MLB analyst: White Sox caught in ‘no man’s land’

The White Sox were caught in “no man’s land” at the trade deadline, says CBS Sports baseball reporter Jon Heyman.

Appearing on 670 The Score’s “Mully & Hanley Show,” Heyman declared the Sox “losers” of the trade deadline after deciding to stand pat and make no deals. The Sox and Diamondbacks were the only two teams in baseball not to make a move affecting their active roster in the week leading up to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

Heyman doubts the Sox are actually playoff contenders but said they’d have a tough time selling pieces when they’re just 3 1/2 games out.

“The White Sox I think were caught in no man’s land, weren’t sure what to do exactly,” Heyman told the radio hosts. “Probably are not a contender, but tough to sell when you’re 3 1/2 games out of the wild card. They were 2 1/2 out in 1997, and that’s never forgotten, white flag day. They threw in the towel, and that’s never been forgotten. Three-and-a-half out is tough to sell, but I doubt they’re a contender.

The Sox had been shopping free agent pitcher to-be Jeff Samardzija in the month leading up to the deadline, but Heyman says the market for the veteran pitcher wasn’t very good.

“I just think they ultimately decided they didn’t want to trade him,” Heyman said. “Maybe if they got something spectacular back they would have gone for it. But I don’t think the market was great at this point for Samardzija. We’re talking about a a half-year rental for a guy who has pitched OK this year. Hasn’t been great. He’s been better lately, and he certainly could help a team. But I don’t think he’s looked at as a savior like last year when he was sympathetically looked at with a losing record and an All-Star for the Cubs.

“The market was not spectacular for him, and I think it would have taken a strong stomach to be a seller when you’re hot like the Sox were.”

You can hear Heyman’s full interview by clicking here.