whitesox | Ben Maller

MLB manager’s son defends Twitter rip job

Appearing Wednesday on “The Boers & Bernstein Show” on WSCR-AM 670, Oney Guillen defended his decision to rip Bobby Jenks publicly and responded to questions about whether his Twitter revelations violated the sanctity of the White Sox clubhouse and undermined the authority of his father Continue reading →

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December 30, 2010, 7:56 am

Pete Rose’s kid get managerial job

Pete Rose Jr., a former minor leaguer with the White Sox, has been named manager of their Bristol team in the Advanced Rookie League. It is Rose Jr.’s first assignment with a major-league team after playing for 21 years in the minors and serving as a coach in an independent league. Rose, 41, is the son of all-time hits leader Pete Rose, who has been banned from baseball. Pete Jr. never inherited his father’s hitting ability but did have his tenaciousness, playing at Class A Sarasota in 1991 and playing at five different levels in 1994-96. — Chicago Tribune

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December 21, 2010, 6:23 am

MLB GM gets standing ovation eating steak

White Sox GM Kenny Williams receiving standing applause from half the dining room Thursday night at the Chicago Cut Steakhouse. — Chicago Sun-Times

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December 15, 2010, 8:25 am

Phillies become World Series favorites

Odds to win the 2011 World Series (Odds as of 12/14/10)

Philadelphia Phillies 7/2

Boston Red Sox 5/1

New York Yankees 6/1

San Francisco Giants 12/1

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December 14, 2010, 10:32 am

Paul Konerko could leave White Sox for AL rival?

The White Sox played the negotiation version of ninth inning-hardball Tuesday evening, throwing one high and hard at Paul Konerko. The message to Konerko: Either overrule agent Craig Landis and accept the contract offer from them or perhaps finish your career with the Rangers because we’re going forward without you. “There’s no deadline, but we’re going to make the first best deal we can,” general manager Ken Williams said Tuesday evening, adding he was meeting with other teams and agents later in the night. Asked if he could have a new first baseman sometime Wednesday morning, Williams replied: “It’s quite possible.” So now the question is whether this is just final posturing or a serious attempt to move on. — Chicago Tribune

Dodgers almost signed White Sox star

A.J. Pierzinski was “a minute away” from signing with the Dodgers when Jerry Reinsdorf stepped in and kept him with the White Sox. – MLB.com

White Sox parting ways with key to ’05 World Series Champs

By declining to tender a contract to reliever Bobby Jenks on Thursday, the White Sox basically told him to look elsewhere for employment, unless he wants to pitch on the cheap. Jenks’ apparent departure ends another fairy tale from the 2005 season, when he was claimed off waivers and became the closer for a World Series champion. “Bobby Jenks helped bring a World Series to Chicago, and I will never forget that,” general manager Ken Williams said. “We haven’t completely closed the door on (him).” What the Sox are saying is that Jenks’ potentially large raise from his $7.25 million salary in 2010 is out of the question. Even $7 million is probably out of the question if the Sox re-sign Paul Konerko. — Chicago Tribune

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December 3, 2010, 7:17 am

Former Indian Kenny Lofton working in entertainment business

With 10 years in Cleveland and single seasons in Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, New York, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Texas, where does the now retired Kenny Lofton call home? Split between Arizona, where he is a resident and where he played basketball and baseball for the University of Arizona Wildcats, and Los Angeles, where he played briefly for the Dodgers and now works in the entertainment business as CEO of film production company called FlimPool. — Fox Sports West

December 1, 2010, 8:25 pm

Brewers working to deal Prince Fielder?

The Texas Rangers were among the few clubs that kicked the tires on Prince Fielder. The Chicago White Sox showed the most interest, but the Brewers reportedly passed on their offer of pitching prospect Daniel Hudson, who later was traded to Arizona. The thinking was that more teams would jump in on Fielder during the off-season with no deadline as a hindrance. Plenty of teams could use help at first base and/or DH, including the White Sox, Mariners, Red Sox, Cubs, Orioles, Diamondbacks, Blue Jays, Nationals and Rangers. If early indications mean anything, it does not appear that GM Doug Melvin will be fighting off potential suitors, however. Because Scott Boras seems intent on taking Fielder to free agency next winter – that has been his modus operandi with every elite client – any team acquiring him would have to consider it a one-year rental. And an expensive one at that. With a $10.5 million salary in 2010, Fielder probably will get $14-15 million in his final year of arbitration. — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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November 30, 2010, 7:51 am

MLB teams that MISSED playoffs hand out bonus money

Second-Place Finishers (Non-Wild Card Clubs)

Chicago White Sox (Share of Players’ Pool: $549,021.64; value of each full share: $10,885.57) – The White Sox awarded 43 full shares, 6.33 partial shares and 9 cash awards.

San Diego Padres (Share of Players’ Pool: $549,021.64; value of each full share: $10,118.84) – The Padres awarded 47 full shares, 6.75 partial shares and 1 cash award.

Oakland Athletics (Share of Players’ Pool: $549,021.64; value of each full share: $9,832.05) – The A’s awarded 43 full shares, 12.5 partial shares and 3 cash awards.

St. Louis Cardinals (Share of Players’ Pool: $549,021.64; value of each full share: $9,679.42) – The Cardinals awarded 44 full shares, 12.05 partial shares and 4 cash awards. — Biz of Baseball

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November 30, 2010, 7:21 am

Yankees dealing Curtis Granderson?

White Sox SS Alexei Ramirez could be dealt, quite possibly to the Yankees along with a bad contract or two (Mark Teahen or Scott Linebrink and catching prospect Tyler Flowers) for Curtis Granderson and possibly one of the Yankees’ two advanced catching prospects, Jesus Montero and Austin Romine. Then they could explore seriously another deal that has been discussed — Carlos Quentin to the Phillies for Raul Ibanez. — Chicago Tribune

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November 27, 2010, 9:36 pm

ChiSox Paul Konerko to AL West?

The Rangers continue to talk with Vladimir Guerrero, to whom they did not offer arbitration. According to the source, they also are showing interest in a surprising name — free-agent first baseman Paul Konerko. Such a move would make sense, considering the Rangers were willing to sign Martinez in addition to Cliff Lee, as previously reported by FOXSports.com. Konerko, if he does not stay with the White Sox, would prefer to join a team near his home in Scottsdale, Az. The Rangers are not as close as the Diamondbacks, Dodgers and Angels, but the club trains in Arizona and the flight from Dallas to Phoenix is only about 2.5 hours. From Chicago to Phoenix, it’s about four. — Fox Sports

Red Sox could add two time all-star catcher

The Rangers pursued A.J. Pierzynski last May but were unable to strike a deal before Pierzynski earned full no-trade rights on June 14. The Rangers traded for Bengie Molina from San Francisco 2 1/2 weeks later. But Molina, a free agent who has hinted of retirement, wasn’t offered arbitration by Texas. The normally affable Pierzynski politely declined to be expansive about his future. But another possibility could be Boston, which lost free agent Victor Martinez to Detroit. — Chicago Tribune

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November 24, 2010, 7:19 am

White Sox reliever to NL West?

Multiple National League sources said the Diamondbacks have interest in Sox free agent reliever J.J. Putz. The Diamondbacks could have an advantage because Putz, who had a 2.83 ERA in 60 games and limited opponents to a .204 batting average last season, resides in the northwest suburb of Peoria. Putz also can close as well as set-up, and he said last season he isn’t necessarily looking to close games. — Chicago Tribune

MLB pitcher holding baseball camp for military kids

White Sox pitcher Edwin Jackson, who comes from a military family, will be holding a special free baseball camp this weekend in Fort Benning, Ga. The event is for boys and girls of military families, and more than 1,500 youngsters are expected to take part. — Chicago Tribune

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November 19, 2010, 12:41 am

White Sox slugger headed to Philly?

There have been reports that the Phillies are interested in Carlos Quentin, a power-hitting rightfielder with the Chicago White Sox. If, as expected, Werth signs elsewhere, the Phillies will want to add a righthanded bat to their roster. There was also a Venezuelan-based report Wednesday that said free-agent outfielder Magglio Ordonez was headed to Philadelphia for a medical examination. “Unequivocally false,” Amaro said. A deal for the 28-year-old Quentin would make more sense for the Phillies. He is a .251 career hitter and has averaged 31 home runs the last three seasons. In 131 games last season, he batted .243 with 26 home runs and 87 RBIs. His best season was .2008, when he hit .288 with 36 home runs and 100 RBIs. — Philadelphia Inquirer

Rockies in mix for White Sox pitcher?

The Rockies have broadened their scope in an attempt to land a right-handed bat and starting pitcher, inquiring about Arizona outfielder Justin Upton and White Sox right-hander Gavin Floyd, according to multiple major-league sources Wednesday. The Diamondbacks are looking to fill myriad holes, and are asking for as many as four to five players in return for Upton, a 23-year-old all-star. Rockies ownership would have to increase next season’s payroll to roughly $86 million to add Upton, and is open to the idea. Also interested in Upton are the Red Sox and Marlins. Upton has $49.5 million remaining on a contract that runs through 2015. Interest in Floyd, a reliable innings eater who’s under contract through 2012, is tied directly to the Rockies’ dwindling chances of keeping free-agent pitcher Jorge De La Rosa. The White Sox are looking for offense, and have asked about the Rockies’ Ian Stewart, a third baseman. He’s no longer off limits, but the Rockies don’t have a third baseman to replace him, so nothing is imminent. — Denver Post

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November 18, 2010, 7:32 am

Former Halos can’t miss prospect joins White Sox

Former Angels prospect Dallas McPherson, 30, has agreed to a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox. He played parts of three seasons for the Angels and last appeared in the majors with the Florida Marlins in 2008. He spent time in the San Francisco and Oakland organizations the last two seasons. — LA Times

ChiSox Paul Konerko to AL East?

The Baltimore Orioles are interested in White Sox free agent 1B Paul Konerko. — Sports Illustrated (Jon Heyman)

Source: AL Central GM talking with Adam Dunn’s agent

Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams met with Adam Dunn’s agent in preliminary discussions on what Dunn is expecting in free agency this offseason, according to a major league source.One major league general manager told ESPNChicago.com that the starting point for Dunn will be a three-year, $40-million deal. — ESPN Chicago

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November 16, 2010, 9:11 pm

White Sox Paul Konerko headed to So Cal?

Could free-agent first baseman Paul Konerko emerge as a possibility for the Dodgers, his original team? Maybe — if the Dodgers trade Loney and Konerko is willing to take less money to play near his offseason home in Arizona. Konerko earned $12 million per season during his five-year deal with the White Sox. The Diamondbacks probably cannot approach that figure, and the Dodgers might not, either. — Fox Sports

Dodgers dealing James Loney to Chicago?

Rumors out of Los Angeles suggest the Dodgers would trade one of their young position players in the right deal. The Sox and Dodgers have a recent history of making transactions — Juan Pierre for two young pitchers; Manny Ramirez picked up as a free agent. Los Angeles first baseman James Loney would look good in a Sox uniform. Although not a home run hitter, Loney would hit 7-10 more at U.S. Cellular Field, rather than cavernous Dodgers stadium. — ESPN Chicago

Rays dealing Matt Garza?

Texas’ offseason search usually begins with starting pitching, and that will be the case again. Both the Rays and the White Sox have starting pitching available. The Rangers and the Rays have never made a trade with each other, but that could change. Tampa Bay needs to cut payroll and is willing to talk about Matt Garza (15-10, 3.91 ERA) and James Shields (13-15, 5.18). The Rays need a left fielder, with Carl Crawford likely leaving, and they have an opening at first base if Carlos Pena doesn’t re-sign. They could also use major help in the bullpen. The White Sox could be willing to talk about Edwin Jackson (4-2, 3.24) or Gavin Floyd (10-13, 4.08). But they need a left-handed run producer, bullpen help, a catcher — if A.J. Pierzynski doesn’t re-sign — and a first baseman if Paul Konerko doesn’t come back. — MLB.com

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November 15, 2010, 11:34 am

Mets Carlos Beltran headed to American League?

Add the Mets’ Carlos Beltran to the list of potential OF/DH solutions for AL clubs such as the White Sox and Rangers. To trade Beltran, the Mets would need to assume a significant portion of his $18.5 million salary for 2011. Beltran, 33, has a full no-trade clause, but probably would jump to play in a hitter-friendly park in his walk year. — Fox Sports

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November 15, 2010, 10:59 am

Former MLB exec indicted on kickback charge

A former Chicago White Sox executive and two Latin America scouts were indicted on federal charges that they worked together to obtain illegal kickbacks from prospective baseball players, said prosecutors in Chicago. “The defendants were supposed to recruit players by paying amounts of money that matched their skills and were no greater than the amount needed to sign the players,” U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said today in an e-mailed statement. “Instead the indictment alleges the defendants secretly inflated those signing amounts to fund kickbacks for themselves.” David Wilder, who directed the Major League Baseball team’s player development system from 2003 to 2006, was indicted by a Chicago grand jury on seven counts of mail fraud, according to the statement. — Bloomberg

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November 11, 2010, 2:36 am

Brewers Prince Fielder to Chicago?

White Sox free agent Mark Kotsay said on Jim Bowden’s XM Radio show that the Sox are trying to acquire a left-handed hitter, such as free agents Adam Dunn or Aubrey Huff, or trade for Prince Fielder in addition to re-signing Paul Konerko. The Sox had discussions with Milwaukee involving Fielder, but those talks stopped prior to the July 31 trading deadline after the Brewers asked for Gordon Beckham. San Francisco, fresh off its first World Series title since moving from New York in 1958, is trying to retain Huff. — Chicago Tribune

MLB legend with 521 HRs launches record label

Famed baseball player Frank Thomas has launched record label W2W Records through Fontana Distribution, a division of Universal Music Group, and his debut act, Bellevoxx, is seeing its first music video on AOL on Nov. 2. The band’s name literally translates to the phrase ‘beautiful voice,’ which perfectly describes the three-part girl group consisting of Denisse, Harmony and Raquel. — Top 40-Charts

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November 10, 2010, 7:28 am

MLB stars wife breaks gold glove scoop on Facebook

The Gold Glove awards are scheduled to be announced Tuesday, but a well-placed source reported that White Sox ace Mark Buehrle will win his second consecutive award for his exceptional defense. According to a Facebook post Monday, Jamie Buehrle expressed her happiness for her husband’s honor. “So proud of my husband,” Jamie Buehrle posted Monday. “He is now a TWO time gold glove winner!!!” — Chicago Tribune

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November 9, 2010, 3:47 am

White Sox catcher makes facial hair news

White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski is growing a mustache in honor of “Movember” to raise funds for prostate cancer awareness. — Chicago Tribune

ChiSox eye John Buck, Yorvit Torrealba

The Sox’ No. 2 priority is free-agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski. If the two sides can’t agree to a new contract, the White Sox could go after John Buck or Yorvit Torrealba, who declined his $3.5 million option with the San Diego Padres on Tuesday. — Daily Herald

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November 3, 2010, 7:24 am

2010 World Series odds

Odds to win the 2011 World Series

New York Yankees                    4/1
Philadelphia Phillies                   6/1
Boston Red Sox                        10/1
San Francisco Giants                 10/1
St. Louis Cardinals                     14/1
Tampa Bay Rays                       14/1
Minnesota Twins                        16/1
Texas Rangers                          16/1
Atlanta Braves                           18/1
Colorado Rockies                       18/1
Cincinnati Reds                         20/1
San Diego Padres                      20/1
Chicago White Sox                    22/1
Los Angeles Dodgers                 22/1
Los Angeles Angels                   25/1
Chicago Cubs                            30/1
Detroit Tigers                             35/1
Florida Marlins                           35/1
New York Mets                          40/1
Oakland Athletics                      40/1
Toronto Blue Jays                      50/1
Houston Astros                          65/1
Milwaukee Brewers                    65/1
Seattle Mariners                        70/1
Baltimore Orioles                       75/1
Arizona Diamondbacks               80/1
Cleveland Indians                       80/1
Washington Nationals                80/1
Kansas City Royals                   125/1
Pittsburgh Pirates                      150/1

Source: Bodog

November 3, 2010, 6:40 am

White Sox could turn to LaRoche?

Adam LaRoche is another option, although the White Sox didn’t show much interest in the left-handed first baseman at the trade deadline. After batting .261 with 25 home runs and 100 RBI for the Arizona Diamondbacks this season, LaRoche’s $7.5 million option was declined Tuesday. — Daily Herald

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November 3, 2010, 3:59 am

Cards Colby Rasmus to ChiSox?

The White Sox have liked Colby Rasmus since his days in the minors, but they could be forced to pay a fortune since Rasmus won’t be arbitration eligible until 2012. The Cardinals may need plenty of production since Albert Pujols can become a free agent after 2011. — Chicago Tribune

Adam Dunn to ChiSox?

After unsuccessfully trying to acquire Adam Dunn last July (Edwin Jackson was never a consideration for Washington), it would be a shock if the Sox got involved in the bidding for Dunn (now a top free agent) unless they move a large-salaried player. — Chicago Tribune

Rangers relief pitcher to ChiSox?

The White Sox have a knack for selling high and buying low, and one potential free agent reliever that fits their mold is Texas reliever Frank Francisco, who missed the final five weeks because of a latissimus dorsi muscle strain on his right side but has late inning experience. — Chicago Tribune

Diamondbacks can’t afford Paul Konerko?

Paul Konerko’s coming off a monster year — the best season of his career, actually, numbers-wise — and even if he were to take a hometown discount, Diamondbacks people still aren’t certain he would be affordable enough to fit into their budget. At least not with holes in the bullpen, rotation, bench and left field that will need to be addressed, as well. Some wonder if he can play a full season at first base. He’ll be 35 next year and this season played 125 games at first and 23 games as the designated hitter. Plus, it sounds like the Diamondbacks will put a priority on defensive ability when it comes to first base, not a strong suit of Konerko’s. Anyway, I’m sure the Diamondbacks will talk with him, but unless he really wants to play here, I doubt it ends up happening. — Arizona Republic

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