Alexei Ramirez expected to opt-out of his current contract

Merkin @ BOG:

[Alexei] Ramirez also has a contractual decision to make. The White Sox shortstop can opt out of the $1.1 million he is set to earn in 2011, marking the final year of a four-year, $4.75 million deal, and become arbitration eligible. If Ramirez makes that move, as he is expected to do, the White Sox have the choice between exercising a $2.75 million club option or going through the arbitration process. The White Sox would be expected to exercise the option. Ramirez has until Dec. 1 to opt out. The White Sox then have until Dec. 15 to make their decision. …

Don Cooper on Chris Sale’s career path

Coop says better pick one destination for 2011 and stick to it:

Pitching coach Don Cooper certainly wants [Chris] Sale working at the big league level, after watching him dominate to the tune of a 1.93 ERA and four saves over 21 games. But Cooper doesn’t know if the plan for Sale to serve as an April fill-in and then once again provide relief best fits his development.

“I would have to hear the reasons to start this guy for a month,” said Cooper of Sale. “I don’t think a kid like this needs to be bounced around. I like him in the bullpen for the 2011 season.

“In my mind, Sale and [Matt] Thornton are two really good lefties I would like to have in the bullpen. I do seem him as a starter long range. I’m just not so sure that range is in April.” …

Finding out Paul Konerko’s destination

Padilla @ ESPN:

… [Paul] Konerko‘s options appear to be down to three teams: The White Sox, Rangers and a surprise team to make the cut, the Rays.

And maybe the Giants might be willing to consider Konerko, although Aubrey Huff would return at a much more affordable price. Konerko would probably be up for it. The Giants do have spring training in Scottsdale, where Konerko lives. …

Conan starts tonight (10 pm CT, repeat: 12 am CT)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOCTEUwHKFo (3:00)
same video on tbs

more on teamcoco.com or youtube.com/teamcoco

Carlos Torres goes to Tokyo

NPB Tracker (h/t MLBTR):

[Tokyo's] Yomiuri [Giants] to acquire White Sox farmhand Carlos Torres

UPDATE: MDN:

TOKYO (Kyodo) — The Yomiuri Giants are expected to sign former Chicago White Sox right-hander Carlos Torres, Kyodo News learned Monday. 

AFL Game #23: Peoria Saguaros @ Surprise Rafters [UPDATE]

Boxscore. Gameday. Weather: 75 degrees, overcast. Jared Mitchell starts at LF, Eduardo Escobar at SS and Johnny Lowe is the starting pitcher for the Saguaros.

UPDATE: No hits for the Sox prospects:

Peoria Saguaros
Player	Pos	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	AVG
Escobar	SS	3	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	.362
Mitchell	LF	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	.175
a- Wrigley	PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	.206

a-Struck out for Mitchell in the 9th.

FIELDING
DP: (Negron-Escobar-Parmelee).

Peoria Saguaros
Player	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Lowe	3.1	8	5	5	2	3	1	15.15
Mabee	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	7.71

Pitches-strikes: Lowe 73-44, Mabee 12-7.
Groundouts-flyouts: Lowe 5-2, Mabee 2-0.
Batters faced: Lowe 20, Mabee 3.

Most Important Sox, 2011 and beyond edition (#21-30)

Ballantini @ CSN:

As the coals in the hot stove are just beginning to get stoked up, it’s time to rank the current Chicago White Sox, in order of importance for 2011 and beyond. It’s not intended to be a strict list of merely the best players, or best values, on the White Sox. Rather, it takes into account team depth, the free agent market, or answering the question of which player would hurt the most not being on the team? …

… 30. Eduardo Escobar, SS

One great AFL season does not make a prospect. But given that Escobar has lit up a fall season that earns more than its fair share of attention from major-league eyes, Escobar becomes an important trade chip this winter. Perhaps the inclusion of the shortstop in a Carlos Quentin-Colby Rasmus deal with St. Louis gets that trade done.