July 31, 200421 yr ESPN News SportsTicker CHICAGO - The Chicago White Sox, locked in a battle for the division lead in the American League Central, took a major gamble Saturday, sending steady righthander Esteban Loaiza to the New York Yankees for erratic righthander Jose Contreras. While both pitchers are 32, Loaiza is 9-5 in 2004 and 30-14 in two seasons with Chicago and started last year's All-Star Game. Contreras is 15-7 with a 4.64 ERA in his two seasons with New York but has been demoted to the minor leagues in each of the last two years. "Jose is a pitcher we have pursued for some time," White Sox general manager Ken Williams said. "Adding a pitcher of Jose's caliber gives us a solid starting rotation for the remainder of this season and into the future."
July 31, 200421 yr Ismael Valdez also costs about 4 million dollars less than either of them and puts up good numbers for a 5th starter.
July 31, 200421 yr Amazingly stupid trade for Chicago They get a pitcher who has never been consistent for a guy that started last year's ALL STAR game? I don't even call it a gamble, I call it blind. The Yankees just got a tremendous boost for the post season
July 31, 200421 yr Good trade for Sox Loazia has not been good for them and should NOT have been in the AS. The Sox got the better of this deal.
July 31, 200421 yr Not that Im a Loaiza fan. White Sox got fleeced though...Just wait until Contreras has to start a big game...Ugh... He'll put up good numbers against the Tigers, Royals and Mariners but when he plays in a big game or against a good lineup, he unravels. If you want a guy to be your 5th starter and never start a big game for you, Contreras is your man though. The addition of Loaiza is alright I guess, but in my opinion its addition by subtraction.
August 1, 200421 yr Contreras = younger than Loaiza Contreras = unproven, yet to break out Loaiza = had One good year his whole career, falling off fast. Good deal for Sox.
August 1, 200421 yr Contreras = younger than Loaiza Contreras = unproven, yet to break out Loaiza = had One good year his whole career, falling off fast. Good deal for Sox. 487961[/snapback] Agreed 100 percent. The Yankee fans won't be so happy with this deal as they see Loaiza's 87 MPH "cutters" go flying into monument park.
August 1, 200421 yr Are you SURE Contreras ia younger than Loaiza? 488066[/snapback] Even if he isn't, i'd take him over Mr. slow Cutter anyday of the week.
August 1, 200421 yr Dumb deal for the Sox, why trade away your second best pitcher for an irratic starter?
August 1, 200421 yr Dumb deal for the Sox, why trade away your second best pitcher for an irratic starter? 488118[/snapback] 3rd best, and Loaiza my friend is also quite erratic.
August 1, 200421 yr Contreras = younger than Loaiza Contreras = unproven, yet to break out Loaiza = had One good year his whole career, falling off fast. Good deal for Sox. 487961[/snapback] they are both 32
August 1, 200421 yr Didn't the sox just sign Loiza this year? But I've always liked Contreras. Part of what made it so appealing for the Sox is that the Yank's paid in full for Contreras and theyre also going to pay for Loiza. So, I'm sure whatever happens, Contreras will accept lower pay next year and will re sign with the Sox. He's a good pitcher. But as it stands, its a good deal both ways.
August 1, 200421 yr Contreras = younger than Loaiza Contreras = unproven, yet to break out Loaiza = had One good year his whole career, falling off fast. Good deal for Sox. 487961[/snapback] Agreed 100 percent. The Yankee fans won't be so happy with this deal as they see Loaiza's 87 MPH "cutters" go flying into monument park. 487992[/snapback] at first i didn't see why the sox made this trade, but after looking at loaiza's career stats, i think you guys might be right. i will point out that, best case scenario, contreras is only 3 weeks younger than loaiza. if i were a betting man, i'd say he's probably older. to me, contreras looks like a roll of the dice, but there's no way i could say a particular side "lost" in this trade if the yanks will be paying for contreras.
August 1, 200421 yr I think both players in this deal suck, I guess the Sox win because atleast they saved money.
August 1, 200421 yr Sox also got some money from the Yanks in the deal. Loaiza might do well in Yankee Stadium and Contreras could turn into a great setup guy. He's got great stuff when he's on.
August 1, 200421 yr The Sox also got 3 mill. And Contreras is listed as younger, but he is probably older.
August 1, 200421 yr I think Yanks got better end of the deal. It's mostly a salary dump by Chicago since it's Loiza + cash
August 2, 200421 yr I believe the yankees paid down only 3 million of contreras' contract, meaning the sox have an 8 million dollar mop up pitcher on their payroll for two more years while Loiza becomes a FA and the yankees sign Odalis Perez, the lefty they dream of...the yanks win big on talent and payroll.
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