Spare Parts: Frankie Montas rumors a recurring dream with nightmarish price

For those hanging on the blades of the White Sox rumor mill, Sunday night felt familiar.

Over previous days, Bob Nightengale had reported that the White Sox had pursued Oakland's remaining proven starter, Frankie Montas, but the asking price of Andrew Vaughn was simply too steep.

This is the kind of trade that calls for a top-100 prospect, and by that I mean "a prospect who ranks between No. 75 and No. 100." The White Sox don't have that sort of prospect, so in lieu of the ideal kind of centerpiece, the A's seem intent on the high side of that gap, which is their right. They just shouldn't expect the Sox to close that gap, especially when Vaughn's coming out of the gate looking every bit the hitter that had him drafted third overall.

There is the chance that an unproven-but-high-upside prospect like Colson Montgomery could be enough to lead the way, which is why this report from Mike Rodriguez seemed plausible on Sunday night ...

... because Rodriguez has landed a couple of scoops this offseason. The only problem is the "only thing" that Rodriguez mentioned an hour later.

So the rumor appeared to hit the same dead end, with Nightengale putting his foot down.

In the meantime, the White Sox announced less exciting roster moves that result in a net talent loss: Lucas Giolito and AJ Pollock to the injured list, with Jimmy Lambert and Anderson Severino taking their places.

Spare Parts

• Szymborski's 2022 breakout candidates: Hitters -- FanGraphs
• Szymborski's 2022 breakout candidates: Pitchers -- FanGraphs

It's cool to think that Tim Anderson and Dylan Cease could improve beyond the already substantial gains they've made over the past few seasons, but Dan Szymborski sees further progress is possible with both. In particular, he thinks Anderson can tap into his power a little more because his pitch selection, while still aggressive, has made strides.

• The White Sox can only imagine what Luis Robert is capable of in 2022 and beyond -- The Athletic

Reading about Luis Robert is almost as fun as watching him, especially when James Fegan approaches him from all angles.

• 30-year-old rookie Tanner Banks breathing it all in -- Chicago Sun-Times

It's a shame that the White Sox didn't hide a camera when they let Tanner Banks know he made the team, but he's getting more attention after a successful, scoreless two-inning debut against Detroit.

• Harold Baines thankful for second chance with new heart, kidney -- MLB.com

Before his death, nobody did more advocating for organ donations than Ed Farmer, whose life was extended nearly 30 years by a kidney transplant. Harold Baines sounds like he's ready to take on that mantle after receiving a new heart and kidney on back-to-back days in May 2021.