Would the Sox Trade Paulie?

While most of the trade talk in Chicago baseball revolves around the Cubs never ending pursuit of Baltimore's Brian Roberts, and the White Sox trying to get something out of San Francisco worthy enough of Joe Crede.

While I'm not sure what's holding up the Roberts deal, it's become pretty clear that the Crede deal hasn't gone through because the Giants just aren't offering the White Sox something they actually want back. More specifically, a starting pitcher.

With the way Barry Zito pitches last season, and his horrible start this spring, I'm sure the Giants wouldn't mind shedding that huge contract, but at the same time it's still too early to completely give up on him in San Francisco. Besides, the Sox don't want to take on that contract anyway.

They aren't going to give up Matt Cain or Tim Lincecum either, and Noah Lowry hasn't been impressive at all. That leaves Kevin Correia, but he really wouldn't be a marked improvement over what the team already has.

So it's looking like the Sox might be better served to wait on trading Crede. The problem with that is what would they do with Josh Fields? Kenny Williams has already said that Josh is playing third base this season, whether it's in Chicago or Charlotte. Well, Josh isn't going to get much out of another trip to the minors, so that move would be counter productive.

So what do they do? Fox's Ken Rosenthal has an idea.

If the Mets wanted to do something truly extravagant, they could make a run at White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko, who remains quietly available, according to a major-league source.

Apparently the Mets are looking for some Carlos Delgado insurance, as Delgado struggled last season, and already has a hip problem this spring. To be honest though, I don't see the Mets willing to take on Konerko's $12 million contract just for insurance.

The idea to trade Konerko is somewhat interesting to me, though. More interesting than it has been in the past. Maybe it's just because I'll do anything to keep Joe Crede around as long as possible, or maybe because it actually might make sense for the team.

If the Sox were to trade Paulie, they'd have to do it now. In a few short months his "10 and 5" clause kicks in, and he'll have to approve of any trade the Sox try to make. Paulie is also a big enough bat to bring in a quality middle to upper rotation type of arm in return.

The Sox could then move Joe Crede to first base to help protect his back. Then, if the White Sox are out of the playoff hunt come deadline time, they can still move Crede and get more for him than they can now.

The problem is, who needs a first baseman right now?

The Yankees don't ever seem to mind adding bats to their lineup, and could use an upgrade at first base, but they've made it clear in the Johan Santana sweepstakes that they're not giving up their young arms. They might be able to get Melky Cabrera, which would solve the center field situation, but I'd rather have a pitcher for Paulie.

The Sox and Angels have never been able to work out a deal for Konerko, but maybe the Sox could look on the other side of Los Angeles for a partner. The Dodgers are looking for a little more thump in their lineup, and probably wouldn't mind Paulie next to Andruw Jones in the middle of their order.

Maybe the Sox could pry Chad Billingsley and a prospect or two out of them. I'd start by asking for Derek Lowe, though, and working my way down to Billingsley. Maybe they could even fool the Dodgers into giving up Billingsley and James Loney.

Of course, they could always fall back on the oft-rumored trade with the Angels, but if neither side has agreed on anything up until this point, there's no reason to think they would before the season starts.

Other than those teams, there really isn't anybody else out there that could use Paulie, at least not a team that could offer anything in return. So while the notion to trade Konerko before the season starts is a little appealing, I just don't see any scenario right now that would make sense.