Bobby Jenks May Be Out

I have been reporting on Bobby Jenks. Finally, there is (almost) concrete news. The Chicago White Sox and Bobby Jenks may part ways this offseason.

"Honestly, I was hoping that this would not be the case, being non-tendered. I was hoping I would come back without question. Obviously, things change in a heartbeat. I'm sad that it has come to this, where I've become a free agent and I'm talking to other teams."

-WhiteSox.com

Jenks will be 30 in March and says he is in the process of talking to other teams. He has had his fair share of struggles the past few years, on the field and off. Early in the 2009 season he was dealing with kidney stones and ended up the 2010 season with an ERA of 4.44, a career worst for him. Big Bad Bobby Jenks did however aid in our taking of the World Series in '05, and for that I am very greatful. I have never seen such a young pitcher do so well considering the circumstances. Not only do well, but impress an entire city, maybe even the world. I remember the victory parade downtown, I was standing up on a concrete barrier to get a better look, Bobby Jenks was on top of one of the busses, we caught a glimpse of eachother and pointed in celebration. I think he really appreciated the fan's support. He seems to be very modest during these times of uincertainty; I would like to see him stay but if it's in the best interest for the White Sox to have a new closer, so be it.

New Closer for 2011?

Bobby Jenks may be on his way out of the White Sox organization. If you remember, last year was also supposed to be Jenks' last year with the White Sox. It's not looking too good for Jenks; this is the fourth year his save totals have dropped not to mention his attitude over the past 5 years has drastically changed. I would like to keep him as a closer, he undeniably helped us attain the coveted World Series Championship and '08 Division Championship, but as I mentioned his attitude has clearly changed and his numbers are dropping. I said last year to give him another chance, I think that's it.

Konerko & Putz Deny Arbitration

White Sox team leader Paul Konerko and pitcher J.J. Putz have declined salary arbitration.

What does this mean?

Well, Putz has the option to go to another team, and if he does, the White Sox will get a higher draft pick for the 2011 season. That's good, I'd like to see Putz stay, but there has to be some young pitchers out there who are hungry and willing to play ball. Putz did set a White Sox record by pitching for 27 straight scoreless appearances this year, pretty noteworthy!

As for Konerko, he has maybe 5 years left in the major leagues. I would really like to see him finish his career in a White Sox uniform. The more and more buzz about this makes me think that Paul Konerko will not be returning. If he doesn't, at least the White Sox will get the receiving team's 1st round draft pick.

Vote for Mark Buehrle!

The 2010 This Year in Baseball Awards are underway. Vote for Mark Buehrle! He deserves it not only for being one of the best pitchers in the AL (and even the MLB), but simple for he amazing play! I want to see his play as the top play for 2010. Let's do it, go Sox!

A.J. Pierzynski Declined Salary Arbitration

The Chicago White Sox have declined salary arbitration to their starting catcher, A.J. Pierzynski. Interestingly, they did offer arbitration for Konerko and Putz. A.J. seemed hopeful about coming to an understanding with the management and staying with the White Sox. I hope they do. If not, he may be headed to Texas. The Rangers' catcher Molina was also declined salary arbitration after hinting at retirement. The Rangers were looking to sign Pierzynski last May, they now might have the chance. Another possible new home for Pierzynski would be Boston. The Red Sox lost another White Sox possible replacement for Pierzynski, Victor Martinez, to Detroit earlier. Now that Martinez is out of the picture it looks like the White Sox will either sign A.J. or go with Molina, assuming Molina wants to.

White Sox Offer Arbitration to Konerko & Putz

The Chicago White Sox have offered both Paul Konerko and J.J. Putz salary arbitraion before Tuesday's deadline. This is good news for White Sox fans hoping to keep Konerko. I assume Konerko will be offered a hefty salary increase and J.J.'s will undoubtedly increase as well. Both are well deserved, Konerko more so just because he is the senior member of the team and a leader. Each player has the option to decline and consider other offers before November 30th. Hopefully that date comes sooner rather than later. Apparently the Arizona Diamondbacks have expressed interest in Konerko. It would be a shame to see his possibly last season end with another team.

The White Sox have declined arbitration to two players, A.J. Pierzynski and Manny Ramirez. A.J. needs to stay with the Sox, Manny on the other hand...good riddance!

Paul Konerko Finished 5th in AL MVP

White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko apparently finished fifth in the AL MVP race this year. Unfortunately the award went to the Texas Rangers' outfielder Josh Hamilton, I'm sure it was well deserved. I didn't really follow Texas baseball this year.

Konerko was the only White Sox player to be seen on the ballot this year, he was on 27 out of the 28; he received four fourth place votes. Not bad I guess. I thought it would be a lot closer than that considering Konerko's 39 home runs and 111 batted in. Interestingly, Jim Thome received two tenth place votes. Maybe next year.

White Sox to Play Cubs in Exhibition

The Chicago White Sox have been scheduled to play the Chicago Cubs on two dates during their Spring training sessions. There are only two dates, both of which are in March of 2011. March 11th and March 24th, both at 1PM local time.

Their first exhibition game will be on February 28th versus the L.A. Dodgers.

I can't wait for baseball season!

Mark Buehrle is Award Second Straight Gold Glove!

Mark Buehrle has been awarded his second straight Gold Glove for the 2010 season. Congratulations! You may remember Mark Buehrle's amazing play, where he chased a ball that bounced off his foot. His through-the-leg throw to Konerko can been seen here: MLB.com. This play along with others have made many believe, including myself, that Buehrle is one of the, if not the, best fielding pitchers ever to play professional baseball. Not to mention the 1,847 & 2/3 innings he has pitched resulting in 122 wins.

Bad news, though, concerning Mark Buuhrle, he may be considering retirement after the 2011 season. Apparently he has been thinking about retiring after next season when his contract is up. It seems he is concerned about being with his family, similar to the debacle concerning the White Sox's contract with Konerko. Whatever happens at least he retire a White Sox player rather than anything else.

White Sox May Bring Back Free Agents

The Chicago White Sox say they are open to bringing back most of the players who are going free-agent this season. I hope they do. They have already signed Omar Vizquel to a one-year deal for $1.75 million this week Tuesday. Among those who I hope return are Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski. Pierzynski and the White Sox have already been talking and are seemingly on the same page, at least both are open to talks.

Paul Konerko, however, is a different story. He is a great payer; he ended last season with 39 homeruns, 111 batted in and a batting average of .312. Not to mention he has been with the White Sox for over a decade. It would terrible to lose him, he is a great mid-order batter and his first base skills are unsurpassed. He was here when we won the World Series and, at this point in his career, I bet he is looking to win another one then retire. Apparently the Arizona D-Backs have expressed interest in Konerko. Now that Paul Konerko has a young family, he must consider them when deciding where to go, and being that his family resides in Scottsdale, AZ, that may be a viable option for him.

I hope he stays with the White Sox for one more season.

A.J. Pierzynski Willing to Return in 2011

The Chicago White Sox and A.J. Pierzynski have been in talks to decide whether or not he will be a part of the White Sox organization next year.

"The door has not been shut by me or by them. There are no hard feelings from me toward them, and I hope there's none from them toward me. Something still could be done, but if not, hopefully there's another team who will want me."

-MLB.com

Pierzynski is scheduled to go on as a free agent, but says he isn't really entertaining other offers yet. He has been with the White Sox since 2005 when they won the World Series and maintains a career .284 batting average with 120 home runs. Last season his batting average was .364 from mid-August to the end of the season, which was the best in the American League. Not to mention he has 1,000 innings caught for the past nine seasons.

Both sides seem to be open to making a deal. I hope they do. I like Castro just fine, he seems to hit better, but there's just something about Pierzynski that says baseball. He likes to call plays before the umpire does, and he is right all the time. He knows his stuff and new or younger players can learn from him.

White Sox 2010 Active Roster

I have added a White Sox roster page to the site. I will update it when the White Sox make any changes. As for now, it is only the active team roster. Go Sox!

Sox Host the Twinkies

The Chicago White Sox are hosting the Twinkies as I type. It's the bottom of the 8th currently and Andruw Jones has come through! So far he is the only off season pick up that I approve of. He is the only trade pulling his weight. Jones just hit a double to put the White Sox back in the lead, 5-4! Jenks leads off the top of the 9th, hopefully a better outing than earlier in the week.

UPDATE: Sox win 5-4!

White Sox Host Cleveland Tonight

The Chicago White Sox play the Cleveland Indians tonight at 7PM, if you're in Chicago it will be on WGN (Ch. 9). The White Sox season opener went extremely well, I have a suspicion it won't go quite as well tonight but I am anticipating another win. Jake Peavy will face Fausto Carmona tonight, which should be very exciting. I am looking forward to seeing Peavy, he pitched a few games at the end of the season last year but I didn't get a good look. I am confident in his performance. Go White Sox!

UPDATE: Sox lost, 3-5.

Chicago White Sox 2010 Season Schedule

I have a new page on the blog. It's the White Sox 2010 schedule. I will update it day-to-day and month-to-month. Let me know if there is anything else you need posted on it, I left out the channels because they vary depending in what area you are located.

Home Game Opener, White Sox Win 6-0!

The Chicago White Sox have started off the season great! From Paul Konerko's 2 run homer in the bottom of the first to Mark Buehrle's incredible play in the top of the fifth. Here is a video of the play, simply one of the BEST plays I have ever witnessed!





I hope this is a foreshadowing of what is to come because if it is I am very excited! Here is a game break-down from MLB.com. They looked great, I didn't notice anything that could raise any red flags. Buehrle was flawless and his defense had his back. Offense was at a high point it seemed, let's hope they keep it up. I know not to get too comfortable, seeing how it was the very first game, but it feels great to start the season off right! Go Sox!

Linebrink Honored by Concordia University Texas

White Sox pitcher Scott Linebrink was honored today by his former college. He is the first alumni to reach the major leagues from that university. He said he didn't do anything at the university to warrant a Hall of Fame induction, but the White Sox are glad to have him. Congrats!

White Sox oppose new Cactus League stadium

The Chicago White Sox have made their opposition known when it comes to the Cub's new Cactus League stadium. The Chicago Cubs want to build a new 15,000 seat baseball stadium in Mesa, AZ using taxes they collect from new surcharges on Cactus League tickets. The Chicago White Sox aren't the only team opposed to the new taxes, many other have expressed their opposition as well. The Cubs maintain that this will benefit all the teams; they claim that other teams' fanbase will rise because of all the fans who go to see the Cubs play. Yea right.

Some Good News: Quentin and Jenks with the White Sox

Carlos Quentin and Bobby Jenks have signed one year contracts with the White Sox, $3.2 million and $7.5 million respectively. Both players didn't have their best outings last season, but deserve another shot. Jenks ended the 2009 season with and ERA of 3.71 and 29 saves. In 99 games, Quentin batted .236 with 21 homeruns. These two, however not my favorites, are vital to our success in 2010. Check back for more White Sox news.

Say it isn't so! Dye to the Cubs?

White Sox player Jermaine Dye is apparently being eyed by the Chicago Cubs. In the latest MLB rumors, JD is apparently being sought after by the Cubs for an outfield position. He would stand in for the bum they have playing outfield now (Soriano). He could also play first base. Let's hope not. I really, really think he should stay in a White Sox uniform.