Who will be managing the White Sox next season? We tossed that question at a baseball source who is tight with team chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, and got this succinct reply: “Ozzie Guillen.”
The same source also said, with zero equivocation, that if the Marlins think they can wait this out and then scoop Guillen off the unemployment line this winter, they’d better re-think. Unless the folks in Florida want to trade a big-time player to the South Side, the source said, the White Sox won’t make any move to resolve Guillen’s future until after the Marlins have hired a manager.
Seems like the Sox want to make others think Guillen isn’t going anywhere so they have more leverage in any negotiations that take place. I’m not confident it will work. There is also this nugget:
White Sox officials have been telling people in the game they need to cut payroll next year after going over budget this season. And they also have five starters under contract for next year, even without Buehrle.
So an executive of one team who spoke with the White Sox brass says the only way he sees them making room for Buehrle is if he’s willing to “be creative” about his next contract. AND the club would have to be able to trade one of its current starters — most likely Gavin Floyd. Can all that happen? Of course. But it’s still a lot of hoops for Buehrle and his team to jump through.
I think Buehrle will be “creative.” Maybe a 2-3 year offer would be enough. Sign him Jerry!
Other White Sox links:
- James recaps last week’s and yesterday’s game.
- Chuck Garfien writes about what’s going on with Joe Crede.
- Jon Paul Morosi has an article on Paul Konerko.
- BTW, B-R’s blog notes the Sox are 14-2 when Paul Konerko draws an intentional walk.
- The Sox added 3 pitching prospects to the AFL’s Mesa Solar Sox: Nevin Griffith, Jacob Petricka and Brandon Kloess.
