Big move from the ChiSox. They were in big need of another good hitter last season. Now the only question is if this marks the end of Konerko in Chicago.
With help from Cot's, looks like the White Sox have some $88.5 million committed to 10 players: Peavy, Buehrle, Dunn, Rios, Pierre, Linebrink, Edwin Jackson, Teahen, Floyd.. and apparently AJ Pierzinski (twitter.com)
(Plus John Danks and Carlos Quentin are 2nd year arbitration eligible.)
Last 5 years, the player payroll has been 103, 109, 121, 96, and 103 million. So considering someone is going to give Konerko $10 million or more, I don't see him coming back unless the chairman still feels he owes Paulie for that ball.
Sox attendance fell for the 4th straight year, so I can't see where Reinsdorf would get the money to hike the '11 payroll.
A lot of cash comes off the books after 2011, so I wouldn't be shocked if Reinsdorf were to allow one big year. Looking at the contracts ending in 2011, the only ones they would likely try to resign (and have a chance at doing so) would be Thornton and Buehrle, and he won't get a deal like he got last time. Jackson, Pierre, Linebrink, Castro, Vizquel are all likely gone, so that's $25 million off the books.
edit: it has already begun with Scott Linebrink going to the Braves for a minor league player.
(edited by spf on 3.12.10 1511) 2007 and 2008 W-League Fantasy Football champion!
Washington probably gets some kind of draft pick or picks for this, but they really should have just flipped the guy last year when the market was really full of impact power hitters still in their prime.
Originally posted by StaggerLeeI don't really recall seeing a game at US Cellular field since they were in the World Series. Is Chicago's home friendly to lefty hitters?
It's very friendly to all hitters...especially flyball hitters. I see a return to 40+ HRs from Dunn if healthy, maybe even crossing the career 400 HR barrier.
Washington probably gets some kind of draft pick or picks for this, but they really should have just flipped the guy last year when the market was really full of impact power hitters still in their prime.
They get the White Sox 1st round pick (23rd) and a sandwich pick. But they probably could've/should've done better during the season.
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