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Mark Buehrle

Rosenthal’s Full Count Video: Griffey, Pena, Dye

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In his latest Full Count video for FOX Sports, Ken Rosenthal says that retirement could become a more realistic option for Ken Griffey Jr. if the 40-year-old continues to see less playing time. Rosenthal adds that, during their past two contract negotiations, Griffey and agent Brian Goldberg have discussed with the Mariners "how a phase-out might occur," since Griffey hopes to continue his relationship with the team after his retirement. Here are Rosenthal's other hot stove notes:

  • Although Carl Crawford likely won't be a Ray past this season, the club has a chance to retain Carlos Pena. With Adam Dunn, Derrek Lee, and Paul Konerko eligible for free agency after this year, and Albert Pujols, Adrian Gonzalez, and Prince Fielder potentially hitting the open market in 2011, there are a slew of alternatives to Pena. A power-starved club like the Mariners and Orioles could make a run at Pena, but it's still possible he ends up back in Tampa Bay, assuming there's mutual interest.
  • If the White Sox decide to blow up their roster, it may happen sooner rather than later, given the ten and five rights that will kick in for A.J. Pierzynski and Mark Buehrle this summer. Pierzynski, Konerko, J.J. Putz, and Andruw Jones would be the most likely trade candidates.
  • Although the Padres spoke to Jermaine Dye in the offseason, they'd prefer to stick to their current, younger players. If they decide to add a bat, it's more likely to be an active outfielder than the inactive Dye.

Odds & Ends: Martinez, Rangers, Strasburg, Zambrano

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Links for Wednesday…

The 2012 Free Agent Class

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Jeff Euston of Cot's Baseball Contracts recently posted an unofficial list of players who will become free agents after the 2011 season. That free agent class will be highlighted by a trio of first basemen: Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzalez, and Ryan Howard, though there's a chance Albert Pujols will join them if he and the Cardinals can't work out an extension. 

Some other notable players scheduled to become free agents after 2011 include Jason Bartlett, Carlos Beltran, Mark Buehrle, Edwin Jackson, Heath Bell, and Jonathan Papelbon. Robinson Cano, Yadier Molina, Grady Sizemore, and Matt Cain may also become free agents if their club options for 2012 are declined. 

Obviously a lot will change between now and then, but it's never too early to look ahead!

Odds & Ends: Nationals, Yankees, Red Sox

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If you read these very slowly, maybe they'll last until Opening Day!

Odds And Ends: Chapman, Nats, Buehrle

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More links for the afternoon…

Mark Buehrle May Consider Retirement After 2011

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According to Phil Rogers of the Chicago Tribune, White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle "was talking about walking away from baseball after the 2011 season, when his contract expires."  Buehrle wondered if he’ll prefer a one-year deal after his current contract ends.  He spoke about missing his family deeply when he’s away and guaranteed that he won’t be pitching at age 40.

Speaking of Buehrle, MLB.com’s Scott Merkin has his line on the Sox signing Bartolo Colon: "I think they got him so I wouldn’t be the fattest pitcher on the staff."

Guillen Offers Updates at SoxFest

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8:30pm: Gonzales has another story up on the Tribune’s site with regard to Guillen and the Chicago White Sox.

Guillen said catcher A.J. Pierzynski will remain the No. 2 hitter in the lineup, according to Gonzales. Guillen also said Pierzynski will remain the primary catcher, which curbs suggestions that the Sox will go after free agent Ivan Rodriguez.

Guillen also reiterated what pitching coach Don Cooper has stated: Mark Buehrle, Gavin Floyd, John Danks and Bartolo Colon (if healthy) will man the first four rotation spots.

Indications are that prized left-hander Aaron Poreda has an excellent shot at making the Opening Day roster, even if he doesn’t beat out Clayton Richard or Jeff Marquez for the fifth starter’s spot, Gonzales writes.

Guillen told Gonzales that he expects Wilson Betemit to be capable of playing all four infield positions. That, and outside Jim Thome, the White Sox do not have a true backup first baseman for Paul Konerko.

Scott Merkin of MLB.com was also there. He notes that minor league director Buddy Bell said Beckham has the ability to play any position.

5:30pm: Chicago White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen told Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune that 2008 No. 1 pick Gordon Beckham will likely need to change positions.

Guillen expects Alexei Ramirez to be the team’s shortstop for the foreseeable future.

Ramirez, 27, hit .290/.317/.475 with 21 home runs and 77 RBI in 136 games in 2008 — his first year in the Major Leagues.

Of those 136 games, Ramirez spent time at second base (121 games) and at shortstop (16).

Rockies Inquired On White Sox Starters

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In June, the main trade buzz around the Rockies was that they had interest in Octavio Dotel.  Today, Mark Gonzales of the Chicago Tribune added some intriguing names also on Colorado’s wish list: Mark Buehrle, Jose Contreras, and Jon Garland.  Obviously Buehrle is off limits now.

It wasn’t too long ago that Dan O’Dowd expressed his interest in adding a White Sox hurler.  Apparently talks stalled when Kenny Williams wanted southpaw starter Franklin Morales or third baseman Ian Stewart from the Rox.  Morales has frontline stuff and is trying to hone his control at Double A Tulsa.  He missed some time in May with a strained hamstring, but recovered and made the Futures Game.  Stewart, playing at Triple A, made the team as well.  He started off slow in the power department but smacked seven home runs in June.  The Rockies may have a longjam soon with both Stewart and Garrett Atkins at the hot corner. 

Garland would be a useful addition for Colorado.  I imagine Williams would only trade Garland if O’Dowd gave in on Morales or Stewart.  Maybe the teams could agree on Contreras for Ubaldo Jimenez instead.  Jimenez has a lot of talent but has shown poor control for most of his minor league career, especially in ’07.  Such a swap still seems advantageous to Chicago but I could imagine Williams asking for Jimenez.  Pitching coach Don Cooper has a knack for fixing control problems.

White Sox Re-Sign Mark Buehrle

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The White Sox have signed Mark Buehrle to a four-year contract extension.  It’s the four-year, $56MM deal that’s been rumored for many days now.  Definitely well below market value.

Buehrle has no-trade protection for 2008.  He also has a window during 2009-10 where a trade bumps his salary to $15MM annually and adds extends through 2012 for the same salary.

The often pessimistic PECOTA projection system finds Buehrle similar to Jim Kaat but values him at only about $26MM for the life of his new extension.  PECOTA feels Buehrle’s hits allowed will spike and he’ll manage only 150-160 innings annually.  It’s hard for me to see how that’s the most likely scenario.  I see 200-220 inning seasons with an ERA around 3.80-4.00, and that’s easily worth $56MM. 

Anyway, which of the three remaining veteran Sox starters will be on the move this month?  Phil Rogers suggests Jon Garland.  Or do they sell high on Javier Vazquez?  Sell low on Jose Contreras?  Odds are Kenny Williams will do something unexpected.  He’s still talking about being in buyer’s mode at the moment.

Buehrle’s Counteroffer Rejected

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More Buehrle!  You know you love it.  According to Buster Olney, Mark Buehrle’s camp proposed an alternative to the full no-trade clause contract.  Buehrle’s side asked for the same four-year, $56MM deal, but with a $17MM player option for 2012 that would kick in in the event of a trade.  That’d put Buehrle’s deal on par with Roy Oswalt’s.  The White Sox rejected the counteroffer. Ken Rosenthal confirms the info. 

There must be something the Sox don’t like about Buehrle, or some secret rebuilding plan in the near future.  The fact remains that the team rejected a heavily discounted contract to retain their 28 year-old ace.  It’s damn near inexcusable to me, and I’m not even a Sox fan.

We’ve been down this road before – but it really looks like a trade is coming in the near future.  Phil Rogers mentioned Kenny Williams’s affinity for Jacoby Ellsbury of the Red Sox and Carlos Gomez of the Mets.  Gomez will be out for four to eight weeks with a fractured wrist bone, but that shouldn’t affect his trade value.  Don’t forget the Dodgers – they could really use some rotation certainty.  It’d probably cost them Matt Kemp.

Thanks to loyal reader Kramerica Industries for the tips.

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