White Sox Acquire Veteran Reliever Brett Myers From Astros!
Just hours before falling out of first place yesterday, the Chicago White Sox acquired much needed veteran help to their mostly young bullpen with the acquisition of Brett Myers from the Houston Astros for two minor league pitchers and a player to be named.
“I just felt like the men in our clubhouse earned a little help,” White Sox general manager Ken Williams said. “It has gotten to a point where it’s time to make a push. He’s an intense competitor. He makes our bullpen better.”
The 31-year-old Myers had 19 saves in 21 chances to go along with a 3.52 ERA in 35 appearances for the Astros. With his save percentage being third in the National League at the time of the trade and his save total being sixth. Williams said despite that Myers will be used as a regular reliever and 23-year-old rookie Addison Reed, who has saved 15 games will still be used as the teams closer.
“In no way, for (manager Robin Ventura) or myself in any way, is this a lack of confidence in Addison Reed,” Williams said.
Myers himself sounded happy to be joining the club as well, having this to say to MLB.com of the move, “They’re in first place. I’m pumped about that, and to play for a team that’s fighting for a championship. That’s why I play the game, to win championships.”
After moving from a last place team to a first place team, who wouldn’t though? And with the Sox recent move out of first in the AL Central after yesterday afternoon’s 7-1 loss in Detroit to the preseasons division favorite Tigers, don’t be surprised if they don’t make any more moves. As Williams is always known to pull the trigger on any moves no matter how big or small he feels can improve his ballclub before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline, if they’re in competition for the division or playoffs like this current Sox team is.
