Chicago White Sox Hot Stove Tracker - Update #5

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The White Sox's first trade of the offseason took place this week, sending Neal Cotts to the Chicago Cubs for David Aardsma and Carlos Vasquez, and Ken Williams shot down a number of rumors with the Chicago Tribune's Mark Gonzales.

All that and more in this edition of the Tracker...

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The player listing that follows was pulled from the White Sox 40 man roster as it appeared on White Sox.com on October 30, 2006 (names supplemented/updated as needed). Transactions, rumors, and other assorted data is complied from the news sources attributed below.

Each blog posting contains all the information listed in previous posts as well as new information. Consult the attribution's date to determine how "new" each bit of news is.

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Pitchers
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David Aardsma [Acquired via Cotts trade]

Lance Broadway
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "If Williams really wants to get creative, he could go after Tampa Bay Devil Rays outfielder Carl Crawford. But that likely would require sending a wave of young talent to the Devil Rays. That wave would have to include prospects such as pitcher Lance Broadway, third baseman Josh Fields and outfielder Ryan Sweeney."

56 Mark Buehrle
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/12/06: "Failing to reach the playoffs gives the Sox even more incentive to shake up the rotation. No one is untouchable, though right-hander Freddy Garcia and lefty Mark Buehrle seem the safest bets to be dealt. Both will be eligible for free agency after next season."
Chicago Tribune, 10/30/06: 2007 option picked up; Buehrle will make $9.5 million in 2007

52 Jose Contreras

46 Neal Cotts [He gone! Traded to the Cubs for pitchers Aardsma and C. Vasquez]

34 Freddy Garcia
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/12/06: "Failing to reach the playoffs gives the Sox even more incentive to shake up the rotation. No one is untouchable, though right-hander Freddy Garcia and lefty Mark Buehrle seem the safest bets to be dealt. Both will be eligible for free agency after next season."
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/3/06: "[White Sox GM Kenny] Williams said during spring training that right-hander Brandon McCarthy would get a shot to be in the rotation in 2007, and that hasn't changed. To make room for McCarthy, all signs point toward Garcia being traded...While the veteran right-hander said in August that if he had to leave, he would want to pitch for the New York Yankees, striking a deal with the pitching-starved Texas Rangers for shortstop Michael Young is a route Williams will explore."
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/3/06: "Was stellar in September with a 2.49 ERA, but the Sox want Brandon McCarthy in the starting rotation and feel Garcia's better days are behind him."

20 Jon Garland

40 Charlie Haeger
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/3/06: "The only in-house candidate who intrigues the Sox is knuckleballer Charlie Haeger, who can pitch a lot and go both long and short."

32 Dustin Hermanson
Chicago Tribune, 10/30/06: $3.65 million option declined; contract bought out for $500,000

45 Bobby Jenks
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/12/06: "Right-hander Bobby Jenks has proven himself as a major-league closer and is expected to report to camp in his best shape after a revamped offseason workout program."

57 Boone Logan
MLB.com, 11/16/06: "We think that Boone Logan can be one of the more special left-handers in the league, but we're also going to bring competition in so that he has to earn it," Williams said.
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/3/06: "Rookie Boone Logan wasn't the answer and fell out of favor with a 'big-league attitude,' according to one Sox insider, to go along with control problems."

47 Mike MacDougal
Chicago Tribune, 10/29/06: "MacDougal and Neal Cotts are in line for big raises..."

Jay Marshall
Chicago Tribune, 11/13/06: "The Sox are quietly listening to trade offers for Heath Phillips, the Triple-A left-hander who won two games for Team USA in the Olympic qualifier in August, and Jay Marshall, the left-hander who didn't walk a left-handed hitter in 58 games with high Class A Winston-Salem. Both are subject to be claimed in next month's Rule 5 draft if they aren't added to the 40-man roster."

55 Brandon McCarthy
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/3/06: "Williams said during spring training that right-hander Brandon McCarthy would get a shot to be in the rotation in 2007, and that hasn't changed. To make room for McCarthy, all signs point toward Garcia being traded."

43 Jeff Nelson

Heath Phillips
Chicago Tribune, 11/13/06: "The Sox are quietly listening to trade offers for Heath Phillips, the Triple-A left-hander who won two games for Team USA in the Olympic qualifier in August, and Jay Marshall, the left-hander who didn't walk a left-handed hitter in 58 games with high Class A Winston-Salem. Both are subject to be claimed in next month's Rule 5 draft if they aren't added to the 40-man roster."

61 Paulino Reynoso

54 David Riske
Chicago Tribune, 10/29/06: "...the Sox are likely to seek a cheaper alternative to free agent David Riske, who made $1.8 million last season."

Edwardo Sierra
37 Matt Thornton
50 Sean Tracey

Carlos Vasquez [Acquired via Cotts trade]

33 Javier Vazquez
Chicago Tribune, 11/13/06: "According to sources there have been preliminary talks about Javier Vazquez going to the Mets in a package that could include reliever Aaron Heilman or pitching prospects Philip Humber and Mike Pelfrey."
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/3/06: "The club likes Vazquez, but if it can move his $12.5 million contract for the '07 season for a fair return, he would be the odd man out rather than Garcia."
Chicago Tribune, 10/29/06: Will earn $12.5 million in 2007


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Catchers
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26 Sandy Alomar
Chicago Tribune, 11/18/06: "The inflated market also could dictate the return of Sandy Alomar Jr. as the backup catcher, although Williams wants to talk to Alomar before making a final decision. Rookies Chris Stewart and Gustavo Molina also could be candidates."

12 A.J. Pierzynski
39 Chris Stewart


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Infielders
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8 Alex Cintron
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "The one luxury the Sox have is a deep bench. That won't change, with Alex Cintron, Rob Mackowiak, Ross Gload and Pablo Ozuna all likely to return."

24 Joe Crede
Chicago Tribune, 11/9/06: Crede opts for offseason strengthening program rather than surgery for his back.
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "His stock never has been higher, but having back problems and Scott Boras as an agent might lead to Sox moving him."
Chicago Tribune, 10/29/06: "Third baseman Joe Crede is the most expensive of the Sox's seven arbitration-eligible players, and whether he has minor back surgery could dictate whether he's offered a multiyear deal. Prospect Josh Fields is believed to be ready, but he's not Crede in the field."

27 Josh Fields
Chicago Tribune, 11/11/06: "Top prospects Ryan Sweeney and Josh Fields might be too valuable to include as part of any trade. Sweeney has a shot at becoming the Sox's Opening Day center fielder, and Fields could provide the Sox with the right-handed power off the bench they lacked in 2006."
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "If Williams really wants to get creative, he could go after Tampa Bay Devil Rays outfielder Carl Crawford. But that likely would require sending a wave of young talent to the Devil Rays. That wave would have to include prospects such as pitcher Lance Broadway, third baseman Josh Fields and outfielder Ryan Sweeney."

17 Ross Gload
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "GM Ken Williams thinks Gload can be an every-day starter and would allow him to be if the right team came knocking."
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "The one luxury the Sox have is a deep bench. That won't change, with Alex Cintron, Rob Mackowiak, Ross Gload and Pablo Ozuna all likely to return."

15 Tadahito Iguchi
Chicago Tribune, 10/30/06: 2007 option picked up -- 2007 salary is $3.25 million

14 Paul Konerko
62 Pedro Lopez

38 Pablo Ozuna
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "The one luxury the Sox have is a deep bench. That won't change, with Alex Cintron, Rob Mackowiak, Ross Gload and Pablo Ozuna all likely to return."

63 Casey Rogowski
25 Jim Thome

5 Juan Uribe
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "...the Sox have to make a decision about shortstop Juan Uribe. Williams still was calling Uribe underrated at the end of the season, but if the Sox can upgrade that spot with a player who gives away fewer at-bats, they will do so."
Chicago Tribune, 10/30/06: "...the Sox remain hopeful that Uribe will be cleared of involvement in the Oct. 13 shooting of two men in the Dominican Republic as the case enters its third week."


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Outfielders
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44 Brian Anderson
Chicago Tribune, 11/13/06: "The Texas Rangers are exploring options to replace free-agent center fielder Gary Matthews Jr., who wanted more than $10 million a year to return, and are studying a possible pursuit of the White Sox's Brian Anderson."
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "Depending on what the Sox do, Anderson is still very much in the picture and simply could slide to left field if a speedy center fielder is acquired."
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/4/06: stomach ailment sends Anderson home from winter ball in Venezuela

23 Jermaine Dye
Chicago Tribune, 11/18/06: "The inflated market that includes marquee outfielders Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee could have a chilling effect on any negotiations with Jermaine Dye, who had a Most Valuable Player-type season (the winner will be announced Tuesday) and is entering the final year of his contract at $7 million."
Chicago Tribune, 11/11/06: "Bob Bry, Dye's agent, said last week he would like to start negotiations on an extension before the end of the year. But the Sox might let Dye finish the season unsigned and run the risk of letting him go to free agency or watching his price soar like Paul Konerko's in '05. A team that trains in Arizona, such as the Angels or Rangers, will be attractive to Dye."
Chicago Tribune, 10/30/06: 2007 option picked up -- "The 2007 option on Dye is worth $6.75 million, but it increases to $7 million if he finishes among the top 10 in American League Most Valuable Player voting, which will be announced on Nov. 21. That's pretty much a foregone conclusion with Dye, 32, coming off a career-best season in which he batted .315 with 44 home runs and 120 RBIs. Dye was considered one of the front-runners for the MVP award before he tailed off slightly at the end of the season. Still, $7 million is a bargain for those numbers."

10 Rob Mackowiak
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "The one luxury the Sox have is a deep bench. That won't change, with Alex Cintron, Rob Mackowiak, Ross Gload and Pablo Ozuna all likely to return."

7 Jerry Owens

22 Scott Podsednik
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/12/06: "With his pesky style, Podsednik was a catalyst for the Sox' offense in 2005. He seemed to lose confidence at the plate and on the bases last season, and the Sox may have lost confidence in return. There still should be a market for an outfielder who stole 70 bases two years ago."
Chicago Tribune, 11/11/06: "But by keeping Podsednik, the Sox may have to pay him around $3 million as an arbitration-eligible player. Re-signing all seven arbitration-eligible players is an ominous task."
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "And that's where the Sox plan to make changes this offseason -- the top and bottom of the lineup, starting with Podsednik. If the speedy left fielder is in a Sox uniform come February, something went wrong in Williams' planning."
Chicago Tribune, 10/29/06: "...Podsednik could be non-tendered if he's not dealt before Dec. 12."

36 Ryan Sweeney
Chicago Tribune, 11/11/06: "Top prospects Ryan Sweeney and Josh Fields might be too valuable to include as part of any trade. Sweeney has a shot at becoming the Sox's Opening Day center fielder, and Fields could provide the Sox with the right-handed power off the bench they lacked in 2006."
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "If Williams really wants to get creative, he could go after Tampa Bay Devil Rays outfielder Carl Crawford. But that likely would require sending a wave of young talent to the Devil Rays. That wave would have to include prospects such as pitcher Lance Broadway, third baseman Josh Fields and outfielder Ryan Sweeney."

Louis Terrero [New signing]
Chicago Tribune, 11/3/06: "The White Sox hope to rehabilitate the troubled career of Luis Terrero, once a top prospect, after signing him to a one-year contract Friday. He has been released twice and suspended twice already, but the 26-year-old outfielder will go to spring training with the chance to be an extra outfielder, depending on whether the Sox re-sign Scott Podsednik and how quickly youngsters Brian Anderson, Ryan Sweeney and Jerry Owens improve...Once thought to be a five-tool player after signing out of the Dominican Republic, Terrero never has shown that ability and has been a problem instead. He was suspended for 29 games in 2004 at Triple-A Tucson for throwing a ball into the stands and striking a spectator following an on-field brawl. He also was suspended in the minors for kissing home plate after hitting a home run...During spring of 2005, Arizona outfielder Luis Gonzalez told the Arizona Republic that Terrero had 'all the skills in the world. He has made some mistakes with the suspensions and doing silly things like throwing balls into the stands, but I think he's learning how to listen.' "


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Names in the News
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Henry Blanco (C, Chicago Cubs)
Chicago Tribune, 11/18/06: "The Sox were interested in Cubs free agent Henry Blanco but weren't willing to give Blanco a second year at $2.8 million."

Roger Clemens (RHP)
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/12/06: "Though it is a long shot, the Sox also are expected to make a run at veteran Roger Clemens, who hasn't decided on retirement."
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/3/06: "Williams always has had a thing for Clemens, who is now a free agent. He would have to do the ultimate sales job to lure him to the South Side, however."

Carl Crawford (CF, Tampa Bay)
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "If Williams really wants to get creative, he could go after Tampa Bay Devil Rays outfielder Carl Crawford. But that likely would require sending a wave of young talent to the Devil Rays. That wave would have to include prospects such as pitcher Lance Broadway, third baseman Josh Fields and outfielder Ryan Sweeney."

Chone Figgins (OF/3B, Los Angeles-Anaheim)
MLB.com, 11/9/06: mentioned as a possible candidate to replace Scott Podsednik

Eric Gagne (RHP, Los Angeles)
MLB.com, 11/9/06: article mentions Gagne as someone who might possibly reach the Sox's radar

Alex Gonzalez (SS, free agent)
Chicago Tribune, 11/18/06: Ken Williams firmly denies rumor Sox are close to signing Gonzalez

Andruw Jones (OF, Atlanta)
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/17/06: "But Williams always likes to aim high, and sources say the Sox have strong interest in Atlanta Braves center fielder Andruw Jones, who might be willing to waive his no-trade protection to play for Ozzie Guillen. Jones will be a free agent next season, but his agent is Sox nemesis Scott Boras, so that could be a deal-breaker."

Nick Masset (RHP, Texas)
Chicago Tribune, 11/13/06: "The Sox reportedly have scouted the Texas system intensely and could be interested in 24-year-old right-hander Nick Masset. A converted starter, he is having a big winter as a closer for Mazatlan in the Mexican League."

Gary Matthews Jr. (CF, Texas)
Chicago Tribune, 11/13/06: "The Texas Rangers are exploring options to replace free-agent center fielder Gary Matthews Jr., who wanted more than $10 million a year to return, and are studying a possible pursuit of the White Sox's Brian Anderson."
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "Free agent Gary Matthews Jr. would be the perfect fit for the Sox in the leadoff spot, not only because of his .371 on-base percentage, but because of his defense in center field. The problem is that his career season with the Texas Rangers might have priced him out of the South Siders' range."
Chicago Tribune, 11/2/06: "But the Cubs and Sox are only two of several teams that are attractive to Matthews, 32, who batted .313 with a .371 on-base percentage, 44 doubles, six triples, 19 home runs and 102 runs in 2006...The Angels, who would rather sign free agents than trade for talent, also are expected to pursue Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez as well as Matthews, who could triple the $2.49 million he made in salary and incentives last season...The Rangers have exclusive negotiating rights to Matthews until Nov. 12—when general managers convene for their annual meetings in Naples, Fla."

Juan Pierre (CF, Chicago Cubs)
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/12/06: "Two free-agent center fielders -- Juan Pierre and Dave Roberts -- have expressed interest in the Sox. Neither is great defensively, but each could move to left field and do no worse than Podsednik."
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "Free-agent outfielder Juan Pierre is another possibility in the leadoff spot, but his 58 stolen bases with the Cubs masked the fact that he had a mediocre .330 on-base percentage -- the same as Podsednik."
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "Sox love his speed but not his inconsistency in getting on base. They won't overbid for him like other teams will."

Dave Roberts (CF, San Diego)
Chicago Tribune, 11/19/06: " It might take a three-year contract to land 34-year-old outfielder Dave Roberts, who is a consideration for both the White Sox and Cubs."
Chicago Tribune, 11/18/06: "Nor are the Sox hopeful of landing free-agent leadoff batter Dave Roberts."
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/12/06: "Two free-agent center fielders -- Juan Pierre and Dave Roberts -- have expressed interest in the Sox. Neither is great defensively, but each could move to left field and do no worse than Podsednik."
Chicago Tribune, 10/29/06: "With the nucleus intact, the pursuit of a leadoff batter will come under the most scrutiny after Scott Podsednik's disappointing season. The agent for Dave Roberts has described his client as a good fit for the Sox, and the Padres' free agent might not be as expensive as fellow free-agent leadoff batters Juan Pierre and Gary Matthews Jr. Roberts, 34, is dependable at the plate and can play center field as well as left."

Alex Rodriguez (3B, New York Yankees)
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "Either there is still interest there or the Sox love using his name as a smoke screen. We shall see."
Boston Herald, 10/29/06: "There is sincere interest in A-Rod from at least three clubs - the White Sox, Angels and Cubs - and the Yankees will be gauging all potential trades in the coming weeks."
Chicago Sun-Times, 10/24/06: " 'Every time you mention [Rodriguez's] name, it seems like our name also comes up,' Guillen said in a phone interview. 'This kid is one of the best in the game. I don't know the exact direction we're going at this point because we're not sure about the [Joe] Crede situation...' 'Obviously, [Williams] might shop for him,' Guillen said of A-Rod. 'If he's going to make this team better, we'll try and do it.' "

Aaron Rowand (OF, Philadelphia)
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/17/06: "Williams is looking for some offensive punch in his outfield. Sources say the Sox have inquired about the possibility of getting Aaron Rowand back from the Philadelphia Phillies. Rowand, who was dealt to Philly last offseason for slugger Jim Thome, might be available if the Phils land free agent Alfonso Soriano."
WSCR Radio, 11/10/06: Rowand mentioned as a possible target for the White Sox in a trade
Chicago Tribune, 11/5/06: "Aaron Rowand, the biggest part the Philadelphia Phillies got from the White Sox in the Jim Thome trade, is unsigned at the moment because he and the Phillies both declined mutual options for 2007 that he originally signed in Chicago. The belief is he still will be in Philadelphia next season, as he's now arbitration-eligible as a five-plus player. Rowand's option would have paid him $3.5 million if he picked it up; the Phillies would have had to pay him $5 million if they exercised their side of it...'He's going to be here," [Phillies GM Pat] Gillick said. "It's just that there's a difference of opinion of what his compensation should be.' "

Ervin Santana (RHP, Los Angeles-Anaheim) [Rumor shot down by Williams]
Chicago Tribune, 11/18/06: Ken Williams denies Freddy Garcia for Ervin Santana trade rumor reported 11/17/06 in the Sun-Times -- "I will say for the record it's absolutely untrue," Williams said. "And I'll answer that question because there has been so much speculated that is completely off-base. I don't want our fans fooled."

Justin Speier (RHP, Toronto)
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/3/06: "The right-hander was a top setup man for the Blue Jays in '06, but he might be a bit pricey for the Sox when all is said and done."

Omar Vizquel (SS, San Francisco)
WSCR Radio, 11/10/06: Vizquel mentioned as a possible trade target for the White Sox

Jamie Walker (LHP, Detroit) -- Acquired by Baltimore, 11/16/06

Dontrelle Willis (LHP, Florida)
Chicago Tribune, 11/13/06: "GMs say they receive mixed signals when they inquire about Florida left-hander Dontrelle Willis. His salary is expected to grow beyond $6 million and the Marlins are hoping to keep their payroll to $20 million. The Mets are among the teams watching that situation closely."
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/12/06: "Williams, who always has an eye open for more pitching, will be among the GMs inquiring about Florida Marlins left-hander Dontrelle Willis. Williams has plenty of young talent to entice the cost-conscious Marlins -- and wouldn't be blamed for dealing McCarthy, 23, for an All-Star such as Willis, 24."
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/3/06: "Marlins are financially strapped, and Willis is expected to get a big payday in arbitration. Guillen loves the left-hander's enthusiasm, and he would be the perfect replacement for Buehrle."

Michael Young (SS, Texas)
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/12/06: "Sources say the Sox covet Texas Rangers All-Star shortstop Michael Young, who might be had in return for the kind of proven pitching talent the Sox are shopping."
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/5/06: "Rangers shortstop Michael Young, who has one year left on his contract, is someone the Sox are enamored with. Guillen has said on several occasions that Young is one of his favorite players, and trading for him would give the Sox the perfect No. 2 hitter, allowing Tadahito Iguchi to be moved to the bottom half of the order. The Sox think he'll be more effective there."

Barry Zito (LHP, Oakland)
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/3/06: "If the Sox trade two starters, that could free up enough money to join the Zito sweepstakes."


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White Sox Notes
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Early November Status
MLB.com, 11/3/06: "With the Terrero move, the White Sox 40-man roster is at 35. The team's organizational meetings begin Saturday in Arizona, with a focus on improving the bullpen, setting the starting rotation from the six quality pitchers they possess and deciding what to do with Scott Podsednik and the leadoff position in the lineup."

Starting Pitching -- Rumors and Rumblings
Chicago Tribune, 11/18/06: "With starters Javier Vazquez, Mark Buehrle and Garcia attracting the most interest in talks, Williams did acknowledge a scenario existed where the Sox could trade one starter for a young pitching prospect, sign one to an extension and let one leave via free agency for a compensation draft pick."
MLB.com, 10/30/06: "Garland and McCarthy have the highest trade value, but Buehrle, Garcia and Vazquez all have just one year left on their respective contracts. If Buehrle is not moved, Cooper believes the rotation's lone southpaw could return to ace status."

2007 Payroll
Chicago Tribune, 10/29/06: "The Sox will have earmarked about $99 million to 12 players for 2007...Williams wouldn't divulge whether the payroll would go up, but these appear to be lucrative times for the Sox after the latest collective-bargaining agreement and the transformation of the press box into club seats that could bring in an additional $5 million."

Beyond 2007
Chicago Tribune, 11/18/06: "Williams remains determined to retool the Sox pitching staff with high-level prospects and added that Carlos Vasquez played just as important a role as Aardsma in the Cotts' trade. He added any young pitcher who could be acquired could switch from reliever to starter down the road and compete with Charlie Haeger and 2005 first-round pick Lance Broadway for a spot in the rotation."
Chicago Tribune, 10/30/06: "Sluggers Paul Konerko and Jim Thome, pitchers Jose Contreras and Jon Garland and catcher A.J. Pierzynski are the only Sox players with guaranteed contracts beyond 2007."

White Sox Evaluating Options for Possible New Spring Training Home
Tucon Citizen, 11/16/06: "The Pima County Supervisors have sent a letter to state Senate President Tim Bee (R-Tucson), asking for his help in preventing the switch of the White Sox to a spring facility proposed in Glendale...Glendale's City Council approved a memorandum of understanding with the White Sox and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday, allowing Glendale to apply to the Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority for financial help in paying for a shared $80 million complex, perhaps across the street from the new $455 million Arizona Cardinals stadium...Supervisors are asking Bee to sponsor legislation preventing one Arizona city from grabbing a major league spring-training tenant from another city. The board, in its letter, said the state Legislature corrected original Sports Authority legislation to avoid one jurisdiction from using public tax dollars to coax a ball team to switch cities. The letter was signed by Richard Elías, chairman of the board; Ramon Valadez, vice chairman; Ann Day, Sharon Bronson and Ray Carroll."
Arizona Daily Star, 11/14/06: "Pima County administrator Chuck Huckelberry said White Sox chairman and Paradise Valley resident Jerry Reinsdorf called him Friday to say the Sox are considering an option to relocate to a new publicly financed stadium in Glendale...Rumors about the move have circulated for more than a year as Glendale expanded its sports facilities. However, until this week, Pima County officials had not said the White Sox ever confirmed they were considering a move. The White Sox have a contract with Pima County to stay at their Tucson Electric Park facility, which they share with the Arizona Diamondbacks, through 2013. Huckelberry said the earliest the White Sox would leave is 2009 and 'that's only if a replacement team is in place and has been approved by the county.' "
Chicago Sun-Times, 11/15/06: "The Glendale city council will meet today to approve a memo of understanding with the teams. A city spokeswoman told the Associated Press the shared facility could be ready by 2008; however, the Sox are committed to the Tucson site until 2012 and can leave only if they find a team to take their spot."

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AL Central News and Notes
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Cleveland
MLB.com, 11/8/06: Cleveland Indians acquire second baseman Josh Barfield from San Diego -- "Barfield, a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate in the National League this season, gives the Indians some much-needed speed and fills the gap at a position that lacked an everyday presence since the July 30 trade of Ronnie Belliard to the Cardinals."

Detroit
AP, 11/10/06: Yankees trade Gary Sheffield to the Tigers for pitching prospects Anthony Claggett, Humberto Sanchez and Kevin Whelan

Minnesota
AP, 11/3/06: Minnesota Twins' Francisco Liriano to undergo elbow surgery, will most likely miss 2007 season


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League Notes
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5-Year Labor Agreement Reached
AP, 11/3/06: "The highlights of the new agreement include a continued competitive balance tax structure that was implemented in 2002; continued revenue sharing and provisions requiring revenue sharing recipients to spend to improve on-field performance; an increase in the minimum salary; and modifications to the amateur draft...The drug program put in place last November will continue throughout the term, home-field advantage in the World Series will continue to go to the league that wins the All-Star Game, and there will be no contraction during the course of the agreement...Regarding the draft, clubs that fail to sign first- or second-round picks will receive the same selection in the subsequent draft as compensation. This will allow small-market teams the ability to go after the better players instead of settling for players who will accept the bonus money being offered."

A's Close to Moving to Fremont, CA
AP, 11/9/06: "The Oakland Athletics have reached a deal with Cisco Systems Inc. to build a ballpark in southern Fremont, according to city officials who met with the team's owner. The agreement would create a 32,000- to 35,000-seat ballpark to be named Cisco Field on a 143-acre parcel held by the company. If the plan is approved by the city, the A's could begin playing there as soon as 2011."


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