Former Cubs center fielder Juan Pierre figures to fill the leadoff role for the White Sox. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)By Dave van Dyck
The White Sox have acquired leadoff hitter/outfielder Juan Pierre from the Dodgers for a pair of minor leaguers, thus ending Scott Podsednik's career on the South Side.
Pierre, the 32-year-old former Cubs center fielder, is owed $18.5 million over the next two years, but the Dodgers will pay $10.5 million of that, according to sources. The Sox will pay $3 million next season and $5 million in 2011.
Relegated to bench duty last spring, Pierre filled in for suspended Manny Ramirez and hit .308 in 145 games. He also stole 30 bases in 42 attempts.
Last season in a comeback with the Sox, Podsednik hit .304 with 30 stolen bases in 43 attempts. Podsednik has drawn interest from several teams, one of which could be the Cubs.
Pierre can play either left field, which he did for the Dodgers, or center, which he did for the Cubs. Most likely, he will be in left for the Sox, with Alex Rios in center and Carlos Quentin in right field. Andruw Jones and Mark Kotsay are outfield extra men.
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So this one guy says that the cubs were horrible in 2006 because of Juan pierre?? You're kidding right? He led MLB in hits and SB'S that year.The reason the cubs fell out of contention is beacuase D.Lee broke his wrist in april and was basically out for the season.Aramis ramirez hurt his quad or hamstring and was out 6 weeks.Prior missed half the season and wood had one start that season where he lasted 3 innings vs washington and had season ending surgery number 200.That was his last season ever starting after that they figured the guy could never pitch more than 4,5 innings ever again and made him a bullpen pitcher.2006 was a disaster and you blame it on juan pierre?? Come on man you sound clueless and the cubs also started the season 11-5 before Lee's injury,wood and priors millionth trips to the DL the cubs were done after that.I remember Zambrano almost threw 2 no hitters in 2006 and Carlos marmol was a starting pitcher for the cubs.
This was a fine pick up by KW. I was never a fan of Pierre in CF with his limp arm and his low OPS at the plate but he is a good bunter and base runner and he won`t be asked to play CF on a regular basis. He likely will be an upgrade over Pods as his 2009 production looked like a fluke. He can bat lead off or 9th.
If it's Johns Link and Ely, its a decent move.
Pierre can lead off, he does generally hit for a high average, and he makes contact.
His OBP being higher would be nice, but anymore, 350 for a leadoff hitter is decent. The days of the Rickey Henderson leadoff hitter are over.
He's an upgrade over Pods for one reason -- he stays healthy. His defense is also equal.
Unless one of those guys turns out to be something -- and seriously, the track record for Sox castoffs is abysmal -- I see nothing wrong with this deal.
Ely has put up decent numbers, but Link is another guy.
Nada Surf-
Are you drunk in the middle of the day?
More than half the comments here are by Cubs fans who can once again look forward to no changes in their stellar outfield. Only 2 more years of Milton and 10 or 12 years of Soriano.
This pick up is LADY GAGA APPROVED!!!!!!!!
KW doesn't want to show hios Poka face! He pulled the trigger on this deal and you can put it on the boooooard YES!!! @009 WS champion Chicago White SoX!!!!
Pride......tradition.........Nada,,,,,,,,,,1919........William Ligue Jr............
Here to help
Lady Nada
Papa-papa-papa Razzi!!!!
PS_ Time to Fire Ozzie and Aj and FATBOY JENKS!
Lifetime OBP of just 348 and has never drawn more than 55 walks per season. Might help more than Posednik, and is two years younger, but doesn't seem like a real solution. Look around, and you see that good leadoff men are very hard to find.
Patrick - the Cubs can complain about his numbers because they're misleading.
This guy only hit for the Cubs when the bases were empty. In the 508 at bats he had with the bases empty, he had a .341 obp (still below average)... but in the 200 at-bats he had with runners on, he had a .299 obp.
The guy carried a .286 obp in April and May, helping the Cubs fall out of contention real fast that year.
Now, I'm not going to compare his career stats because they're irrelevant. The fact is, the Cubs were terrible in 2006 and this guy was a huge reason for that. The only taste the Cubs fan have of this guy is a bad one.
They ought to call this guy "Suitcase Pierre." He's had more roomates than Tiger Woods. This isn't a game changer and my guess is the fans will probably sour on him by August. But, nice try Kenny. Do what you have to do.
The move is ok, but I would've rather seen the Sox go after the Yankees center fielder Radner & see what he can do.
Red Rover,
Cmon. Cubs fans are knowledgable??? Ive been a cubs fan my entire life ( a long time). I remember when only knowledgable baseball people went to wrigley. Those days are long gone. Out of towners that make wrigley a tourist stop, kids who moved into wrigleyville and use the game to get drunk, a beautiful park where very few people take there kids anymore. Just continue to be a good Cubs fan but get real about most Cubs fans being baseball smart.
This was the proper move for the Sox. While people will complain that Pierre isn't what he once was, it's reasonable to believe that he will put up an OBP around .335-.345, which is basically right around Podsednik's OBP in 2005- 2006. His arm is poor, but so is Pods'. Considering the cheapness of his contract and the average quality of the prospects of the minor leaguers we gave up, this is a positive move for the Sox.
@SoxFan Ethan: I agree that Pierre's general 2009 stats were closer to his career averages than Pods', and from just looking at the stats, Pierre is definitely an upgrade over Pods. But check out what their saying in Los Angeles (they're basically happy to see him go):
"Juan Pierre was a good fourth outfielder, and I was happy to keep him around in that role if no alternative existed. But he's not a starter...Pierre's performance last season at ages 31-32 (his birthday was in August) was far better than what he had been delivering the previous four seasons. His EQA of .283 was a career high and 25 points higher than his previous best from 2005-08. In other words, it was a fluke — one that might have been a result of reduced playing time that kept him fresh."
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dodgerthoughts/2009/12/pierre.html
Scott pods is actually 33 goin on 34 and had signed a minor league deal with the rockies they brought him back then released him before the season started and then the sox signed him to a minor league deal.Stop overrating that bum pierre is clearly better.Only in chicago do fans whine about average players and nitpick over unheard of prospects.Be happy your team is improving and will easily win that weak division.
I agree with Matt B. Im a lifelong Cubbies fan that has to agree that Hendry's check writng has mortgaged this teams future. After Soriano, Bradley, etc we are out of the market not to mention that Wrigley has surpassed the southside in the contest for bad behaviour. The place has become one big adult playground for drunks. I remember when you could watch a game at Wrigley and be surrounded by knowledgeable baseball people. How does this guy keep his gig going?
@John in Vienna - Actually, Pierre's numbers from 2009 were close to his carreer averages (avg a little higher, but fewer SBs). Scotty Pods's season was more of a fluke based on his track record.
Personally I like this move. Pierre is a better option than the others the Sox were looking at (more consistent than Pods or Coco; much less expensive than Figgins - who is the same age as Pierre BTW). And Kenny got LA to pay the majority of his salary and only gave 2 lesser prospects. Phil Rodgers can complain about them giving up Ely, but KW didn't give up any of his top prospects (Beckham, Jordan Danks, Mitchell, Viciedo, Retherford, Hudson, Torres).
The pitching staff and bench are set. Now we need a Left-handed power bat (preferably who can play defense) and we should be set. Sox have to be the favorites in the Central.
I agree with Matt B. Im a lifelong Cubbies fan that has to agree that Hendry's check writng has mortgaged this teams future. After Soriano, Bradley, etc we are out of the market not to mention that Wrigley has surpassed the southside in the contest for bad behaviour. The place has become one big adult playground for drunks. I remember when you could watch a game at Wrigley and be surrounded by knowledgeable baseball people. How does this guy keep his gig going?
Suddenly, the stench of the Cubs .... hmm.
I love reading the comments from cubbie fans. Hendry destroyed your team by being nothing but a prolific check writer without ever giving any thought to how a player fits into the culture of a team. Oh, wait a minute- Cubbie culture??? Oh yeah, 100 yr + of futility and excuse making. Keep filling the stands and the bars around wrigley , you idiots.
Go Kenny. At least you are trying.
Why? Why? Why does KW feel it is necessary to always trade 2 for 1, 3 for 1, 4 for 1. It leaves the cupboard bare and when they really need a player they don't have the money. A general rule of business: You can't sell from an empty shelf. How about stockpiling a bunch of players and letting them fight for the right to move up in the system. Just a thought!
I did'nt say Scotty Pods was the reason the sox sucked last year but it was 2 options bring in pierre to play Lf/Cf or podsednik Kenny Williams Upgraded to get pierre who is better.He is 32 podsenik is 31 LOL @ That being the downside to his career this aint the NFL MLB players play until their 40's.
Why not play Pierre in Center and keep Carlos in left? With Danks coming up through the system you would think they would want to keep in in Center. Now he has to take over the Pierre spot in left, no?
Who wants to bet that NEITHER Scotty P. NOR Juanny P. will play up to the level of their 2009 seasons?? Sorry, but they were both kinda flukish.
Yankee Fan 2009.2010
Its Juan - not Jaun. Now go home and get your shine box d-bag!
How can Cub fans complain about a .292 average, 48 extra base hits and 58 stolen bases when he played for them? Oh yeah, because they are Cub fans!
Scott podsednik Sucked stop talking about that bum.With him the sox were 9 games back.He's nothing.. a nobody but an average triple a contract signing player low risk bum.Pierre is an upgrade who played in the playoffs and killed the cubs in 2003 and was a great replacement for manny last year.Huge upgrade.Excellent pick up
Now if the sox can try to steal Adrian gonzalez away from the padres to play 1B and move konerko to DH they will have a team good enough to lose in the Alcs to the yankees.
With the Sox having a disapointing 2009 season, one of the few bright spots, and truly brilliant moves was bringing back Scotty Pods. Scotty brought back some of the critical elements of the 2005 World Series team, the ability to manufacture runs when the bats fall asleep. HAVE SCOTTY PODSEDNIC AND JUAN PIERRE BOTH IN THE LINEUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
At least the Sox now have someone who can bat leadoff and run a bit. This may give the Sox a boost for 2010, but of course in the long-run (over the next 10 years) they will not get as much from a 32-year-old vet as they would have gotten from Chris Getz.
I'm a Cubs fan who would consider himself pretty knowledgeable about Major AND Minor League Baseball players.
Cubs fans who have a problem with Pierre have a problem with him because the the Cubs gave a lot to obtain him, and he didn't really produce. Seeing a guy play 162 times is a great way to see the flaws in the players game. Pierre doesn't take many pitches, and he's a terrible defensive CF (won't matter for the Sox who will use him in LF). Add in that the Cubs were terrible in 2006, and you can see why the Cubs fans would have a bad taste in their mouth relating to this guy.
As for the rumors to this deal - Ely is the better of the two proposed prospects.
He's a Chicago native (huge White Sox fan) who tops out around 91-92 mph, but makes up for it with a really solid changeup. He led the Southern League with 14 wins and 125 strikeouts last season while finishing second with a sub-3.00 ERA. He was a SL Midseason and Postseason All Star selection.
Link set the Southern League tied the Southern League record for saves in 2008 (though it was beaten in 2009), but didn't look great doing it. He has a high WHIP and has a knack for making easy saves look difficult.
I'm a cubs fan and I said this is a great move for the sox.Every move the sox have made since last year was good acquiring rios,peavy,teahen,putz and now pierre was good pickups if you're a sox fan you really should'nt complain your Gm has improved your team significantly.I know rios struggled last year most likely putting too much pressure on himself to justify the trade,but the guy is solid give him time he can play D hit about 270-280 and get you 15-20 Hr's and 80 rbi's Stop whining you crybabies the sox are now good enough to lose in the 1st round to the REAL teams like the yankees and red sox.
The two players to be named later in the Juan Pierre trade are named Starlin Castro and Brett Jackson and they added some pug named Josh Vitters just to unload his minor league salary before they all end up on the Baltimore Orioles. In other news, the Chicago Cubs have extended the contract of left field great, Alphonso Soriano...
Great move Kenny!!! Pierre was a stud for the Dodgers last year. And the Dodgers are picking up a little bit more than half his salary. I don't think the Sox gave up anyone significant to get him either. Pierre in left, Rios in center, and Quentin in right. I like it.
TREMENDOUS move by the White Sox!
They got Pierre and cheap!
And, hey, the Cubs wanted him, too, but they tried to purchase a title a couple of years ago and failed so they won't be able to buy anyone for a while..
You guys decide who the real NadaSurf2009 is.
Nice move! Kenny Williams is being very creative and getting an excellent player here.
Another good pick-up. Pierre has a career .301 batting average with a .348 on-base percentage while averaging 46 stolen bases per season.
Give Kenny Williams the Executive of the Year award right now. I also want to thank all the clueless Cub fans for posting here. Just 2 more years of Milton Bradley so be patient just like you have been for over 100 years.
The fact that every self hating Cubs fan sprinted over here to post on how bad a move this is....is proof that it was a great move!!!
Also exceptionally amusing that they're claiming $3 Mil this year and $5 mil next year is too much for a leadoff hitter with average defense. Apparently $19M for each of the next 5 years is much smarter. Enjoy another season of Soriano batting about .240 over 90 games while complaining that the drunken frat boys in the bleachers are too hard on him.
I like the move. Pierre is far more reliable than Rios, who I think is the real question mark this season. Pods was really my favorite Sox player when he's been on the team, but I really can't whine about this move.
I find it amazing how the Internet seems to be a magnet for perpetual whiners and other downers who have nothing other to do than complain. Oh well, I guess whining about everything provides a good buffer for a fragile ego; if he doesn't do well, you can pat yourself on the back, and if he does do well, you just whine about how it's a fluke. Of course, the only time you whiners pop up is when there's something to complain about. Otherwise, you try to fool yourselves that you've been on board with the plan all along.
Florida Jim - You cannot honestly believe that the Sox were ever in the hunt for ANYONE you mention. Matsui? Are you serious? The last thing we need is another power-based team similar to the one we had in '08. Halliday? Lee? I never even heard these names mentioned in the same sentence as the "White Sox," so that sounds more like your unrealized fantasy than even a remote possibility in reality.
A good move, depending on the minor leaguers, since KW is paying 3 mil next year for him, hopefully they are getting A ball players and not Danks, Hudson, or any of the other studs we have down in the minors (as we don't not have many)
John Ely and Jon Link are the two minor leaguers going to LA for OBP-challenged Pierre. See mlbtraderumors.com
STFU Nada, no one believes you're stupid enough to think he is a bullpen pitcher.
It's better than sticking yourself with a $36 mil contract over 4 years for some schmoe like Figgins. it will be interesting to see what Pierre can do as a full-time starter. Kenny is obviously looking to win now. Barring injuries, the Sox will have one of the best pitching staff in the leagues. If the offense steps up, this team may just be a contender.
John Ely and John Link were the minor leaguers.
Great Move Kenny !! We finally got a leadoff hitter who will cause chaos on the basepaths which Ozzie Loves.
True White Sox fans know that this is a good move, one which I have been calling for several years since he has been available from the Dodgers. All of the haters(Cubs Fans) that are posting negatives on this move....its all good...enjoy another playoff-less season with your stud leadoff hitter...Alfonso 'Pay-Me' Soriano...lol.
Quit Saying Hudson is involved when he isn't heres who is involved....
The Dodgers have officially announced the deal, according to Hernandez. Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports hears that John Ely and Jon Link are heading to the Dodgers. The Tigers and Pirates also had interest in Pierre, according to Morosi.
I'd say there's no way the Sox would trade Daniel Hudson for Juan Pierre... but this same team traded Brandon Allen a few months ago for Tony Pena. So, they've made dumber moves in the past.
Yeah, Daniel Hudson was part of this deal. Thanks, I needed a good laugh.
Anyone who believes this was dropped on their head as an infant.
Stone likes the move...
It is hilarious to see all the complaints and bashing coming from non-Illinois residents or Illinois residents who do not live in the NW part of the state.
Only they know what is best for them, and no one else. That's the way it is!
All the moves the sox made will assure them a playoff spot.Last week you guys were complaining about speed and a leadoff hitter and you just got one FOR HALF PRICE.The guy is a solid hitter who led baseball in Stolen bases more than once.So what his arm is weak so is johnny damons and you saw what he did in the playoffs.You sox fans sound like spoiled lil crybabies at least you have made solid moves to have a strong team next year they still wont be able to compete with the REAL TEAMS like the yankees and Red Sox but the can win their lil weak al central over the twins convincingly.Be grateful look at the cubs we are still handcuffed by m bradley and its almost christmas.
I like this move. He's a career .301 hitter, .308 last year even with playing off the bench.
haha, juan pierre sucks
Steve Stone will be on The Score in twenty minutes. Should be good...
I was skeptical too Red about this but after looking at his numbers he has been a good ball player besides the time he filled in for Manny...he is a lifetime 301 hitter and steal around 50 bases a season
Don't forget, Jordan Danks waiting in the wings. Juan Pierre is the perfect guy to hold the fort down for cheap while Jordan Danks gets ready...
Great pickup for the white sox.WOW Sox fans actually complain more than cubs fans about good moves.Did you forget how pierre played when manny was out for 50 games last year? the guy hit almost 400 and the dodgers did'nt miss a beat.The sox are getting him for half price.You complained when they got teahan,putz and rios who are all good players.Sox have a team than can compete in the al central easily
I love jim's comment !! .... "He throws like a girl." Kinda says it all!!!
Yeah, I'm sure we gave up Danks & Hudson.
Looks at Pierre's numbers filling in for Manny last year. That's what Kenny's looking at... not his numbers as a bench player.
Yeah, I'm sure we gave up Danks & Hudson.
Looks at Pierre's numbers filling in for Manny last year. That's what Kenny's looking at... not his numbers as a bench player.
this season is ova!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's basically the same player. Pierre is younger than Pods and has a better track record (He has four years in his career with 200 or more hits). They both stole 30 bases last year in the same amount of attempts (42 for Pierre 43 for Pods). Neither is a good fielder.
If the Sox gave up anything more than a few low A ball pitching prospects, then it's not a great deal wither way.
I'm a huge Scotty Pods fan, but he wanted a three year guarenteed deal. Kenny wasn't going to give that to him.
I really hope it isn't Hudson, but to get Pierre at a 50% discount says we must have to give up something other than Jhonny Nunez... I do wan't one more old guy though, I wouldn't mind seeinf Vladdy as our DH..
Not bad for the money if LA is picking up half the salary. Don't forget, Peavy and Rios were EARLY moves for 2010. That being said, Rios does need to step it up this year. If he plays up to his potential, we'll be alright this year...
Why do we keep getting mediocre players? We had Pods, why get rid of him for another Pods? Plus our Pods is better and has been on the team for years already...
Juan Pierre, how old is he?
This looks like the offseason we lost out on Hunter, Cameron and now we lost Matsui, Haliday, Lee, but we get Pierre, despite his age, Is Lovie involved with the Sox now?
Why am I doomed to be a Chicago fan?
If Ozzie is smart enough to not lead him off, which he probably isn't, this is a decent, if somewhat lateral, move from Pods.
Pierre's OBP in months with more than 50 at bats last year: May .435 (wow), June .319(eww), July .286(ouch), Sept .302(ugly).
It was two monor league pitchers....do not know who as of yet?
Any help Dave???
depending on who we gave up, this is a really good deal. Pierre is a very good fit here: he's a plus defender, a .300 potential hitter and 30 plus steals..
And if LA picks up half of his salary, then he's better than market value.. I do hope it's not Jordan Danks we gave up...