers' farm system last summer in an attempt to fortify their pitching depth.

"It kind of comes around at this time every year," Danks said of the trade rumors, shortly after a telephone conversation with Sox general manager Kenny Williams. "I got a little callous to it. But for it to happen, it sets you into shock.

"I'm excited and ready to move on to hopefuly a successful year."

The acquisition of McCarthy, 23, shouldn't affect the Rangers' attempts at landing marquee free-agent left-hander Barry Zito. McCarthy was regarded as one of the Sox's top pitchers of the future, but he was uncomfortable in a relief role as well as the possibility he would start the 2007 season at Triple-A Charlotte if he didn't win a spot in the rotation.

The trading of McCarthy, however, is a mild surprise since he isn't eligible for salary arbitration until after the 2008 season. The Sox were believed to be more inclined to deal Javier Vazquez, who is arbitration-eligible after 2007, or left-hander Mark Buehrle, who can become a free agent next winter.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Danks is expected to compete with newly-acquired Gavin Floyd for a spot in the rotation. Danks was the ninth overall selection in the 2003 draft, six picks ahead of Sox center fielder Brian Anderson. He was a combined 9-9 at Triple-A Oklahoma and Double-A Frisco, striking out 154 in 140 innings. Danks possesses a 93-mph fastball, a sharp curve and changeup and is projected as a front-of-the-rotation starter.

Danks had a 2.32 ERA in his final six starts for Oklahoma.

Masset, 6-4, 190, can start as well as relieve, but his fastball has been clocked in the high 90-mph range as a reliever. He is tied for the Mexican Pacific League with 15 saves for Mazatlan, posting a 2.61 ERA with 22 strikeouts and two walks in 20 2/3 innings.

Masset had a 4.15 ERA in eight appearances with the Rangers. He was 4-5 with a 4.81 ERA at Oklahoma and 2-2 with a 2.06 ERA in eight starts for Frisco. He struck out 105 but walked 48 in 115 innings combined.

The Sox have had a friendly association with the Danks family dating back to the summer of 2005 when they drafted younger brother Jordan Danks, who is a sophomore outfielder at the University of Texas.

Danks would have been a first or second-round pick had he not informed teams of his commitment to the Longhorns. The Sox selected the younger Danks in the 19th round in case he changed his mind.

The Sox's rotation currently is comprised of Jose Contreras, John Garland, Buehrle, Vazquez and Floyd or Danks, who isn't required to be placed on the 40-man roster because he has only four years of professional experience. The trade gives the Sox more insurance in the likely event Buehrle leaves for free agency after the 2007 season.

McCarthy was 4-7 with a 4.68 ERA in 53 appearances last season. He made only two starts, pitching 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball while striking out eight at Cleveland on Sept. 27.

The 6-foot-7, 200-pound McCarthy said earlier this month he had added 10 pounds of muscle in Phoenix under the supervision of physical therapist and trainer Brett Fischer, whose clients include five-time Cy Young Award winner Randy Johnson and American League All-Star closer Joe Nathan and Seattle Pro Bowl linebacker Lofa Tatupu.

McCarthy's stock soared in the spring of 2005 when he nearly made the opening day roster. He struggled through the first half of the 2005 season until he altered his arm angle at the suggestion of Charlotte pitching coach Juan Nieves.

McCarthy responded by posting a 3-1 record and 1.69 ERA in seven games after being recalled from Charlotte on Aug. 30. He pitched 7 2/3 scoreless innings for his first major league win at Texas that day, then beat Boston ace Curt Schilling in his next start at Fenway Park.

McCarthy had a scoreless streak of 21 innings as a starter during his final promotion and bailed out the Sox during their September stretch drive after the ineffectiveness of Orlando Hernandez.

The Sox now have added five pitchers -- left-handers Andrew Sisco, Gio Gonzalez and Danks and right-handers Masset and Floyd -- while losing 17-game winner Freddy Garcia and McCarthy and backup first baseman Ross Gload this month.

They also added David Aardsma, another 2003 first-round pick, and minor league left-hander Carlos Vazquez in a trade last month with the Cubs for left-handed reliever Neal Cotts.

looks like they're loading up with prospects to go after a leadoff man. I wouldn't be surprised if they pull off a trade with Tampa Bay for either Crawford or Baldelli.

wow does KW have a wager with someone to make his starting rotation worse than the cubs? He's making a hell of an effort

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"Stay out of courtrooms-but if you must go in be Well Armed and Don't compromise. You are innocent, remember that. They are guilty" -- Dr. Gonzo

Well it's obvious what this means. The Sox didn't think McCarthy was as good as he was hyped up to be. He proved that to the Sox last year in the pen obviously. You don't trade your stud pitching prospect for 2 other pitching prospects if you didn't think that.

No I dont't think this was done to aquire a lead off man. Maybe during the season if it's needed but not now. The Sox are loading up on young arms. The two kids from the Phillies and these two kids. So now the Sox control there rights for the next 5 years. If two of these four hit it sets the Sox up nice for the future.

It's still not a bad rotation. Buhrle, Contreous, and Garland. Vasquez is the 4th guy. And then these kids compet for the last spot. Hell if two of them do well maybe Vasquez gets dealt during the year. You gotta beleive Conterous will get hurt during the year so these kids will be needed.

With this trade Kenny Williams assured the organization a World Series Championsip in '07. Too bad it's going to be the Charlotte Knights.

KW has brought a world championship to this city. Something I never thought I'd see. Therefore, I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt, he has more than earned it.

Besides, in the past three seasons, I can't recall a trade he has made that we regret, can you?

I understand what he is doing, but for the last 3 years my Sox buddies throw in my face how Kenny only cares about winning Now?

Then Freddy got traded and they told me that they HAD to trade someone to get McCarthy in the Lineup?

Ever offer the Yankees McCarthy, Garcia and Crede for A Rod? I just think they might listen

Yes, kenny is loading up with some young arms, but as a Cub fan we all know about pitching "PROSPECTS", Prior, Wood, Guzman, Haggerty, Brownlie. There was time that the Cubs Minor League staff was all top ten #1 picks and not one of them hasn't been cut open and now is just adequate. Excuse me, Prior won't let them cut him open, he is in year 4 of his offseason healing process.

Kenny is rolling some dice here as Buerhle needs to come back REALLY strong, Contreras is OLD if anyone hasn't noticed

I do agree he is loading up to try and make a deal, still kind of shocking they got rid of prospect #1 for someone elses prospect, because I once heard "We know what we have in_____"

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“Been that way since one monkey looked at the sun and told the other monkey ‘He said for you to give me your fuckin’ share.’”

I honestly think that the way the off-season started with those big time contracts going to mediocre starting pitching, the sox had a change in philosophy regarding their own rotation.

Garcias velocity had dropped off significantly in 06, so it was smart to trade him with one year left.

Sadly, I think Buehrle will be next to go. He will be a free agent after 07, no way they will re-up with him. So, they should try and get something for him before he walks... anyone know Whitey Herzogs cell phone number?

Plus, with Josh Fields looming, Joe Crede could be gone too... although, we could get a ton for him, so maybe that wouldn't be the worst thing to happen.

this is fucking stupid. thanks for our christmas gift kenny- ruining a potential world series rotation.

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This is a good post - I would be surprised if the White Sox traded any of these young arms - Williams has been quoted many times about not spending big $$$$ on pitching, and he now controls the rights to these younger pitchers.

On another note, I'm expecting the White Sox to move Buerhle as well....I just can't see the White Sox paying him $15 million and Williams is implementing his new plan of loading up with young arms. From his persepctive, why let Buerhle walk away when he get another 2 arms for him ??

For 07, the White Sox, should they keep Buerhle, are still a good team, and can compete for the division, but the younger they get, despite the potential of some of these arms, the more likely they are to just be good, not great.

What I don't get is while pitching staff, or potential pitching staff, continues to get younger and cheaper, Thome is getting older. Dye too. Hell, even Konerko is in his prime now, but for how long? So is the idea to carry at least one of these young pitchers, along with Garland, MB, etc, with big hitting? How long will that be successful? Worse, what will happen in 2008, when the other pitchers are let walk? I just don't get it.....

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Hallelujah
Eyeball Kid

plus, we could definitely use upgrades at shortstop and second base. I never hear about any prospects at those positions.

This is starting to resemble what Jerry Krause did to the Bulls about a decade ago, with McCarthy playing the role as Elton Brand. I'm still giving Kenny the benefit of the doubt, but I really hope he stays away from the egg nog these next couple of days because I'm afraid of what may come next.

I am not sure I totally understand this move, but could Kenny be shipping a bad apple out of town? I know Brandon basically said he wouldn't go back to the pen and expressed displeasure at the possibility of going to charlotte if a spot wasn't open. McCarthy jumped on the scene in 05 but had a down 06...maybe Kenny thought he had tapped the potential and wouldn't be more than a 3rd or 4th starter?

Just trying to find a reason in all this to be honest.....

lets see we miss the playoffs last year by a few games and wouldnt trade brandon for soriono which would of put us in the playoffs, but we trade him now because he's a bit out spoken this offseason about wanting to be a starter.... this blows kenny...3rd place he we come

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“Be Who You Are and Say What You Feel Because Those Who Mind Don't Matter and Those Who Matter Don't Mind.” ~ Dr. Suess


Nice Guys Finish Last

Thank you,and have a nice day !

all I know is that this Danks kid better turn out to be a stud.
Last year they could have had Tejada for a McCarthy package but they refused - now we get Danks
I really don't get it at all

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“Mmmm. Move over, eggs. Bacon just got a new best friend - fudge.”

I love White Sox angst as much as the next guy. But I think you gents are being quick to hang Kenny this offseason. Talk to me when they break spring training. Kenny has somthing more up his sleeve. He is not stocking up on young arms just to keep them all.
I see either Crawford or Baldelli in the Sox future. The Rays need young, inexpensive arms and Kenny has them in spades. Stop your bitching and at least wait until pitchers and catchers report.

Jesus Christ, my sorry ass excuse for a team won 66 games last year. Go fuck yourselves and Merry Christmas.

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We all have private ails. The troublemakers are they who need public cures for their private ails.- Eric Hoffer

Remember after the first batch of free agent pitchers got signed for the insane salaries? Everyone was saying how smart KW was, just sitting back and waiting for the market to set itself and how much of a killing he was going to make off trading a starter or 2. So far the only killing is being done is to Sox fans. Now we're supposed to wait until he trades all these young arms for some stud? Feels like I'm getting strung along.

It's not even January, calm down.

I'm with those of us who are hoping this is all an attempt to acquire Crawford or another lead-off man. I am, however, at my wits-end in regards to giving Kenny the benefit of the doubt, mainly because this appears to be going against his "winning now" attitude. The resigning of Podsednik will make for a decent silver lining in any trade package when coupled with 2 or 3 of these young arms.

i wonder what kenny thinks of moving zorich to linebacker on sunday..

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I agree with this post as well - we saw Thome break down some in the 2nd half. There seems to be a mixed signal being sent here by Kenny - we have an offense with 3 players in paticular (Thome, Konerko and Dye) in their primes, but yet there's a chance that the White Sox are going to have a starting rotation with up to two rookies in it (should they still move Buerhle). Which is it ? Do you want to win now ? Do you want to build a potentially (key word) good team around pitching in 2008-09.

I do - Soriano cost a lot of $$$$$

Am I wrong or did KW say he didnt like trading for prospects about a year ago?

He may/may not have said that, but times have changed. When he saw average pitchers getting long-term deals for $10-15 million dollars, Williams, right or wrong, believed it was time to implement a new strategy of loading up on young arms that are have good upside, and who are under your control for at least 6 MLB seasons.

I think the overall strategy makes sense, however, I feel like we're taking a step back on the pitching front for at least next season with the current starting staff as we are back to no 5th starter of yet. Meanwhile, our offense, which was all or nothing like in previous seasons prior to the WS year, still has offensive problems in CF/LF/SS, and the lineup as a whole is way to HR dependent.

If 2 or 3 of Denks, Massot, Haeger, Broadway, H.Phillips, Gonzalez and Floyd can become good pitches (as in at least #2 starter quality) his plan may work, but I'd like to see this plan complemented with signing Garland/Buerhle. I understand that Kenny doesn't want a rotation built on overpriced starters, but I do think it's important to complement the youngers with 3 veterans starters (Contreras is under White Sox control through 2009), and the White Sox can trade Vazquez next offseason for 2 more young arms.

Everyone remember who built the 2005 World Champion White Sox? Just checking. To me, the Sox have at least five years until I really truly begin to complain about any moves they make. I may question what they do, but they brought me the biggest sports enjoyment of my lifetime. MJ and the Bulls were great, I was 5 for the 85 Bears, and the Fire just doesnt cut it for me. This is a team I have loved since I was little and they reached the pinnacle of the profession. It's amazing how quickly all of you will write off a trade as bad before even seeing what we got in return.

If this trade turns into Heathcliff Slocumb for Derek Lowe, Jason Varitek and another guy(I forgot who, but he was servicable) and yes this trade happened about 6 years ago....will all of you promise to come back and apologize to Kenny for not letting him see his plan through?

Everyone get off the f'n ledge, go open some presents and have a Merry Christmas.

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Very well said muh friend.

People are overreacting, mainly because we're trading a familar player for prospects, but the simple fact is unless one of these young arms surprises next season, the #5 spot in the rotation is now a question mark, which does make winning the division a bit tougher. Sure, McCarthy wasn't exactly proven, but what he did show as a starter does show me that he could have been pretty solid at the end of the rotation. With the talent competing for that spot pretty good, there is a good chance of one those guys may be ok, but I'd hate to be guessing aobut that right now as the Sox will go into spring training doing.

I'm on the ledge because Kenny is general managing scared and that is NEVER a good thing!

Merry Christmas.