"Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez has opted out of his $1.1 million contract, a move that will force the team's hand into giving him a $1.4 million raise for 2011.

The Silver Slugger Award winner, considered among the rising stars at shortstop in the game, batted .282 with 18 home runs and 70 RBIs this past season. He also was considered among the favorites to win a Gold Glove, with the award going to the New York Yankees' Derek Jeter instead."