There was nothing more rebellious than White Sox fans in 1997 when their team decided to trade away valuable players when the Sox were only 3.5 games out of first place. It was called "The White Flag Trade."
It was made on July 31, 1997. The White Sox traded three major league players (LHP Wilson Alvarez, RHP Danny Darwin, and RHP Roberto Hernandez) to the Giants for six minor league players (RHP Keith Foulke, RHP Bog Howry, and four other players who had no career impact).
The ramification of the trade was immediate. White Sox fans were angry that ownership gave up the season at the trade deadline. The Giants would go on to win the NL West, but lose to eventual World Series champion Marlins in the NL Series. The White Sox only finished 6 games behind the Indians.
Three years later, in 2000, the White Sox won the American League Central with a
league-best record of 95-67. They made the playoffs but were swept in
the division series by the Mariners. However, Foulke and Howry were a large part of theWhite Sox successful playoff season, with Foulke earning 34 saves in his role as closer.
The White Sox cannot be criticized for dismantling this year's team. The Sox are a major disappointment. At 37-55 and in last place in the AL Central, the team with the 10th highest payroll is floundering against higher expectations. They had finished second last season with 85 wins.
The Sox have few trading chips. Starter Chris Sale dominated his two innings in the All Star game. He is a building block for the future so he won't be trade bait. The two best chips the Sox have are on the disabled list: starter Jake Peavey and reliever Jesse Crain. Pitching has been the team's best performance this year. Reports have the front office underwhelmed by offers on OF Alex Rios, the team's most consistent hitter.
All factors point to the White Sox being a non-factor at the trade deadline. The Sox would like to pull off a big multiple player deal to restock their roster with younger players, but there are no takers for their underperforming major league players.
