Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
Although their game against the Philadelphia Phillies was postponed due to rain, the Chicago White Sox still managed to make news Friday night.
Left-handed reliever Matt Thornton was traded to the Boston Red Sox for outfielder Brandon Jacobs. The Red Sox will also receive cash considerations from the White Sox.
Thornton, who owns the record for most holds in White Sox history, has a 3.86 ERA and 21 strikeouts in 28 innings pitched this season.
With the Red Sox reportedly showing interest in Thornton for the past few weeks, this deal doesn’t come as much of a shock. With lefties hitting just .173 against him, I’d expect Boston to use the veteran reliever primarily against left-handed hitters.
In return for Thornton, the White Sox pick up an outfielder prospect with a ton of upside. Just 22-years-old, Jacobs was the No. 11 best prospect in the Red sox organization according to MLB.com.
The White Sox view the athletic Jacobs as someone who can develop into an everyday Major League outfielder as GM Rick Hahn called him the most impactful player available to them.
A tenth round draft pick in 2009 by Boston, Jacobs first showed his potential in 2011 when he posted a triple-slash line of .303/.376/.505 and stole 30 bases at Single-A Greenville. And although he’s struggled somewhat this season —.246/.334/.444— the former Auburn University football commit gives Chicago a promising prospect with both speed and power that they can plug into their system.
Matt Malecha is a Chicago White Sox writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattMalecha and add him to your network on Google.
