The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Chicago White Sox have been linked in the Alex Rios and Alexei Ramirez trade discussions all throughout the trade season. Today Travis Sawchik and Rob Biertempfel reported that the White Sox asked for Jameson Taillon or Gregory Polanco for Rios.
Also, per @BiertempfelTrib, the White Sox asked for Taillon or Polanco for Rios. They were quickly told 'no' by Pirates
— Travis Sawchik (@Travis_Sawchik) July 30, 2013
Fortunately there was a quick “no” from the Pirates. So it doesn’t look like the Pirates are going to over-pay for Rios. Sawchik does say that the White Sox have an interest in Alex Dickerson.
The White Sox apparently have interest in a Dickerson (Altoona OF), so perhaps asking price will come down
— Travis Sawchik (@Travis_Sawchik) July 30, 2013
Dickerson is having a big year in Altoona. Since the start of June he has a .360/.398/.640 line and 11 homers in 186 at-bats. On the season he has a .298/.342/.522 line and 14 homers in 339 at-bats, which includes a poor April and a decent May. If you chalk the first two months up to adjusting to a new level and making one of the hardest jumps in the minors (high-A to Double-A), then Dickerson is looking good right now.
The Pirates have a long-term need for a first baseman, and while Dickerson has been playing in the outfield this year, he could be the top option to fill that need if he continues this production. At the same time, he’s not untouchable, and he would be easier to deal than Taillon or Polanco. If the price for Rios came down to Dickerson, that would be fair value. It might hurt if Dickerson is actually breaking out and does become a future first baseman with power. At the same time, there’s a chance the Pirates could be selling high on him. Last year Dickerson had a huge June/July, where he hit for a .317/.374/.541 line with eight homers in 205 at-bats. He faded some in August, with a .300/.327/.440 line and three homers in 100 at-bats. That doesn’t mean he could fade again, but it does add the perspective that we’re only looking at two strong months out of an entire season.
