On Tuesday morning, the Chicago White Sox acquired Los Angeles Dodgers' outfielder Juan Pierre for two pitching prospects.
It is believed the White Sox will give up right-handed pitchers John Ely and Jon Link, according to a report by Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports.
If this is true, give Dodgers GM Ned Colletti credit for getting a real return on Pierre, who often seemed like an overpaid fourth outfielder in the first three seasons of his five-year, $45 million deal with the Dodgers.
It could not immediately be confirmed with the White Sox that Ely and Link are the two minor leaguers going to the Dodgers; although it wouldn't be a shock if they are, as neither are considered to be high on GM Ken Williams' radar.
But it would be a shame for the White Sox to lose Ely—a graduate of Homewood-Flossmoor High School who was 14-2 at Double-A Birmingham last season,without ever seeing if his minor leagues success could translate to the big leagues.
He's a very good pitcher, but lacks the high-profile tools that would make him a top prospect.
Pierre played three years with the Dodgers, but became the fourth outfielder when Manny Ramirez arrived from Boston in the summer of 2008.
Pierre's production rose last year, after receiving significant playing time during Manny’s 50-game suspension. In recognition of Pierre's hard work, Dodger fans gave him a standing ovation on July 16.
Pierre,a fan favorite in Los Angeles,has had several accomplishments with the Dodgers. On July 29, 2008, Pierre stole his 100th base with the Dodgers, becoming only one of four players in MLB history to steal at least 100 bases with three different teams.
He tied former Dodger Steve Sax for 50th place on baseball's all-time stolen base leaderboard with No. 444 on June 12, 2009, against the Texas Rangers in Arlington.
The very next day he stole his 445th base to push above him.
Pierre, 32, has a career batting average of .301, an on-base percentage of .348, and 459 stolen bases. He will be missed by many at the stadium, although Dodgers' fans know we definitely needed the pitching help.
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