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.