Andy Behrens at RotoArcade on Yahoo has some thoughts on which Sox rookies could make contributions to the team if the Sox ship out some of their high priced veteran players:
RP Sergio Santos — We’ve discussed him several times as a future closing candidate, and he’d become a solid bet to get late-season save chances if Bobby Jenks(notes) is moved. Ozzie Guillen reportedly thinks there’s an All-Star argument for Santos already. In 20.0 innings, the righty has 24 Ks, five holds, and a 1.80 ERA.
RHP Daniel Hudson — Hudson’s ERA is still recovering from a nine-run inning at Colorado Springs back in April, but the recent appearances have been excellent. In six May starts, Hudson delivered a 2.43 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. He’s struck out 67 batters in 58.1 innings at Triple-A so far.
1B Dayan Viciedo — This is a 21-year-old with no obvious on-base skills (six walks in 213 PAs), but he’s holding his own at a high level. Viciedo is batting .290/.327/.510 with 11 homers and 11 doubles at Triple-A Charlotte.
C Tyler Flowers — With AJ Pierzynski just a week away from attaining 10-and-5 trade protection, there might be some urgency to make a deal. But does any good team actually need Pierzynski? Dunno. Maybe the Rangers. Maybe no one. In any case, Flowers is waiting patiently at Charlotte. He’s had a mostly miserable season (.214/.323/.453), but he’s homered in his last two games, giving him 10 for the year.