Clearly, the White Sox got the better of the deal. But that's not the only recent deal that is helping the Sox.
This off-season, they acquired 25-year-old outfielder Carlos Quentin from Arizona for minor-league slugger Chris Carter, who in turn was shipped to Oakland. Quentin, a former first-round draft pick, had struggled with injuries and was slow putting it together in Arizona. He has hit his stride in Chicago, however.
Entering yesterday, Quentin was tied for the AL lead with eight homers, and he ranked in the top five in RBIs (25), on-base percentage (.407), slugging percentage (.559) and runs (24).
Here's a look at some other off-season deals that are paying dividends for clubs.
Talk about a deal that's helping both clubs. In December, the Reds sent outfielder Josh Hamilton, 27, to the Rangers for pitcher Edinson Volquez, 24.
Entering yesterday, Hamilton was leading the majors with 37 RBIs, while Volquez led the National League with a 1.06 ERA and 52 strikeouts.
The Phillies are thrilled with the way their November deal with the Astros is working out. Brad Lidge is showing off his high-end stuff and dominating hitters. In his first 17 games, he allowed no runs and had nine saves.
Michael Bourn was the key piece for Houston. Entering yesterday, he was leading the NL with 16 steals, but he was hitting under .200 and struggling to get on base.
The Braves and Tigers opened the off-season with a trade that sent shortstop Edgar Renteria to Detroit for righthanded pitcher Jair Jurrjens and minor-league outfield prospect Gorkys Hernandez.
