Chicago White Sox Add Brett Myers

The Chicago White Sox have acquired veteran relief pitcher Brett Myers from the Houston Astros for two

minor leaguers and a player to be named later.  The minor leaguers will be pitchers, Matt Heidenreich and Blair Walters.

Myers has a 3.52 ERA this season in 30 2/3 innings pitched.  He has shared closer duties in Houston and has 19 saves on the season.  Myers has handled seen action in the starting rotation, long relief, and as a closer.  However, it seems his career is destined to continue in the bullpen.

The White Sox are now in second place, but have had a nice season so far.  They just coughed up first place yesterday in a loss to the Detroit Tigers, 7-1.  Chicago will look to use Myer’s veteran presence as a bolster to their relatively young bullpen.

Right-hander Matt Heindenreich is just 21 years old and is pitching at the Double-A level.  The Astros will likely keep him at Double-A, but his advancement may be quicker in their organization.  The Astros are building a farm system full of young, talented players who should be able to contribute at the Major League level in the next few years.

Heindenreich has a 3.75 FIP at Double-A this year despite an inflated 5.89 ERA.  He spent the majority of this season at Single-A where he compiled an 8-2 record with an ERA of 3.57 and an FIP of 4.09.

Blair Walters is a 22-year old lefty pitching at the High-A level.  He has struggled in five games with White Sox affiliate, posting a 7.01 ERA.  However, at Low-A, he was 3-3 with a  2.88 ERA this season.

With Myers, the White Sox add depth to their pen.  Yet, they gave up talent that could develop into productive Major Leaguers to get him.  Time will tell exactly how well this trade will work for the Sox, but Myers may not be the help Chicago needs.

For more on the White Sox, be sure to check out Southside Showdown.  

For more on the Astros, be sure to check out Climbing Tal’s Hill.