White Sox Rumors: Attendance Impacting Trade Deadline?

Chicago White Sox general manager Ken Williams said the team’s attendance figures could impact his ability to make trade deadline moves, reports Scott Powers of ESPNChicago.com. Williams added that he’s going to be looking for ways to improve the White Sox prior to the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.

Powers reports that, as of yesterday, the White Sox ranked 27^th in the majors with an average paid attendance of 21,330 fans, ahead of only the Tampa Bay Rays, Oakland Athletics and Cleveland Indians.

Williams wasn’t willing to expound on the team’s attendance situation but would only call it an issue when asked.

Entering yesterday, the White Sox had been in first place in the American League Central since May 29. However, a recent poor stretch which was extended with the team’s third consecutive loss last night has dropped Chicago out of that top spot.

The White Sox, who are led offensively by veteran slugger Paul Konerko, have done a good job scoring runs this season despite a low team on base percentage (.319). Chicago has leaned on its power as it has tallied the fifth-most home runs in the majors.

White Sox pitchers have also been good this year despite the struggles of expected ace John Danks. Chris Sale has stepped up in a big way (2.46 ERA, 1.00 WHIP), and White Sox hurlers have posted the third-best WHIP in the majors (1.23).