The Chicago White Sox are at least open to the idea of
a rebuild and are not interested in trading for short-term rental
players to spark a struggling team, general manager Rick Hahn said.
Hahn acknowledged the White Sox were ''mired in mediocrity'' with a
46-48 record heading into Thursday night's game against the Detroit
Tigers. They had dropped six of seven and were seven games out of
the second wild card - and 10 behind AL Central leader Cleveland.
With the Aug. 1 non-waiver trade deadline approaching, Hahn said
the White Sox have ''to stay open-minded.'' But they are ruling out
adding short-term rental players who could only help the team this
year.
They are, however, at least willing to consider just about any
other action, even a major rebuild. And Hahn said that includes
chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.
An overhaul would be a huge step for an organization that has tried
to contend through trades and free agency in recent years. But with
one playoff appearance since the 2005 championship season, Hahn
acknowledged the plan hasn't paid off the way the White Sox
envisioned.
''We're not where we want to be,'' Hahn said. ''We've spent a fair
amount of time focusing on the here-now for the last few years and
it hasn't paid off as handsomely as we hoped. So we have to stay
open-minded.''
If they went the rebuild route, ace Chris Sale and fellow All-Star
pitcher Jose Quintana would no doubt command high prices. But with
team options, the White Sox have Sale under control through 2019
and Quintana through 2020.
''The notion of let's sell off everything because it's not working
might be a little extreme, especially if you expect to be able to
put yourself in position to have a perennial quality product in the
window of control for some of these guys,'' Hahn said.
Hahn also offered updates on several injured players. He said
pitcher Carlos Rodon (wrist) ''is progressing nicely'' and will
make a minor-league rehab start before returning.
Catcher Alex Avila (hamstring) suffered a setback in a rehab game
with Triple-A Charlotte and likely won't be activated for another
month.
Right-hander Zach Putnam (right elbow) also had a setback and will
likely need to have bone spurs removed from his elbow. Hahn said
outfielder Austin Jackson, recovering from a torn meniscus in his
left knee, will start ''ramping up non-impact activity'' in the
coming days.
