"Damaso Marte - R - White Sox
ESPN Radio 1000's Bruce Levine is reporting that the White Sox have traded Damaso Marte to the Pirates for Rob Mackowiak.
So much for GM Ken Willams' claim that the chances of his trading a reliever were "very, very, very slim." Obviously, he was still looking to dump Marte if he's taking a utlityman for him. Mackowiak becomes the White Sox's insurance for Joe Crede's back problems. He could start at third base against right-handers and be OK. He'll also serve as a backup in the outfield. A Marte acquisition could make John Grabow expendable in Pittsburgh. Or perhaps Marte himself will be moved in another deal. Dec. 8 - 12:17 pm et"