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Dec 6, 2011 - The Chicago White Sox will have a new closer in 2012.
Their 2011 closer, Sergio Santos, who had 30 saves but also six blown saves including a couple of key games down the stretch, was traded Tuesday to the Toronto Blue Jays for Nestor Molina.
And you're probably saying, "Who?"
Molina is a 22-year-old native of Venezuela who combined to go 12-3 with a 2.21 ERA, 18 walks and 148 strikeouts in 26 games (23 starts) last season between Class A Dunedin and Class AA New Haven. 2011 was Molina's first full season as a starter and he averaged 10.2 strikeouts per 9.0 IP with an 8.2 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He was named to the Florida State League mid and postseason All-Star Teams.
Santos will likely move into the closer role in Toronto, while the White Sox will look for one. There were rumors recently that the Sox would look to move Matt Thornton, who has closed for the team in the past, but he'll probably get the first shot at the role again. Or, it's possible rookie Addison Reed might get a chance, says Chicago Tribune White Sox beat writer Mark Gonzales.
Or Kenny Williams could have something else up his sleeve. Quite frequently, he does.
5 comments
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Comments
Molina's a heck of a young arm
Gotta like what the White Sox are getting here for a guy they picked up on the waiver wire. Yeah, Santos is really good, but relievers are incredibly volatile and in excess demand this off-season. Striking while the iron’s hot makes a ton of sense.
Founder and Chairman of the Send Dan Some Pizzeria Bianco Commission (SDSPBC). SDSPBC is a totally, definitely for-profit organization.
by Dan Strittmatter on Dec 6, 2011 1:21 PM EST reply actions
Have to agree with you there Dan
Surprised they didn’t get a bit more for Santos, though, given his age and low cost.
by cookiedabookie on Dec 6, 2011 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
Good trade for both teams
Balanced trade for both teams, meets each teams needs.
Jays gave up their 2nd best prospect – has TONNES of upside. They saw him as a closer, but was probably .5 – 1 season away from the MLB. His upside is probably Santos. Chicago gets a top flight prospect that helps them rebuild their system.
Jays get the closer they need, someone they are familiar with (was in their system as a SS prior). Farrell has said he wanted a K-heavy closer and was OK if command was not stunning. Santos is a strong closer, also had a great season in setup duty. Is cost controlled for up to six years. Gives the Jays a closer they need (basically what Molina would be in a year or two) while still cost controlled for 6 years.
Great trade for both teams.
by Jonathan Reimer on Dec 6, 2011 1:26 PM EST reply actions
That’s according to Sickels and pretty much only Sickels from what I can see. In any event, the Jays have 6-7 guys all around the same level, and basically AA took one of them and turned him into an elite reliever on a great contract.
I actually don’t really understand why the Sox would make this trade. They must think Molina can be an elite starter.
Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose.
by Jevant on Dec 6, 2011 1:40 PM EST up reply actions
Little early to call Santos an elite reliever.
"Many people need desperately to receive this message: 'I feel and think much as you do, care about many of the things you care about, although most people do not care about them. You are not alone.'"
by U-God on Dec 6, 2011 3:01 PM EST up reply actions
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