Chicago White Sox Trade Rumors

Yoenis Cespedes might leave U.S.
February 9
ESPN.com
 
"Yoenis Cespedes, who met with the Miami Marlins and toured their new ballpark on Wednesday, could head back to the Dominican Republic as early as Thursday, said his agent, Adam Katz. "Nothing is scheduled for now," Katz said when asked if he and Cespedes plan to meet with other teams before the 26-year-old Cuban outfielder departs. He declined to say whether Cespedes had met with other clubs besides the Marlins since he arrived in Miami on Tuesday. Cespedes had lunch Wednesday with Marlins president David Samson, executive vice president Larry Beinfest and general manager Mike Hill, then got a firsthand look at the Marlins' new park, which is located in Miami's Little Havana neighborhood"
AL source: Miami Marlins frontrunners to land Yoenis Cespedes
February 7
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
 
"Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes is scheduled to land in Miami Tuesday afternoon. According to an American League source from a club that's been monitoring his free agency, the Marlins likely will be his future employer. Cespedes is expected to meet with club officials Wednesday. Though the U.S. Treasury's Department of Foreign Assets Control must unblock Cespedes before he can play professionally here, he is able to negotiate and come to terms with the club of his choosing. Team President David Samson last week said they were aggressively negotiating with Adam Katz, Cespedes agent from the Wasserman Media Group. The AL source said all indications are the Marlins have the inside track to"
Insufferable White Sox plight could push Paul Konerko to retire
February 2
Yahoo! Sports
 
"The end is near, as far as a playing career goes, for Chicago White Sox slugger Paul Konerko. He said as much over the weekend at his team's fan fest. Konerko, who turns 36 in March, has amassed 396 career home runs, an .858 OPS, five All-Star appearances and one World Series ring in parts of 15 seasons. He is signed through 2013 and told reporter Chuck Garfein of CSN Chicago that two more seasons might be enough: "No doubt it could be," Konerko said in an interview with Comcast SportsNet. "Yeah, in all reality I would see it ending after next year or maybe another year. I mean, at some point you got to go home and be around your kids and have other things to do.""
Yoenis Cespedes signing before spring training
January 31
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes is now free to sign with any team he would like and his agent, Adam Katz, told Fox Sports Monday that his client is expected to do just that before spring training camps open in a few weeks. "We are aware of the (spring-training) dates," Katz told Fox. "We expect him to be in camp with one of the clubs." Of course, Katz may have a lot of sifting to do before then. The word has been that pretty much everybody who has seen Cespedes pick up a bat has some interest in signing the 26-year-old. Katz termed the market for Cespedes as "meaningful and aggressive" to Fox."
Cespedes is a free agent, and bidding can begin
January 25
CBSSports.com
 
"The bidding for Yoenis Cespedes can finally begin. The 26-year-old Cuban outfielder has established residency in the Dominican Republic, and Major League Baseball told teams on Wednesday that he is now officially a free agent. But where will he go, how much will he cost, and how fast could he make an impact? First, the where: Cespedes himself told reporters in the Dominican that the Cubs have shown the most interest in him, with the Marlins, Tigers, White Sox and Orioles also involved. The Nationals have also shown interest in Cespedes, and the Yankees, Red Sox and Phillies scouted him, although it's believed that none of the three will be among the top bidders. The Marlins have made no"
Cespedes gains residency in the DR
January 24
MLB.com
 
"The bidding is about to begin. Cuban outfield prospect Yoenis Cespedes has established residency in the Dominican Republic and is now waiting on approval from Major League Baseball to be declared a free agent, his representative Edgar Mercedes said. Cespedes, who just finished a stint with Aguilas Cibaenas in the Dominican Winter League, recently said the Marlins, Cubs, White Sox, Orioles, Tigers, and Indians have expressed the most interest in signing him. He is expected to command a contract greater than the one received by Cuban left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman, who signed a six-year, $30.25 million deal with the Reds in January 2010."
Cubs and Sox poised to make big splash with Cuban prospects
January 15
Chicago Tribune
 
"Very quietly, while you were stockpiling New Year's Eve provisions or watching your favorite directional state university in the Go Daddy.com Bowl from Progressive Insurance Stadium, the Cubs struck a preliminary blow on baseball's new battleground. They signed a pair of young Cubans — 19-year-old center fielder Yasiel Balaguert and 20-year-old right-hander Carlos Martinez. Don't feel badly if you haven't heard much about them. They are inexpensive lottery tickets who may or not translate into significant prospects. Balaguert and Martinez have played on Cuban junior teams alongside 19-year-old Jorge Soler, who like the more widely advertised fellow center-fielder Yoenis Cespedes is"
Six teams eye Yoenis Cespedes
January 14
ESPN.com
 
"Yoenis Cespedes' much-awaited debut in professional baseball didn't go as expected, but the Cuban prospect remains optimistic about his future as he revealed the six teams which have expressed interest in his services. Cespedes, who is awaiting word from Major League Baseball on his status as a free agent after defecting to the Dominican Republic, has worked out for most teams, but he said the most interest has come from the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Indians, Detroit Tigers and Miami Marlins. It has been speculated that Cespedes could command a signing bonus similar to the $30 million fellow Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman received from the Cincinnati"
Sox trade Frasor to Blue Jays for two minor league pitchers
January 2
Chicago Tribune
 
"Continuing to pare payroll and stockpile young pitchers, the White Sox traded reliever Jason Frasor back to the Blue Jays for a pair of Class A pitchers. It completed a strange journey for Frasor, the south suburban native who joined the Sox with young starter Zach Stewart last July in a trade with the Blue Jays for Edwin Jackson and Mark Teahen. So the Sox now have Stewart, plus Sunday acquisitions Myles Jaye and Daniel Webb, in the double-dealing with Toronto. In the mix for the fifth starter spot with the Sox, Stewart threw a shutout against the Twins in September. Over the New Year's weekend, the White Sox have acquired four minor league pitchers for two veterans, Carlos Quentin and"
Sox trade Quentin to Padres for two minor league pitchers
December 31
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Chicago White Sox traded outfielder Carlos Quentin and his potential $8 million salary to the San Diego Padres for a pair of pitching prospects. The Sox received right-hander Simon Castro and lefty Pedro Hernandez, neither of whom has appeared in the big leagues. Castro, 23, went 7-8 with a 5.63 ERA in 22 starts between Classes AA and AAA. He is 29-33 in six seasons in the Padres' organization. Two seasons ago, Castro not only started the minor league All-Star Futures Game, but was named Padres pitcher of the year while going 10-6 wityh a 3.33 ERA. Hernandez, 22, went 10-3 with a 3.49 ERA in 28 games at three different minor league levels. He has split time between starting and"
White Sox pitchers may be on the market
December 17
Foxsports.com
 
"John Danks, LHP: Danks is a dream pitcher for the Yankees, a left-hander who has had success pitching in a smallish American League ballpark. He could be the replacement for Andy Pettitte that the Yankees have yet to find. If the Yankees' farm system is as good as they say, then they should be able to put together a package to entice White Sox GM Kenny Williams. The Reds, Royals, Rangers, Rockies and Twins also are looking to upgrade their starting rotations. Gavin Floyd, RHP: If the Red Sox can't trade for Garza or Gio Gonzalez, Floyd may be their next-best option. He has excellent numbers at Fenway Park — 3-0, 2.84 ERA, 25 1/3 innings — albeit in a small sample size. The question is"
John Danks, Gavin Floyd might stay with White Sox after all
December 8
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The 2011 winter meetings came with high expectations for White Sox wheeling and dealing. Sadly for the Sox, one trade isn't much to make Sox fans feel better about watching a hero — Mark Buehrle — walk away. For all the talk of starting pitchers John Danks and Gavin Floyd being dangled on the trade block, general manager Ken Williams said Wednesday he expects to go into the 2012 season with the pitching as is. "But, again, it's a long offseason, and that can change,'' Williams said. Hmmm. Williams reportedly talked to the Red Sox on Wednesday about Danks and Floyd. Outfielder Carlos Quentin's name probably came up, too. "I've met with a lot of people,'' Williams said of those reports, "but"
Miami Marlins sign Mark Buehrle, move on without Albert Pujols
December 8
Miami Herald
 
"They struck out on Albert Pujols. But the Marlins continued to dominate the news at the winter meetings, formally introducing Jose Reyes as the team's new shortstop, agreeing to contract terms with starting pitcher Mark Buehrle, and offering a six-year deal to free agent lefty C.J. Wilson. The Marlins have gone from paupers to fat cats in a blinding flash, spending money in a bewildering sequence of signings that has turned them into baseball rock stars. Since Sunday, the Marlins have reached deals with three players — Reyes, Buehrle and closer Heath Bell — whose future salary commitments total $191 million. And they might not be done yet. If they land Wilson, it could jack the figure by"
Mark Buehrle moves to Miami for four years and $58 million
December 7
Yahoo! Sports
 
"A few years ago, Mark Buehrle(notes) openly talked of icing his arm for good once his deal with the White Sox expired. Well, at least he got the "moving to Florida" part of retirement right. Though he may have once pined to spend more time with his family, the 32-year-old left-hander became the latest to wander underneath the Miami Marlins' money tree, agreeing to a four-year deal worth a combined $58 million on Wednesday. Despite it being his age 33-36 seasons, the contract is for a couple of million more than the four-year, $56 million deal he signed to stay in Chicago before the 2008 season."
Sources: Marlins target left-handers
December 7
ESPN.com
 
"Even as Albert Pujols continued to mull 10-year contract offers from the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, Miami was working aggressively on a Plan B in case Pujols heads back to St. Louis. Sources: And that Plan B can be summed up in two words: Starting pitching. The Marlins were described by multiple sources as being "well down the road" in negotiations with both Mark Buehrle and C.J. Wilson -- and could end up signing either or both left-handed pitchers."
Orioles interested in trading for White Sox's Floyd, Quentin
December 7
Baltimore Sun
 
"As Dan Duquette prepared to leave the Hilton Anatole on Tuesday evening for a staff dinner at manager Buck Showalter's Dallas-area home, he had yet to land the pitchers and outfielder he is seeking at the annual winter meetings. But the club's new executive vice president of baseball operations apparently is trying, confirming Tuesday that he has made several trade and free-agent offers in attempt to acquire pitchers and hitters. Two players the Orioles are interested in, according to multiple sources, are Chicago White Sox: right-handed pitcher Gavin Floyd, who grew up in Severna Park and attended Mount St. Joseph, and outfielder Carlos Quentin, who three years ago was an American League"
Mark Buehrle appears to be through with White Sox
December 7
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"White Sox general manager Ken Williams spoke with free agent Mark Buehrle last week and told him how much he's appreciated in Chicago. He probably said goodbye, too. And with it perhaps the hope of playing in the postseason. After discussing the somewhat-surprising trade of closer Sergio Santos and characterizing the Sox' plan for 2012 as a rebuilding phase, Williams had this to say of Buehrle: "I hear he's a very popular man, and he's going to be richer than he is.''"
Sox could have big shoes, innings to fill
December 5
Chicago Tribune
 
"As the White Sox prepare for the potential loss of free-agent ace Mark Buehrle and consider trading fellow left-hander John Danks, a major question looms. Where will they regain those lost innings? Unlike right field, where Dayan Viciedo could step in if Carlos Quentin is traded, or catcher, where Tyler Flowers showed he's capable of becoming a starter if A.J. Pierzynski suffers an injury, the innings issue becomes greater if Buehrle doesn't return. A major league source confirmed Sunday — on the eve of the four-day winter meetings — that the Nationals have offered Buehrle, 32, a three-year contract. According to FoxSports.com, the Marlins and the Rangers have made similar offers."
Nats, Marlins, Rangers after Buehrle
December 4
Foxsports.com
 
"The Nationals, Marlins and Rangers are the most aggressive teams on free-agent left-hander Mark Buehrle, according to major-league sources. All three clubs also are pursuing free-agent lefty C.J. Wilson, but the Nats would prefer Buehrle on a shorter deal to Wilson on a longer one, sources said. The Rangers, meanwhile, are wary of overpaying Wilson, who also is drawing interest from their biggest rival, the Angels."
Plenty of possible trade partners out there for White Sox
December 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"A change in plans forced cancellation of general manager Ken Williams' conference call Saturday with reporters. That came as a surprise, two days before the start of the winter meetings in Dallas. But it's no secret that Williams is examining offers for pitchers John Danks and Gavin Floyd, right fielder Carlos Quentin and All-Star reliever Matt Thornton, as well as brace himself for the probable loss of free agent Mark Buehrle. The White Sox also have a reservoir of right-handed relievers on their major league roster and in their farm system that might sweeten a deal to acquire a major league-ready power pitcher and a productive young outfielder."
Sox reach out to Mark Buehrle with arbitration offer
November 24
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The White Sox offered salary arbitration to free agent Mark Buehrle on Wednesday. The move, which was expected, means the Sox will receive a draft pick as compensation should the 32-year-old left-hander sign with another team. Buehrle has until next Wednesday to accept or ­decline. He is not expected to ­accept, but he might still negotiate with the Sox. The Sox declined to offer arbitration to free-agent left fielder Juan Pierre, who is hoping to catch on with another team. The Sox are expected to replace Pierre in the leadoff spot with Alejandro De Aza. Whether De Aza plays left field or another outfield position has yet to be determined. The decisions on Buehrle and Pierre were"
White Sox general manager's home burglarized
November 23
Chicago Tribune
 
"Jerry Williams and his wife arrived in a limousine to the swanky, three-story town house of their son, White Sox general manager Ken Williams, Monday afternoon only to find the place an uncharacteristic mess. The home, located near Grant Park, had beer bottles scattered about, an empty pizza box and a strong odor of fish, the elder Williams recalled. "My wife says, 'Something's just not right,'" Jerry Williams told the Tribune on Tuesday in a brief interview inside his son's town house. "We know he doesn't leave his home like this. We didn't teach him that.""
Count Cubs among Buehrle's many suitors
November 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"Fairly or not, that's how Mark Buehrle, one of the greatest White Sox players ever, would become known if he crossed enemy lines to take a free-agent offer from the Cubs. From superhero to super traitor, all for another four-year, $56-million contract, or something like it. The Cubs are interested in Buehrle, and the White Sox are apparently fresh out of payroll flexibility to bring him back for his 13th season. Oh, mama. This could get interesting."
Could White Sox, Cubs lose picks?
November 16
Chicago Tribune
 
"In a bizarre twist that would be a reminder of baseball's bad old days, there's a scenario being floated at the general managers meetings in which the White Sox and Cubs would get no draft choice compensation if they lose Mark Buehrle and Aramis Ramirez to free agency. Joel Sherman of the New York Post writes that the CBA being finalized between management and the union would eliminate compensation for Type B free agents, effective immediately. It makes no sense that the rules would change in mid-stream but until further clarification this has to be considered as a possibility."
Williams not sounding optimistic about Buehrle returning to Sox
November 15
Chicago Tribune
 
"The long pauses from general manager Ken Williams seemed to indicate that he was bracing for the worst. While Williams spoke proudly of the White Sox's high rankings in starters' innings and quality starts over the past 10 years, he acknowledged that the possibility of free agent staff ace Mark Buehrle returning appears more difficult than the last-hour decision that resulted in slugger Paul Konerko re-signing with the Sox last December."
Does White Sox GM Ken Williams have something brewing?
November 14
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The White Sox are attracting trade interest in John Danks and Gavin Floyd and likely have fielded calls about Carlos Quentin and Matt Thornton. At the general managers meetings in Milwaukee on Monday and Tuesday, GM Ken Williams will look the suitors in the eye and perhaps get a better gauge on what he might receive in return. Gauging the degree of Williams' intent to wheel and deal is no simple task, though, especially at this early juncture in the planning process. The Sox, still wondering who Adam Dunn is and what he'll be, are still mapping out a plan for next season. One thing is certain: The payroll will fall short of the 2011 total of $127 million, a club record that returned a"
Report: Buehrle receives offer from Florida
November 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"The expectation has been that the Mark Buehrle sweepstakes probably wouldn't conclude until during the annual Winter Meetings that start Dec. 5 in Dallas. But the Florida/Miami Marlins apparently are aggressive in their pursuit of the Chicago White Sox's free agent left-handed ace. According to a tweet by SI.com's Jon Heyman, the Marlins have made an offer to Buehrle, who visited the Marlins' new stadium in Miami on Tuesday. That follows a report by FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal who tweeted that the Marlins also made offers to free agents Albert Pujols and Jose Reyes. The Marlins, hoping to make a splash this winter under former Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, will unveil their new uniforms"
Williams pondering deals
November 11
Chicago Tribune
 
"General manager Ken Williams isn't all-in. While he admitted teams have inquired about several White Sox players, Williams said he and his staff are weighing the merits of making trades for younger major league-ready talent against keeping those veteran players with hopes of a rebound year. "You know by now I'm generally ready," Williams said Thursday night, four days before the start of the general managers' meetings in Milwaukee. "I'm not ready right now. There is some fact-finding that has to go on, and this is going to take a while. "We have some players who have garnered interest from a number of clubs. And we have to exhaust ourselves to make sure that if we end up making a deal or"
Danks or Floyd: Take your pick
November 10
Foxsports.com
 
"For teams seeking to trade for a starting pitcher, the White Sox can offer one from Column A and one from Column B. Lefty John Danks appeals to high-revenue teams – he will get a raise from $6 million in his final year of arbitration, then hit free agency. Righty Gavin Floyd, on the other hand, fits nicely for low-revenue clubs – he is signed for $7 million next season with a $9.5 million club option for 2013. The White Sox are drawing interest in both pitchers, major-league sources say. Whether they trade one, both or neither likely hinges on the trade offers they receive."
Buehrle meets with Marlins
November 9
Chicago Tribune
 
"This is Mark Buehrle's first time exploring free agency, and he's starting to enjoy the perks of other teams courting him. Buehrle was given a tour of the Marlins' new ballpark in Miami, according to numerous tweets out of South Florida on Tuesday. Buehrle would have the comfort of pitching for former Sox manager Ozzie Guillen as well as competing in the National League, against which he has a 24-6 record."
White Sox re-sign McPherson
November 9
Chicago Tribune
 
"Infielder Dallas McPherson has re-signed with the Chicago White Sox's organization, according to a tweet by his representatives, Sosnick Cobbe Sports. McPherson batted .283 with 20 home runs and 69 RBIs in 101 games for Triple-A Charlotte. McPherson was 2-for-15 (.133) during a two-week stint with the Sox in late May. His pinch-hit single on May 17 was his first major league hit since 2008."
Buehrle could become Yankees' top target
November 8
New York Post
 
"C.J. Wilson is considered the best pitcher on the free agent market in most circles. Yet, when it comes to fitting inside the often hectic Yankees' universe, several Major League talent evaluators believe Mark Buehrle might be the better fit. "If you are looking for value, it's Buehrle because the Yankees have CC Sabathia and aren't looking for an ace,'' an AL Central evaluator said of the 32-year-old Buehrle, who finished a four-year, $56 million deal with the White Sox this season. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has spoken briefly with representatives for Roy Oswalt, Edwin Jackson and Wilson, and plans to contact Jeff Berry, who represents Buehrle."
Report: Marlins to meet with free agent Buehrle
November 8
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Marlins will meet with White Sox free agent pitcher Mark Buehrle on Tuesday in South Florida, according to FoxSports' Ken Rosenthal. The pairing would reunite the 32-year-old pitcher with new Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen. Marlins scout Matt Kinzer watched the Sox and Buehrle several times in late June and much of July."
MLB whispers: Are Cardinals treating Oquendo shabbily?
November 6
Chicago Tribune
 
"How can the Cardinals be conducting a manager search when they previously have denied third base coach Jose Oquendo the chance to interview for manager's jobs. You would think Oquendo would be an obvious choice but he's not. Terry Francona is positioned perfectly to get this job as owner Bill DeWitt knows he's going to need star power, especially if Pujols leaves. … As for thoughts of a Francona-Theo Epstein reunion, that is very unlikely. Francona and Epstein are saying nice things about each other publicly but that's probably because they are friends, not because they want to continue their relationship. According to some who know Epstein well, the Cubs' president/baseball operations"
Buerhle keeping options open
November 4
Foxsports.com
 
"For all the talk about left-hander C.J. Wilson in free agency, another lefty might hold even greater appeal. Mark Buerhle, coming off his 11th straight 200-inning season, is "wide-open" to any team, according to his agent, Jeff Berry. Buerhle, 32, has spent his entire career with the White Sox, and has spoken in the past about joining the Cardinals, the team closest to his home in St. Charles, Mo. But Berry repeated Wednesday what he said in September – that Buehrle was not wedded to any club. In fact, Berry said, Buehrle might find the National League especially attractive; he is 24-6 with a 3.32 ERA lifetime against NL teams."
Sox executive Gilbert has sights on purchasing Dodgers
November 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"Dennis Gilbert sits in the front row behind home plate at Dodger Stadium for more than 70 games a season. But Gilbert, a life-long Los Angeles native, hopes to move closer – as the leader of a group to buy the Los Angeles Dodgers. A major league source confirmed Thursday that Gilbert, 63, a special assistant to White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, is very interested in buying the storied franchise. Gilbert declined Thursday to elaborate on his interest, as there is plenty of competition to resurrect a financial troubled organization."
Buehrle has many options
November 3
Chicago Tribune
 
"National or American League? Big city or quiet town? Those are just four of the options Mark Buehrle will consider as teams could start tendering offers to the White Sox's free agent ace late Wednesday night. There's always the chance that Buehrle, 32, could return to the Sox, where he has 161 victories, 10 consecutive seasons of at least 200 innings, 30 starts and 10 victories, 80 pickoffs since 2001 and three AL Gold Glove awards for his superb defense during 12 seasons."
Report: McEwing to interview for Cardinals' managerial position
November 3
Chicago Tribune
 
"Chicago White Sox new third base coach Joe McEwing will interview for St. Louis's managerial position, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. McEwing, 39, has spent the past three seasons managing in the Sox's system and was immensely popular as a player during the 1998-99 seasons in St. Louis. McEwing is one of at least six candidates that Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak plans to interview, according to the Post-Dispatch."
Mark Buehrle officially a free agent
October 31
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Mark Buehrle was among four White Sox who filed for free agency Sunday. The Sox have exclusive negotiating rights with the 32-year-old Buehrle until 11 p.m. Wednesday. With 11 consecutive seasons with at least 200 innings, 30 starts and 10 victories, Buehrle figures to be one of the most sought-after left-handers, along with the New York Yankees' CC Sabathia and the Texas Rangers' C.J. Wilson."
10 White Sox, Cubs file for free agency
October 31
Chicago Tribune
 
"Left-hander Mark Buehrle highlights a list of 10 White Sox and Cubs players who filed Sunday for free agency. That number could increase to 12 if the Sox decline a $3.75 million team option on reliever Jason Frasor or if Aramis Ramirez follows through on filing for free agency after telling the Cubs he will decline his $16 million option. The Cubs exercised their half of the mutual option Sunday night. Ramirez said in September he expected to decline if the Cubs exercised the option, holding out for a long-term deal on the free-agent market."
Strong-armed Blanke impressing Sox
October 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"Knowing how painful it has been for White Sox fans to watch opponents steal bases with great frequency, Michael Blanke hopes to get an opportunity someday to put a stop to that with an admittedly unorthodox style. Blanke, 23, is trying to polish the rest of his defensive skills in the Arizona Fall League while displaying a strong arm that has caught the attention of Sox officials. "I'm going to take chances because I'm trying to throw guys out," Blanke said."
Retooling of Sox to accelerate soon
October 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"The process of retooling after an 83-loss season will accelerate soon for the White Sox with or without trusted assistant general manager Rick Hahn. Left-hander Mark Buehrle, leadoff man Juan Pierre, infielder Omar Vizquel and backup catcher Ramon Castro are eligible to file for free agency the day after the World Series. Although a report by SI.com stated the Sox were preparing to make a two-year offer to Buehrle, he is expected to listen to offers from other teams as the result of becoming a free agent for the first time in his career. Reliever Jason Frasor also can become a free agent if the Sox elect not to pick up a $3.75 million team option for 2012. With right-handed relievers"
Sox GM willing to listen -- but only for major league ready players
October 23
Chicago Tribune
 
"Chicago White Sox general manager Ken Williams said Saturday that he's willing to listen to offers this off-season but won't settle for minor league talent in return. In an interview with WMVP-AM 1000, Williams admitted that the offers might not be overwhelming because so many players had subpar 2011 seasons. Without naming names, Williams appeared willing to listen to offers for right fielder Carlos Quentin and pitchers John Danks, Gavin Floyd and Matt Thornton if the right proposals were tendered. "What we have to do is weigh whatever they're offering up against our chances for the next season," Williams told the "Talking Baseball" show. "Because if we're going to move our valuable"
Jim Thome could join Mark Parent on White Sox' coaching staff
October 18
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Like Robin Ventura, Mark Parent has no experience as a major-league manager, but one veteran minor-leaguer who played for Parent this season believes he will be a big-league manager. "I told my dad during the season, Mark is going to manage in the big leagues someday,'' said outfielder Mike Spidale, a 29-year-old former White Sox draft choice out of Nazareth Academy who batted .326 for the Phillies' Class AA Reading club this season. "I'm ecstatic that he got the opportunity this year to be a big-league coach. He's earned it, and he's going to do a good job.''"
Sox GM scouting in Latin America
October 14
Chicago Tribune
 
"The White Sox have taken a hit for not producing a steady flow of players from Latin America, but general manager Ken Williams is taking a hands-on approach now. Williams recently left on a scouting mission, according to two sources, and will make a stop in the Dominican Republic. Despite the firing of Dave Wilder and the departure of legendary scout Jerry Krause to the Diamondbacks in the last three years, Williams has defended the Sox efforts in Latin America and recently pointed to the signings of Cubans Alexei Ramirez and Dayan Viciedo. But it's rare for Williams to make a trip to Latin America to scout."
Sox considered Konerko as manager
October 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"From White Sox's captain to manager? General manager Ken Williams confirmed Tuesday that he did consider Paul Konerko for that promotion. "It was considered long enough for me to realize Paul is a very cerebral person and he probably would drive himself nuts right now playing and managing at the same time," Williams said in confirming a New York Daily News report. "But that's the kind of respect I have for him that, yeah, I did consider it. Then I thought I would rather him focus more on hitting third or fourth in the lineup and driving in 100 runs than trying to worry about 25 other guys in addition to it. We are trying to win.""
Sox can talk to Phillies' Class AA manager for bench-coach gig
October 10
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"If nothing else, Mark Parent is aptly named to be Robin Ventura's bench coach. After all, he'd be the one holding Ventura's hand while the former White Sox star manages baseball games for the first time in his life. The Philadelphia Phillies reportedly gave the Sox permission to talk to Parent, who managed Reading, the Phillies' Class AA team, to a 74-68 record and playoff berth this season. The Sox' bench coach, who normally doubles as the manager's right-hand man and confidant, will have a greater responsibility than usual because Ventura will be learning on the job."
Will Sox look to former managers as bench coach?
October 9
Chicago Tribune
 
"The White Sox should have plenty of candidates as they look outside the organization for a bench coach to aid rookie manager Robin Ventura. The list could include former major league managers John McLaren and Rene Lachemann, although general manager Ken Williams and Ventura intimated they were specific in requesting permission from another team to interview a candidate. McLaren, 60, has served for more than 20 seasons as a coach with the Blue Jays, Red Sox, Reds, Rays, Mariners and Nationals, managing briefly with the latter two clubs. He currently serves the Nationals as a scout."
White Sox hire Ventura as manager
October 7
Daily Herald
 
"In a stunning announcement, Robin Ventura was hired as the White Sox' new manager Thursday afternoon. "When I met with the media as our season ended, I identified one person at the very top of my managerial list," general manager Kenny Williams said in a statement. "I wanted someone who met very specific criteria centered around his leadership abilities. Robin Ventura was that man. "His baseball knowledge and expertise, his professionalism, his familiarity with the White Sox and Chicago and his outstanding character make him absolutely the right person to lead our clubhouse and this organization into the seasons ahead.""