Chicago White Sox Trade Rumors

Thome won't return to White Sox; Twins in mix to sign slugger
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January 26
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen told reporters Monday that free-agent slugger Jim Thome won't return to the team this year, a decision that could clear the way for Thome to sign with the Twins. The Chicago Sun-Times reported the Rays and Tigers are also interested in Thome but called the Twins the favorite to sign him. Thome, 39, has hit 564 career home runs but hasn't played an inning defensively since 2007. Guillen is trying to keep the DH spot open to give additional at-bats to Andruw Jones, Mark Kotsay, Carlos Quentin and Paul Konerko. "To me, it was about at-bats," Guillen said in a conference call. "I don't want to go through a situation where Jim is not playing two or three days and ..."
Sox torn pondering Thome return
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January 24
Daily Southtown
 
"It's Ozzie Guillen's move. That was the message Saturday from White Sox general manager Ken Williams as the Sox continued to debate internally whether free-agent slugger Jim Thome - whom the Sox traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 31 - should be brought back. The Sun-Times reported Friday that Thome could return, despite Guillen being comfortable at this point with the idea of using a designated hitter-by-committee approach. Williams seemed in favor of bringing back Thome, who's very popular in the Sox clubhouse, but he didn't want to step on Guillen's toes. In a town-hall-type meeting with Sox fans, Williams let everyone know that Guillen has the final say on Thome. So does ..."
Could Paul Konerko and Derrek Lee be on their way out of Chicago?
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January 24
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"One handed the game ball from the final out of the 2005 World Series to White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. The other played a major role in beating the Cubs in '03 and was about the only hitter who wasn't overpowered in the '07 and '08 playoffs when Lou Piniella's teams extended the agony that had befallen Dusty Baker, among other predecessors. In many ways, Paul Konerko and Derrek Lee have been the glue holding together Chicago's two Major League Baseball teams for a combined 17 seasons. They are consummate pros and reliable run producers whose few fallow months can be traced to the injuries they have endured. Yet neither is signed beyond 2010, and there has not been a clamor from ..."
Thome return up to Ozzie
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January 24
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"It's Ozzie Guillen's move. That was the message Saturday from general manager Ken Williams as the White Sox continued to debate whether to bring back free-agent slugger Jim Thome, whom they traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 31. The Sun-Times reported Friday that Thome could return even though Guillen is comfortable with the idea of a designated hitter-by-committee entering camp next month. Williams seemed in favor of bringing back Thome, who's extremely popular in the clubhouse, but he didn't want to step on Guillen's toes. In a town-hall-type meeting with Sox fans, Williams let everyone know that Guillen had the final say on Thome. Does Guillen feel the pressure is on him? ''No, ..."
Could Konerko and Lee be on way out?
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January 24
Chicago Tribune
 columnist Phil Rogers
"One handed the game ball from the final out of the 2005 World Series to White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. The other played a major role in beating the Cubs in '03 and was about the only hitter who wasn't overpowered in the '07 and '08 playoffs when Lou Piniella's teams extended the agony that had befallen Dusty Baker, among other predecessors. In many ways, Paul Konerko and Derrek Lee have been the glue holding together Chicago's two Major League Baseball teams for a combined 17 seasons. They are consummate pros and reliable run producers whose few fallow months can be traced to the injuries they have endured. Yet neither is signed beyond 2010, and there has not been a clamor from ..."
Cubs possible home for ex-Red Gomes
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January 23
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"While popular speculation has focused on Jermaine Dye, the Cubs appear to be focused on free agent Jonny Gomes in their search for a fourth outfielder, according to a baseball source with knowledge of the Cubs' interest. Gomes, who hit 20 home runs in 281 at-bats for the Cincinnati Reds before being non-tendered last month, is one of at least five outfielders the Cubs are looking at. Gomes, though, comes with the advantages of relative youth (29), a willingness to sign a one-year deal to fill a backup role and a strong desire to play for the Cubs. ''Absolutely,'' Gomes said, confirming discussions. ''I'm a big fan of the game, a student of the game, and I follow a lot of history. I'm not ..."
Thome's return to Sox '50-50' in spite of Ozzie
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January 23
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The White Sox and Minnesota Twins are already in a battle, and pitchers and catchers are still a month away from reporting to spring training. A source close to Jim Thome's camp told the Sun-Times on Friday that the Sox are now rethinking the idea of life without the veteran slugger, despite manager Ozzie Guillen's wish to try a designated hitter-by-committee. Thome was traded from the Sox to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 31 and is now a free agent on the Twins' radar. On Thome rejoining the Sox, the source said, ''It's 50-50 now, which couldn't be said [Thursday]. Jim is just waiting to hear.'' Even Guillen all but confirmed the possibility of Thome's return after saying Thursday the ..."
Guillen doesn't envision Thome in Sox's plans
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January 22
Chicago Tribune
 
"White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen was eager Thursday to start spring training, even with the likelihood of not having Jim Thome as the designated hitter in what aims to be a more versatile lineup. ''Nobody is a bigger Jim Thome fan than me,'' Guillen said at U.S. Cellular Field. ''But in the meantime, (Thome's departure) gives this ballclub an opportunity to give more people more at-bats and to be flexible in different ways.'' Guillen said Mark Kotsay, Andruw Jones, Paul Konerko, Omar Vizquel and Carlos Quentin can serve as the DH. "To me, it's easier and we get more production with the team we have now that way,'' Guillen said. Guillen pointed put that only a few teams, such as the Red Sox ..."
Dye, Nady drawing interest from Cubs
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January 19
MLB.com
 
"The Cubs are looking at free agents Jermaine Dye and Xavier Nady as possible fourth outfielders. A high-placed team official confirmed that both Dye and Nady are on the team's radar. Dye, who turns 36 on Jan. 28, is coming off a season in which he belted 27 homers and 19 doubles for the Chicago White Sox while driving in 81. His average, however, dipped to .251. A career .274 hitter, Dye could play both corner-outfield spots as well as first base if needed. Nady, 31, missed most of last season after undergoing Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery in July. A career .280 hitter, he has played for San Diego, Pittsburgh and both New York teams, most recently with the Yankees. He was ..."
Cubs are looking into adding OF Jermaine Dye
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January 14
Chicago Tribune
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"To Dye for? The Cubs are looking into former White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye, sources confirmed Wednesday, but they can't promise Dye as much playing time as he's accustomed to getting. If Dye were to sign, he would platoon with Kosuke Fukudome in right field and back up Alfonso Soriano in left and Derrek Lee at first. He also could DH for interleague road games in Texas and Seattle and at U.S. Cellular Field. Dye, the 2005 World Series MVP with the White Sox, still has his home in Chicago but is seeking a starting job."
Chicago White Sox's J.J. Putz on schedule for spring training
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December 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"Having saved 76 games in two seasons in Seattle and rehabbing from elbow surgery, J.J. Putz probably could have signed on as closer for several teams. Instead, he chose the White Sox, who already have one of the American League's best saves men in Bobby Jenks. Putz signed with the Sox last week for $3 million, plus another $3 million in incentives based on games finished, although he would reach those, presumably, only if Jenks is injured or traded. "Anybody who has closed before really cherishes (that role)," Putz said in a conference call Wednesday. "It is, in my opinion, the best job in baseball, so obviously at some point I would like to be closer again, but given (the surgery) this ..."
White Sox might be done adding for 2010
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December 16
MLB.com
 
"Don't look for general manager Ken Williams to make one extra big splash by adding a full-time designated hitter to the White Sox attack during the next two months. Trading for Juan Pierre on Tuesday put the White Sox 40-man roster at 40, for starters. But even more important than this total is manager Ozzie Guillen believes he has viable in-house candidates to fill the DH spot in Andruw Jones, Mark Kotsay and Jayson Nix. "Ozzie and I have been speaking on that for quite a while, and we spoke on it again today," Williams said. "He would like to sit where we are right now. He likes the idea of having flexibility." That flexibility means not having a designated hitter who solely hits, as ..."
Dodgers trade outfielder Juan Pierre to the Chicago White Sox
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December 15
Los Angeles Times
 
"Juan Pierre will be an everyday player again. The Dodgers sent their No. 4 outfielder and $10 million in cash to the Chicago White Sox for two minor league players to be named. Signed to a five-year, $44-million contract prior to the 2007 season, Pierre is still owed $18.5 million over the final two years of his deal. "Juan always put the Dodgers first, even when it wasn't in his personal best interest," Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti said in a statement released by the team. "In this day, that is a rare attribute. When he and I spoke at the end of the season, we agreed that if an opportunity presented itself in which his chance to play would be enhanced, we would pursue it and ..."
Dodgers trade Juan Pierre to the White Sox
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December 15
L.A. Daily News
 
"The Los Angeles Dodgers have traded Juan Pierre and cash to the Chicago White Sox for two players to be named. Pierre, 32, hit .308 (117-380) with 30 stolen bases, 57 runs and a .365 on-base percentage in 145 games with the Dodgers in 2009. He began the season as a reserve but proved to be a valuable asset when he was thrust into the starting lineup upon Manny Ramirez's 50-game drug suspension. Once Ramirez returned, Pierre became a reserve again. "Juan always put the Dodgers first, even when it wasn't in his personal best interest," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said. "In this day, that is a rare attribute. When he and I spoke at the end of the season, we agreed that if an ..."
Sources: White Sox acquire OF Pierre
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December 15
ESPN.com
 
"The Chicago White Sox acquired outfielder Juan Pierre from the Los Angeles Dodgers for two minor-leaguers and cash, according to major league sources. Of the $18.5 million left on Pierre's contract, the White Sox will pay $3 million in 2010 and $5 million in 2011. Pierre will be Chicago's leadoff hitter and it likely means Scott Podsednik will not return to the South Side."
White Sox acquire Juan Pierre from Dodgers
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December 15
Chicago Tribune
 
"The White Sox have acquired leadoff hitter/outfielder Juan Pierre from the Dodgers for a pair of minor leaguers, thus ending Scott Podsednik's career on the South Side. Pierre, the 32-year-old former Cubs center fielder, is owed $18.5 million over the next two years, but the Dodgers will pay about half of that. The trade is expected to be announced this afternoon. Relegated to bench duty last spring, Pierre filled in for suspended Manny Ramirez and hit .308 in 145 games. He also stole 30 bases in 42 attempts."
Sox Outfield has lots of room for Pierre
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December 13
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Los Angeles Dodgers have been handcuffed a good part of this offseason because of the well-publicized divorce involving owner Frank McCourt and the uncertainty of how it will play out. That's why the White Sox' interest in outfielder/leadoff man Juan Pierre was downplayed during last week's winter meetings. A major-league source, however, said the Dodgers' front office has been told it can move players if it means shedding salary. Guess who is supposed to make $18.5 million over the next two seasons? If the Sox land Pierre -- who is more than on the radar -- they would make sure the Dodgers are on the hook for a good portion of what Pierre is owed. In return, Los Angeles is rumored to ..."
Sox see Yankees outfielder as leadoff man
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December 11
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"White Sox general manager Ken Williams has said it before, and he said it again. ''We don't have any money,'' Williams said Wednesday during his meeting with the media. ''We're close to our budget right now, and that really inhibits what we can do in terms of the free-agent market. So we have to get creative, and we've done that before.'' Here's the latest example of Williams' creativity. According to a scout familiar with the situation, the Sox were one of two teams in the American League Central letting the New York Yankees know during the winter meetings this week that they covet outfielder Brett Gardner. The Kansas City Royals also were wondering what it would take to acquire the ..."
White Sox remain in pursuit of Matsui
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December 10
MLB.com
 
"Aside from the close to 40 members of the Japanese media waiting to talk to general manager Ken Williams at the Marriott on Wednesday, nothing has truly changed in regard to the White Sox pursuit of free agent Hideki Matsui since the start of the 2009 Winter Meetings. Make that, nothing has really changed in this particular pursuit since the General Managers' Meetings at the O'Hare Hilton in early November. That get-together marked the last time Williams and Arn Tellem, Matsui's representative, spoke about the World Series Most Valuable Player, according to Williams' comments made Wednesday afternoon. Don't take the lack of contact between Williams and Tellem as a drop in interest where ..."
Accelerated interest in Putz puts frown on Williams' face
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December 10
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"It doesn't take long for the flip to happen. The smile is gone and the usually articulate replies are reduced to one-word grunts. ''Busy day?'' Ken Williams was asked during his daily state of the White Sox address with the media. ''Yes,'' was the quick response. ''Busier than yesterday or are things going in a certain direction with anybody?'' was question two. ''Yes and yes ... '' was the response. Welcome to Day 3 of the Winter Meetings where Williams is all business, and business isn't going as planned. With the Sun-Times reporting Tuesday how serious the interest was in reliever J.J. Putz -- enough so that they had current Sox reliever Matt Thornton recruiting the pitcher he has a ..."
Chicago White Sox GM downplays Hideki Matsui rumors
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December 10
Chicago Tribune
 
"Ken Williams went from under the radar to the spotlight. After a 15-minute session with reporters Wednesday, more than two dozen Japanese reporters corralled the White Sox general manager to inquire about his alleged interest in free agent Hideki Matsui. "I never said we were pursuing him," Williams said. "I'm not going to say we're not because I don't know how the rest of the offseason is going to develop. But in recent times, I certainly haven't had any discussions in regards to him." Reporters then asked Williams if he planned to watch Matsui's workout next week in Southern California to show that he can play the outfield, a prerequisite for the Sox to fill their need for a left-handed ..."
Sox eyeing Putz for bullpen help
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December 9
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Matt Thornton doesn't start his offseason throwing program until December ends. Until then, nothing like passing the time by playing recruiter. According to the White Sox left-hander, the Sox are interested in adding free agent reliever J.J. Putz to the bullpen and it's Thornton's job to try and make the feeling mutual. ''There's no doubt that Kenny has interest in him,'' Thornton said on Tuesday. ''[Putz] has been asking me what I think about it, what I think about the Sox. I told him we expect to win. I tell that to anyone that asks me, we expect to win. We prepare to win and if we don't win, well, we're pissed. I told [Putz] that if you're a free agent you want to go to a winner.'' ..."
Hideki Matsui, Coco Crisp on Chicago White Sox radar
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December 9
Chicago Tribune
 
"The White Sox provided third baseman Mark Teahen a bigger comfort zone Tuesday by giving him a three-year, $14 million contract. Teahen and agent Jeff Berry returned the favor by back-loading the contract, and that may enable the Sox to afford a left-handed hitter of Hideki Matsui's caliber. "(Matsui is) a good player, but I don't know that we are there just yet," general manager Ken Williams said, alluding to manager Ozzie Guillen's desire to have a designated hitter who can play the outfield. Matsui, 35, was relegated to DH duties with the Yankees last season because he was recovering from knee surgery. He played left field from 2004-08, and the Sox tentatively plan to move Carlos ..."
White Sox interested in Matsui
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December 8
New York Daily News
 
"Could Godzilla be headed to the Windy City? The White Sox have emerged as a serious contender for Hideki Matsui, according to a source, while the Angels have confirmed their interest in the World Series MVP as well. The Yankees haven't ruled out the possibility of bringing Matsui back, Tuesday's trade for Curtis Granderson means that the Bombers can't bring back both Matsui and Johnny Damon. The Yankees are still hoping to re-sign Damon, who would serve as the primary DH while also playing some outfield - something Brian Cashman has said several times he won't consider with Matsui."
Clubs eyeing Putz
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December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"Free agent reliever J.J. Putz is drawing interest from a number of teams, including the Cubs, White Sox, Diamondbacks, Rangers, Nationals and Tigers, major league sources said late Monday night. Putz recently held a throwing session for scouts in Arizona. He is seeking to re-establish himself as a late-inning presence, after having surgery to remove a bone spur from his right (throwing) elbow earlier this year. Putz had a 5.22 ERA for the Mets this season and didn't pitch after June 4. He was an All-Star closer as recently as 2007 before averaging only 38 innings over the past two seasons because of injuries/"
Chicago White Sox mum on Roy Halladay, Hideki Matsui scenarios
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December 8
Chicago Tribune
 
"General manager Ken Williams offered a firm "no comment" Monday when asked if the White Sox were involved in the Roy Halladay sweepstakes. Williams also declined to get into particular names when asked about any interest the Sox would have in free agent Hideki Matsui, a left-handed hitter who fits the profile they're seeking. But manager Ozzie Guillen and Williams were more forthcoming in entertaining the probability that Carlos Quentin could move from left field to right field, with Alex Rios staying in center field. That scenario would give the Sox more options as they move closer toward filling their roster at the winter meetings. One case that seems to be narrowing is the return of ..."
Is the Alex Rios waiver claim tying Ken Williams hands?
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December 8
Chicago Tribune
 
"Ken Williams admits he's working on being more patient. He denies, however, that the effort is related to the $60 million waiver claim he made in August on Alex Rios. Rios responded to Williams' aggressiveness -- or impulsiveness -- by hitting .199 over 41 games. J.P. Ricciardi was on his way out as the Toronto Blue Jays' general manager, but White Sox box scores had to brighten his final days in office. Four months after the Rios move, Williams was among the last general managers to arrive in Indianapolis for the winter meetings. He took his time driving from Chicago on Monday afternoon, a leisurely journey that apparently was not interrupted by many phone calls from player agents. ..."
Ex-Cubs, White Sox draw interest at winter meetings
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December 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"Baltimore GM Andy MacPhail has interest in Kevin Gregg and Rich Harden, which comes as no surprise to those who have been following the former Cub president since his departure. Baltimore took Sammy Sosa off Jim Hendry's hands before Mac Phail got there, then MacPhail took Felix Pie, Corey Patterson and Rich Hill from the Cubs. But MacPhail won't do the same with Milton Bradley. Harden likely will end up in Seattle, near his Canadian roots. Former White Sox reliever Mike MacDougal is arbitration eligible in Washington, so he might be let go on Saturday, which is the date for tendering contracts. MacDougal was the Nationals closer but may not be worth the price. Former Cub Mark DeRosa is ..."
White Sox could be active at winter meetings
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December 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"Manager Ozzie Guillen said no trades were imminent as the White Sox headed for the annual four-day winter meetings starting Monday. But then again, Guillen knows better than to assume that general manager Ken Williams will be idle. "I learned from the past," Guillen said Saturday night at the Easter Seals of Metropolitan Chicago Holiday Gala. "Every time I go back home, they make the trade the next day." As many executives and media members were checking out of their hotel in 2004, Williams pulled off one of his best deals, acquiring outfielder Scott Podsednik and reliever Luis Vizcaino from Milwaukee for slugger Carlos Lee. The deal gave the Sox a valuable leadoff hitter and a durable ..."
Guillen hesitates about employing Beckham as Sox's leadoff man
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December 6
Chicago Tribune
 
"Manager Ozzie Guillen is fully aware that there are four months left until the White Sox's 2010 regular season opener against Cleveland, so he was careful about any thought of selecting rookie sensation Gordon Beckham as his leadoff hitter. "A lot of people are saying that," Guillen said Saturday night at the Fairmont Hotel, where he was participating in the Easter Seals of Metropolitan Chicago (ESMC) Holiday Gala. "He's the one in the lineup I have right now. Is he ideal? That's the only (one) have. "But I really like to have someone else out there. Bekcham is a very, very good RBI man. And I don't want to take the bat away from him, and hoepfully we find someone to take his spot." ..."
Podsednik draws a look as possible solution in KC's center field
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December 5
Kansas City Star
 
"Free-agent outfielder Scott Podsednik is the latest name to surface in connection with the Royals. Club officials confirmed a FoxSports.com report of contact with Podsednik's representatives but said talks have not progressed beyond a preliminary exploration of interest. General manager Dayton Moore declined to comment directly on Podsednik while again emphasizing the club's preference to seek trade possibilities over free-agent acquisitions next week at the industry's annual winter meetings in Indianapolis. "You know what we need and what we're looking for," Moore said. "But our focus right now, as I've said before, is really not on free agents. Sometimes, they recruit us. That's what is ..."
Jenks' future with White Sox up in the air
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December 3
Foxsports.com
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"It's one of the hottest questions in the baseball industry. What will the White Sox do with closer Bobby Jenks? If the Sox offer Jenks a contract, they could end up paying him $8 million in salary arbitration. If they do not, Jenks will become a free agent, and the Rays, Astros and other clubs almost certainly will try to pounce on him at a reduced rate. Jenks, 28, is coming off a season of decline. He has engaged in a running debate with club officials over his conditioning. But if the White Sox allow him to reach the open market, they would lack a proven replacement. Sox GM Ken Williams told MLB.com on Wednesday, "He's my closer, and I haven't had one trade discussion about him." Two ..."
Dye drawing interest
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December 2
SI.com
 
"Jermaine Dye has drawn interest from the Rangers, Giants, Cardinals, Braves and Yankees -- though the Yankees' interest is dependent on other options falling through. The Red Sox, Angels and Cubs are seen as other, somewhat-less-likely possibilities for Dye. Dye's 164 home runs are the most by an AL outfielder over the last five years (and the third-most by any AL player, behind only Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz)."
White Sox expect interest in Jenks
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December 2
MLB.com
 
"Bobby Jenks is not being actively shopped, according to Williams, who has not had one present offseason trade talk concerning the burly right-hander to date. This assessment doesn't mean Williams won't listen to offers for Jenks at the Winter Meetings. In fact, Williams expects Jenks to be a topic of conversation at Indianapolis. "He's one of the game's better closers and people need closers," Williams said. "But so do we." A more in-depth look at the Jenks' dynamic and the White Sox bullpen will be on the site today. RUMOR MILL CHURNING Williams claimed to not have even heard the recent rumor concerning a three-way trade involving the White Sox, Padres and Angels, a rumor termed as ..."
Sources: Several teams eyeing Mets OF
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December 2
Foxsports.com
 
"A number of clubs have shown interest in Mets outfielder Angel Pagan, major league sources said Wednesday, but it doesn't appear that he's close to being dealt. The Royals have inquired about Pagan, 28, but one source insisted that the Mets don't have interest in Kansas City outfielder Jose Guillen. Pagan, who is arbitration-eligible, probably has greater value to teams searching for an everyday center fielder than he would in New York. He batted .306 in a career-high 88 games this year, but he wouldn't see as much playing time with the Mets in 2010 if Carlos Beltran stays healthy. Pagan should earn a reasonable salary next year, so the Mets aren't obligated to move him. Milwaukee is ..."
There's a lot of interest in Dye, just not from South Side
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December 2
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Jermaine Dye ditched the idea of extending his stay with the White Sox in late September, so it was no shock that the paperwork for the breakup continued when the team announced Tuesday it wouldn't offer salary arbitration to Dye, outfielder Scott Podsednik, reliever Octavio Dotel or backup catcher Ramon Castro by the midnight deadline. This means the Sox won't get any drafts picks as compensation should Dye or Dotel -- both Type A free agents -- sign with another team. Podsednik and Castro didn't fall into that category. As for Dye, he told the Sun-Times last month that he already had been receiving calls from at least eight major-league teams and wasn't ruling anyone out. The New York ..."
Sox decline arbitration to four players
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December 1
MLB.com
 
"The White Sox have decided against offering salary arbitration to their free agents, outfielder Jermaine Dye, right-handed reliever Octavio Dotel, outfielder Scott Podsednik and backup catcher Ramon Castro, a decision needing to be made by 11 p.m. CT on Tuesday. And in the process of coming to this financial conclusion, they might have helped Dotel's value on the open market. Both Dotel and Dye were classified as Type-A free agents, meaning if salary arbitration was offered and declined by either player, the White Sox could receive two Draft picks in return from the team eventually coming to terms with either one. Attaching that compensation to an individual such as Dotel, a talented ..."
White Sox's Mark Teahen wins Hutch Award
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December 1
Chicago Tribune
 
"New White Sox player Mark Teahen has been named the 2009 recipient of the Hutch Award, given annually to the player who "best exemplifies the honor, courage and dedication" of Seattle baseball legend Fred Hutchinson. "I am extremely excited to accept the Hutch Award, and I am humbled to be added to the prestigious list of former recipients,'' Teahen said in the press release from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. "I am honored and thankful for all my friends and family who help me accomplish the many successes I've been fortunate enough to achieve.''"
Sources: Rockies likely to keep Spilborghs
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November 30
Foxsports.com
 
"Rockies outfielder Ryan Spilborghs remains a popular trade target, but the Rockies plan to keep him unless they receive a substantial offer, major-league sources say. The renewed trade talk about Spilborghs, 30, stems in part from his eligibility for arbitration for the first time. The Rockies might want to avoid tangling with his agent, Scott Boras, and paying an arbitration-inflated salary to an extra outfielder. The Braves and White Sox are among the teams that like Spilborghs. The Rockies could replace him with Matt Murton, another right-handed hitter. Club officials, however, do not expect to receive an offer compelling enough for them to move Spilborghs, who will remain quite ..."
Andruw Jones, White Sox agree on 1-year deal
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November 25
Chicago Tribune
 
"The White Sox and outfielder Andruw Jones have agree to terms on a one-year, $500,000 contract. Jones, a five-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, could earn an additional $1 million in performance-based bonuses. Jones, 32, batted .214 with 17 home runs and 43 RBIs in 82 games with Texas in 2009. He was the Rangers' DH in 53 and played 12 games in left field, five in right and four at first base. White Sox general manager Ken Williams said Jones will be used in a reserve role."
No surprise if Royals check out Coco Crisp
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November 25
MLB.com
 
"It'll be no surprise if the Royals join the White Sox and other clubs in checking out free-agent center fielder Coco Crisp. True, the Royals declined the option on his 2010 contract but that was for $8 million and nobody was going to pay that for a guy coming off not one, but two, shoulder surgeries that cut short his season. But Royals general manager Dayton Moore liked the way Crisp played early in the season, even with his nagging shoulders, and referred to him as "an exciting, dynamic player." The Royals could use his speed at the top of the lineup and they don't have a proven center fielder right now although Mitch Maier and Josh Anderson are on the roster as well as Willie ..."
White Sox considering Crisp?
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November 25
MLB.com
 
"Ozzie Guillen was asked during Monday's conference call announcing Omar Vizquel's free-agent signing what needs his White Sox had to fill as Thanksgiving approached. Guillen admitted that he liked the ballclub as it currently was constructed, minus possibly another bullpen upgrade. He also talked about the missing piece at the top of the batting order. "Right now, we don't have a true leadoff hitter, but it doesn't mean we truly need it," Guillen said. "We'll try to find one to fit within our budget, but we'll figure it out." The White Sox appear to have made an early move to try to fill that particular void. According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, the South Siders have expressed ..."
Pierzynski not worried about future
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November 24
MLB.com
 
"It's easy to support the theory of A.J. Pierzynski standing out as one of the most valuable players on the White Sox roster during his five-year tenure in Chicago. Pierzynski does a solid job of handling the White Sox pitching staff, the primary concern for any South Siders backstop, and is as durable as they come behind the plate. This year, he recorded at least 1,000 innings caught for an eighth straight season, a Major League mark matched only by Jason Kendall during that time frame. Pierzynski's durability has become even more important considering the White Sox haven't exactly had highly productive backups stationed behind him. He has double-digit home run power, is good for a RBI ..."
Dye open to shifting to first base
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November 24
MLB.com
 
"The highly successful run for Jermaine Dye with the White Sox apparently has come to a close after five years, with the South Siders using their November $950,000 contractual buyout on the 35-year-old veteran. But Dye looks as if he's not limiting his free-agent options by not limiting his possible defensive positions. Although Dye has said he's not ready to take on a full-time designated hitter role, a Monday report on FoxSports.com claimed Dye is open to playing first base. During his 14-year career, Dye has played 1,671 games in right field. He has 27 starts in left and nine in center, although at this point of his career, Dye would be considered a corner outfielder. There also was one ..."
Omar Vizquel signs 1-year deal with Chicago White Sox
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November 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"Omar Vizquel envisions himself as a mentor to Alexei Ramirez and Gordon Beckham. But manager Ozzie Guillen sees a bigger role for the 11-time Gold Glove infielder after the White Sox announced the signing of Vizquel to a one-year, $1.375 million contract Monday. "I will try to find him a lot of playing time," Guillen said during a conference call. "Especially early in the year because everyone knows Ramirez struggles early in the season." Guillen's comments weren't an indictment on Ramirez, whom he has firmly endorsed as the Sox's shortstop but who has a lifetime .184 batting average in March and April. Instead the Sox believe Vizquel, 42, can provide the same quality help at third and ..."
Teams eyeing Dye at first base
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November 23
Foxsports.com
 
"Free-agent right fielder Jermaine Dye has made only one career appearance at first base, in 2005. Yet teams are asking his agent, Robert Bry, if he is willing to play first, and Dye is open to the idea. Dye, 35, could be a right-handed hitting alternative at first for several clubs, including the Braves, Mets, Giants and Orioles. His willingness to play first alone should only increase his marketability. If Dye is not going to be a DH, he might be better at first than in right at this stage of his career. "It wouldn't surprise me at all if he had some success over there," one executive says. The negative on Dye is that he slumped after the All-Star break last season, batting .179 with a ..."
White Sox close to deal with Omar Vizquel
Comment
November 21
Chicago Tribune
 
"It may have taken nearly half a decade, but the White Sox finally could sign shortstop Omar Vizquel, who will be 43 years old in April. The Sox first tried to sign Vizquel when he became a free agent after his days with the Indians, when he was still a Gold Glove shortstop. Now, Vizquel is expected to be a backup and unofficial "coach" of the White Sox youth movement. Sources say the Sox are close to signing the Venezuelan shortstop, who -- literally -- would follow in the footsteps of countrymen Chico Carrasquel, Luis Aparicio and Ozzie Guillen, who is now the manager."
Free-agent market may be slow for Chicago White Sox, other teams
Comment
November 19
Chicago Tribune
 
"Don't expect a stampede Friday when the White Sox and the other 29 major league teams can start tendering contracts to free agents. With some teams unwilling to lose draft picks for signing Type A free agents, combined with an additional pool of players that won't be tendered contracts by Dec. 12, teams could be willing to move deliberately to assess their options in a market that could be saturated. The exceptions are teams that identify a player who fits a specific need and won't cost them compensation. Backup catcher Henry Blanco, whom the Sox have expressed interest in signing, is an unranked free agent. The Sox, with $74.05 million earmarked to 12 players for 2010, have all but ruled ..."
Big package needed to acquire Adrian Gonzalez
Comment
November 18
SI.com
 
"Adrian Gonzalez: Any acquiring team would have to put together a tremendous package for the superstar player with the most reasonable multiyear contract in baseball ($10.5 million over the next two years). The silliest rumor so far had Gonzalez possibly going in a three-way trade with Paul Konerko going to the Angels and prospects to the Padres. Beyond the fact the Angels have a great first baseman in Kendry Morales, Konerko's high contract makes him a giveaway at this point."