Winter Meetings Checklist

[DBAHO]

Enjoy,

CHICAGO -- Despite having lost several key free agents already this offseason, the White Sox remain a central figure in the American League Central.

 

With the Indians and Tigers still years away from contending and the Royals a question mark in terms of repeating their success from 2003, the White Sox’s biggest concern is catching the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central. But the Twins already have lost pitchers Eric Milton, LaTroy Hawkins, and closer Eddie Guardado.

 

Nonetheless, general manager Kenny Williams will be looking to pare down a payroll that is almost at its limit without any free agents having been added. Paul Konerko ($8 million) and Billy Koch ($6.375) are candidates to be moved, if another team will pick up their salary after subpar seasons. Williams could be forced to trade one of his frontline players, such as Magglio Ordonez or Carlos Lee.

 

2003 Finish: 86-76, second place, AL Central.

 

Deals so far: Signed right-hander Jon Garland to a one-year deal, thereby avoiding arbitration; Signed catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. to a one-year deal with a team option for 2005; Traded infielder Aaron Miles to Colorado for infielder Juan Uribe; Exercised $5 million club option on shortstop Jose Valentin; Exercised $4 million club option on right-hander Esteban Loaiza; Designated hitter Frank Thomas exercised his $6 million option to return for 2004; Released first baseman/outfielder Brian Daubach; Signed left-handed pitcher Mark Buehrle to three-year, $18 million contract with a club option for 2007.

 

Players eligible for arbitration: Left-hander Mark Buehrle, outfielder Carlos Lee, left-hander Kelly Wunsch.

 

Free agents offered arbitration: Right-handed pitchers Bartolo Colon (signed with Anaheim) and Tom Gordon (reportedly signed with New York Yankees).

 

Free agents not offered arbitration: Infielder Tony Graffanino, outfielder Carl Everett, second baseman Roberto Alomar and right-hander Scott Sullivan (signed with Kansas City).

 

Needs: Williams wants pitching, especially after losing cornerstones of the staff in Colon and Gordon. New manager Ozzie Guillen wants defense and speed added, making the White Sox a less home run-driven squad. The most important desire is bringing the roster in around the set $58 million payroll, with a large portion of that number already accounted for among a small group of rostered players.

 

Dealing strengths: Top players such as Ordonez and Lee could bring back quite a return if Williams is forced to trade one of his superstars. Otherwise, the White Sox don’t really have an excess in any one particular area, looking primarily to get solid talent in exchange for higher salaries.