With James Shields' great month of May, can we expect him to be dealt at the non-waiver Trade Deadline?
-- Preston, Wakarusa, Ind.
There should be interest in Shields. He had a streak of 11 straight starts working at least six innings end on Friday, and although he took responsibility for that loss against the A's, Shields probably would have lasted longer with a better defensive showing behind him.
Shields keeps his team in the game, and he's a tremendous clubhouse presence -- Dylan Covey, Dylan Cease and Dane Dunning are a few young hurlers who have talked about his assistance. All of these factors play well for a contending team looking for help for the back end of their rotation.
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Why not run a six-man rotation? That way you don't need to worry about shutting down Reynaldo Lopez and Lucas Giolito at the end of the season, Carlos Rodon can ease back into the grind, and Shields and Hector Santiago can keep building value as possible trade options.
-- @aluke_
Starting pitchers seem to be creatures of habit and understandably like to stay on their regular five-day routine. Come September, depending on who's with the team as starting candidates, manager Rick Renteria and pitching coach Don Cooper might be a bit more liberal in the rotation alignment. But the White Sox do a great job of taking care of their young pitchers, even without a six-man rotation.
Which players on the 40-man roster will Rick Hahn move before and after the Deadline?
-- @ec_cabral
It's a different situation than last year, with the rebuild firmly in talent development phase as opposed to talent acquisition. But there are viable candidates.
Joakim Soria has been as good as any closer in the game during June. Luis Avilan, Xavier Cedeno and Santiago are left-handed relief options, and we've already discussed Shields. Jose Abreu would most likely bring back the greatest young talent return, but the White Sox won't trade him, in my opinion. Reliever Nate Jones, upon a healthy return, could draw interest, and possibly even right fielder Avisail Garcia and utility player Leury Garcia.
How long do you see Renteria leading the rebuild? And do you think the White Sox will go after an experienced manager like Joe Girardi? I don't see Renteria being the manager when the team is ready to contend.
-- @JH_Santiago21
Renteria has an excellent grasp on what the organization is trying to do through this rebuild, putting his clear imprint on the process, and he has full support of the front office, his staff and the players. I understand Girardi is the big-name free agent with Chicago ties, but look for Renteria to stay at the helm of this team for the immediate and foreseeable future.
Who do you think will be the first White Sox top prospect to get called to the Majors this year? When do you think that may happen?
-- @BradEmmerson5
I'm taking outfielder Eloy Jimenez, the team's No. 1 prospect per MLB Pipeline, which is a departure from thoughts centering on Michael Kopech for most of this season. I'll go with early August.
Is there any update on Nicky Delmonico and Miguel Gonzalez's return?
-- @AlansPscBreak
Delmonico started swinging off a tee on Saturday, so he's feeling good but still a little ways away. Gonzalez had a successful first injury rehab start on Sunday with Triple-A Charlotte, but he will need at least two or three more before a return.