Hawk Harrelson on Johnny Damon: he’s a winner

Merkin:

“Johnny Damon would be a good fit anywhere. He’s that kind of player,” Harrelson said. “I watched him his whole high school and professional career, starting in Kansas City [from 1995-2000], and he’s a winner.

“He is a contributor. He’s great in the clubhouse. We have some pretty good players here already, but Johnny is a guy who can make a difference.” …

Jockfest 2010 [UPDATE #5]

Gonzales:

Pitcher Jake Peavy is organizing the “Jockfest 2010″ music jamfest with teammate Scott Linebrink and several other baseball players at the Old Venue in Scottsdale, Ariz., on March 11. The event will raise money for various charities. Peavy and Linebrink play guitars. The concert is limited to 1,500 people, and tickets can be purchased at Woodjock.com.

UPDATE: Merkin:

Joining Peavy and Linebrink as part of the night’s entertainment will be Bernie Williams, an extremely accomplished guitar player and former Yankees stalwart. Bronson Arroyo, Barry Zito, Tim Flannery, MLB.com columnist Peter Gammons, Aubrey Huff and umpire Joe West complete this eclectic list.

UPDATE #2: Gonzales:

Meanwhile, there have been additions made to Jake Peavy’s WoodJock concert scheduled for March 11 in Scottsdale. Keni Thomas, a country singer and former U.S. Army soldier who was part of the Black Hawk Down operation in Somalia, will perform. Thomas sang the national anthem before Game 1 of the 2009 World Series. MyContent.com will be streaming the show live.

UPDATE #3: Gonzales:

Also, Omar Vizquel is tentatively scheduled to join Jake Peavy’s Woodjock charity event March 11 in Scottsdale. Vizquel said he was in the process of selecting a song to sing.

UPDATE #4: Reifert:

Scheduled to participate along with Jake are Barry Zito, Bernie Williams, Bronson Arroyo, Ben Broussard, Tim Flannery, Scott Linebrink, Aubrey Huff, Brandon Medders and Peter Gammons.  Others are expected to join the showlist over the next week.

UPDATE #5: Gonzales:

Beckham is the latest major league player to agree to participate in Jake Peavy’s Woodjock 2010, a charity event scheduled for March 11 at The Venue in Scottsdale. Beckham will join Sox teammates Scott Linebrink, Omar Vizquel and Peavy, as well as current and former major league players Barry Zito, Bernie Williams, Bronson Arroyo, Aubrey Huff, Brandon Medders and Ben Broussard. The players will perform a mix of tunes ranging from country, rock, jazz, blues, bluegrass, classical and Latin.

Sox increase their offer to Johnny Damon, move closer to a deal

Cowley:

What is known, however, is the Sox feel they have gone from long shot to frontrunner the last 24 hours in the Damon sweepstakes, not only because of the golf outing Pierzynski and Damon went on, but because the organization has upped their original offer, moving closer to the money the Tigers have put out there.

“I would be surprised if he didn’t sign with us,’’ one member of the club said. …

Gonzales sounds optimistic too.

Rosenthal says:

The White Sox’s one-year offer to Damon includes heavy deferrals and has a present-day value in the $4.5 million range, according to major-league sources. … neither Damon, nor his wife, Michelle, want any part of Detroit, multiple sources say.

About the rumors Mrs. Damon doesn’t want to go to Detroit, here’s Heyman:

Responding to the suggestion that Michelle might try to convince him to go to Chicago rather than Detroit, Damon said via text message, “But it’s up to me. She’s going wherever I go.”

Damon sounds a little like a jerk here. She’s his wife, not his dog. I hope he didn’t meant that.

BTW, here are pictures of Mrs. Damon. And her portfolio at SI.

Sox begin “It’s Black and White” marketing campaign (video)

Here’s the first spot (31 seconds):

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=7169203

and the 15 second version

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=7169205

BTW, here’s Jim’s alternate version (31 seconds).

Sox significantly close the gap with Detroit for Johnny Damon

Cowley:

The Johnny Damon talks haven’t just picked up, but now the White Sox front office is feeling like they may have “significantly” closed the gap between themselves and Detroit for the free agent’s services.

That was the word from several sources on Wednesday afternoon … If the Sox do land Damon the plan is to primarily use him as their DH, giving him some reps in the outfield.

UPDATE: The Detroit News: Tigers don’t like being used in Johnny Damon sweepstakes.

Sox 2010 draft preview

Seiler:

Doug Laumann doesn’t get enough credit. I’ve argued this several times, but it seems that White Sox fans just can’t stand the sight of a Doug Laumann mention. I find this a bit strange. He’s produced plenty of Major Talent from his drafts, and he’s also produced a large number of players that were used in trades by General Manager Ken Williams to get better pieces at the Major League level. That’s what a scouting director is supposed to do. He’s not responsible for the player development side of things. He’s responsible for bringing in the talent, then the general manager and player development team decides where to go from there. …

Laumann indicated the Sox will probably focus on pitching in the draft and will add resources in their Latin America operations.

Jerry Reinsdorf gets involved in Johnny Damon talks

Heyman @ SI:

chisox owner jerry reinsdorf recently got involved in johnny damon talks. looks like AL central battle vs. tigers

and Henning @ The Detroit News

The Tigers and Johnny Damon appear to be moving, at less than full speed, toward a deal.

Meanwhile Gonzales writes about a possible thaw in the Sox-Boras relationship. Thanks to MLBTR for the links.

UPDATE: Gregor writes “the Braves are still in the mix, and they’re expected to offer a better deal.”