A couple of late night quick hits

Aside from the Sox-O-Meter I finally got around to publishing earlier tonight, it's been quiet around here, mostly because the Sox have been pretty quiet. After trading Nick Swisher and Javier Vazquez seemingly before Ken Griffey struck out to end the Sox's season, Ken Williams has played his cards close to his chest. So close, in fact, basically nothing has happened.

On Friday, ESPN 1000's Bruce Levine reported that the Sox were working with the Texas Rangers on a blockbuster trade that would send Jermaine Dye and Aaron Poreda south for Michael Young. The Tribune's Dave van Dyck, however, wasted no time putting that rumor to rest,

Williams, via e-mail, said he "would not waste" time chasing rumors the Sox might... have a big deal working with the Rangers involving All-Star shortstop Michael Young, veteran outfielder Jermaine Dye and top pitching prospect Aaron Poreda.

Fair enough. The only other potential move I've caught wind of in the past few days is this quick, uncited blurb from MLBTradeRumors.com. As I'm sure you know, the site generally just republishes rumors it finds throughout the web, so it was surprising to see them casually mention the Sox as three potential suitors for Freddy Garcia. I'll keep my eyes open.

As for stuff that's actually happened, Matt Thornton will be representing Team USA in the 2009 World Baseball Classic. While I am personally wary of this tournament and the affect it may have on Thornton's effectiveness during the season, I'm sure this is a personal honor for him and I hope he pitches some big innings for Team USA. Not to downplay Thornton's role with the Sox, but honestly, I'd rather it be him than a guy like Buehrle, Danks, or Floyd. With Clayton Richard and Aaron Poreda in the wings, the Sox at least have some talented lefties that could potentially fill Thornton's role should the worst happen.

But let's not think like that.

If the Cactus League has an international flair to it this year, you may be able to thank the Sox. We all remember the huge fight that occurred between the White Sox and Tucson recently; the Sox wanted to move their Spring Training home to the new stadium they're building with the Dodgers in Glendale, but were contractually obligated to stay in Tucson for at least a few more years. Thankfully, a deal was reached and the Sox and the local government settled amicably. Anyway, the Arizona Daily Star reported that a professional, Japanese team may take the Sox's place in Tucson. Can't say I remember something like this ever happening, but it would be very interesting if it did. One of the major limitations to Spring games is that a lot of guys, pitchers especially, don't neccessarily show all their stuff to keep their repertoire fresh for actual games. If an international team played in the Cactus League, it would allow pitchers to work on all their pitches without fear of tipping their hands to a team they'd play in meaningful games later in the summer.

I like it.

Finally, if all the doom and gloom economic news has you down, check out this. The White Sox are giving away season tickets. The contest runs until January 21st. The team is giving away 2 pairs of split-season tickets (which I believe means weekend games only) in the Lower Box. The only catch is you have to become a registered user at whitesox.com, so you'll have to cough up your email address. If you can tolerate the occasional email from MLB.com and the White Sox, then you can find the contest's entry form and official rules here.

Good luck!