Josh

Fields

None of the players have been informed of the trade, as of yet. The New York Daily News and Chicago Sun-Times both indicated that a deal was done, and there’s little reason to doubt that it was essentially agreed to. However, since nothing has become official, it’s still possible that one of the two sides will back out.

The Padres tried and failed to get Fields from the White Sox before the deadline. Unless something happens this winter, the 2004 first-round pick could be in for a second year in Triple-A in 2007, despite his .322/.397/.539 line in 369 at-bats. He might be a left fielder if he stays with the organization.

Charlotte will be in the playoffs, which pushes a potential call-up back. Fields is hitting .312 with 18 homers and 66 RBI.

The White Sox’ prospect is blocked by Joe Crede at third. Of course, arbitration-eligible Crede will have back surgery in the offseason and is also the topic of trade rumors, so Fields may yet wind up manning the hot corner in Chicago. He’s a tremendous power-speed prospect worth tracking in keeper leagues.

Fields gets the call on the same day that Joe Crede returns from a back injury. He’ll probably get the occasional start if Crede continues to require rest, but it would take a significant setback for the regular third baseman to make Fields worth using in AL-only leagues.

Fields left the Rockies’ organization last summer in order to join the Yomiuri Giants of Japan’s Central League, but he batted just .202 with two homers and 34 RBI over 109 at-bats. Now he’s going to give it another try stateside. The 29-year-old hasn’t done much at the major-league level since smacking 23 homers with the White Sox in 2007, so he’ll likely open the 2012 season at the Triple-A level.

Fields hasn’t appeared in the majors since 2010 and failed to earn a promotion last season with the Dodgers’ Triple-A affiliate . The former top prospect will look to reestablish himself in the Phillies organization.

Fields, a 2004 first-round pick, is batting .304 with 12 RBI in 11 games. There’s no longer much chance of Joe Crede getting sent elsewhere this winter, but Fields might take over as the White Sox’s third baseman in 2007.

Fields also homered Monday and has seven hits over the four games. His average should remains mediocre, but he’s already displaying 25-homer power for the White Sox.