White Sox struggling to move Wells

By Larry Rice

The speculation about the movement of David Wells continues. Much like the left handers infamous jabs at everyone within his purview, two days after ESPN.com reported that Wells would be dealt this weekend, Major League Baseball sources have told Fanstop.com that the White Sox are openly shopping him, but no one is buying.

The stumbling block seems to be the value wanted for Wells. Contrary to what some would think, Wells abrasive attitude has not been the bar to moving him from Chicago, it has been that the White Sox want to much in the way of talent and future prospects. Sources state that White Sox general manager Ken Williams has been on the phone, shopping the left hander to any club that he thinks has interest. However, as one GM stated, "what they want is a lot more than anyone is prepared to do."

The economics of a deal may also be a holdup. Trading for the lefty now would mean the receiving team would have to pay him $8 million in salary, plus a $1.25 million buyout if his $10 million option for next season is not bought out.

Wells stated earlier this week that if his option is not picked up by a team next season, he would retire. Very few clubs that we have spoken with have indicated that they could do that, unless the White Sox would take back a high priced player. That is something that the White Sox told us they do not want to do.

According to sources, the St. Louis Cardinals are a leading contender for Wells. However, the White Sox want back a combination of young players or pitchers and the Cardinals minor league options are currently very thin.

The Boston Red Sox have also talked to the White Sox about Wells, however, their payroll is currently $110 million, which is the highest in baseball, and they currently have little need for Wells as they sport the lowest earned run average in baseball.

The Mets have long coveted Wells, who wants to play in New York, however, the Mets have thus far been unwilling to part with prospect Alex Escobar, who the White Sox have also long coveted.

The Indians state that they are not interested in Wells, who likewise isn't interested in Cleveland. The Philadelphia Phillies and Houston Astros have also been contacted by Williams, however, sources state that they are not interested.

According to one White Sox official, trying to get value and interest for Wells is currently a difficult thing. "My impression," said one club official, "is that they're trying to drum up as much interest as they can to push the price up. But the guy's value goes down every time he pitches -- and every time he opens his mouth."

Since last year's all-star break, Wells is only 8-11 and he has given up five runs or more in 12 of his 26 starts. Opponents in that stretch are hitting .292 off of him with 23 home runs. Wells has struggled this season, going just 3-5 with a 4.54 ERA. He has given up 83 hits in 73 1/3 innings and he lasted only 5 1/3 innings in his last start against Toronto, giving up 8 runs.

While the movement to ditch Wells is on; the fire sale in Chicago may not end with just Wells moving.

"When we talked to Ken Williams on Monday, he wanted to wait, but I think he's changed his stance," an unidentified general manager stated. "He wants to move Wells, James Baldwin, (Chris) Singleton and Herbert Perry as quickly as possible. But he wants a young positional player for Wells."

This winter when the White Sox traded for Wells, the city expected instant success. Coming off a playoff season, the White Sox thought by adding a pitcher of Wells' caliber, they would be an American League Central division winner and a World Series contender for at least this year. However, that has not been the case and it appears it won't be, as Wells appears to be boarding an express train out of Chicago.