Lawrie will be the 23rd player to play third base since Joe Crede’s last game there on September 2, 2008.
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After an all-of-Tuesday vigil at the Winter Meetings, Chicago White Sox fans can officially welcome Brett Lawrie as their 2016 third baseman. 736 OPS over five major-league seasons and had career highs of 16 home runs and 60 RBIs in 2015, his only season with the A’s.
Though he has played third base for most of his career, Lawrie can also play second, giving the Sox flexibility to use him at two uncertain positions. The framework of a deal between the teams is believed to be in place, but the White Sox were exploring other options, too, including Reds third baseman Todd Frazier. Not only did the team not give up a lot in the way of prospects, but through arbitration Lawrie is expected to make around four million dollars, which is very cheap for the upgrade he represents. The A’s are receiving right-hander J.B.
Last offseason the A’s and White Sox made a big trade that sent Jeff Samardzija to Chicago in exchange for prospects as well as infielder Marcus Semien, who is now Oakland’s starting shortstop. However, on their march through the postseason, the Royals did not need to get through Lawrie or anyone else on the White Sox this time through, potentially leading to a less violent series between the clubs.
Wendelken, 22, went 6-2 with a 3.20 ERA in 30 relief appearances between AA Birmingham and AAA Charlotte. We will see what he can do on the White Sox.
Erwin, 21, was drafted by the White Sox in the fourth round this year out of Clemson. Erwin didn’t play higher than Single-A in 2015 though – it was his first year of professional baseball.
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That’s handy timing, because Oakland’s 40-man roster now stands at 38 after the team moved Evan Scribner to Seattle on Tuesday.
