Sox trade Santos to Blue Jays
The White Sox traded closer Sergio Santos to the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday in exchange for a highly touted minor league pitcher.
The Sox acquired right-handed pitcher Nestor Molina, 22, who has been in Toronto's minor league system since 2007. Molina went 12-3 with a 2.21 ERA in 26 games (23 starts) last season, which he split between high Single-A and Double-A.
Santos, 28, emerged as a reliable closer in 2011 for the Sox. He had 30 saves last season while going 4-5 with a 3.55 ERA in 30 relief appearances.
The trade seems to represent another step in the Sox's rebuilding process after their "All In" campaign failed badly last season. Former manager Ozzie Guillen left to join the Miami Marlins, longtime starting pitcher Mark Buehrle is expected to depart via free agency, and other players such as John Danks or Carlos Quentin could be traded for younger prospects.
-Tom Musick
