By Mark Gonzales
INDIANAPOLIS - The White Sox said they're committed to Mark Teahen at third base for the next three seasons after giving him a $14 million contract.
Their appreciation goes even further, since Teahen's contract was backloaded so that could add another player or two to a roster that already has earmarked $79.625 million for 15 players for 2010.
INDIANAPOLIS - The White Sox said they're committed to Mark Teahen at third base for the next three seasons after giving him a $14 million contract.
Their appreciation goes even further, since Teahen's contract was backloaded so that could add another player or two to a roster that already has earmarked $79.625 million for 15 players for 2010.
"What it does is provide us with a little cost certainty," general
manager Ken Williams said in response to the length of the contract for
Teahen, who was arbitration eligible. "And it makes it easier to make
decisions when you know what's in place from year to year.
"Additionally, it gives the organization flexibility should we want to pursue other avenues with player personnel moves. We know what we got. We don't have to worry about an overinflated arbitration case price at all. And in some cases, like this particular case, it actually created a little room for us to maybe do another thing for this year's club."
That could be adding a left-handed hitter, such as Hideki Matsui, if Matsui can show he can play the outfield to manager Ozzie Guillen's liking.
But the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim also are interested in Matsui, according to published reports.
If the Sox believe a leadoff hitter is more suitable to their needs, free agent Coco Crisp could fit the bill.
Crisp reciprocated the interest his agent said the Sox expressed two weeks ago. Crisp is a notorious Sox killer. He also provides speed and the ability to play center that could aid the Sox.
"I've enjoyed playing against them all those years," Crisp said in a telephone interview. "I enjoy the park (U.S. Cellular) and the city and have a lot of family come out to see me. We're in a wait-and-see process right now. We'll have to see what teams bring to the table."
Crisp played in only 49 games with Kansas City last season because of an ailing right shoulder that required surgery. But Crisp said he is recovering on schedule and should be ready for spring training.
"There are a lot of whispers and rumors right now," said Crisp, who said he was open to a one-year or multi-year deal. "But I'm fine and looking forward to seeing what happens."
"Additionally, it gives the organization flexibility should we want to pursue other avenues with player personnel moves. We know what we got. We don't have to worry about an overinflated arbitration case price at all. And in some cases, like this particular case, it actually created a little room for us to maybe do another thing for this year's club."
That could be adding a left-handed hitter, such as Hideki Matsui, if Matsui can show he can play the outfield to manager Ozzie Guillen's liking.
But the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim also are interested in Matsui, according to published reports.
If the Sox believe a leadoff hitter is more suitable to their needs, free agent Coco Crisp could fit the bill.
Crisp reciprocated the interest his agent said the Sox expressed two weeks ago. Crisp is a notorious Sox killer. He also provides speed and the ability to play center that could aid the Sox.
"I've enjoyed playing against them all those years," Crisp said in a telephone interview. "I enjoy the park (U.S. Cellular) and the city and have a lot of family come out to see me. We're in a wait-and-see process right now. We'll have to see what teams bring to the table."
Crisp played in only 49 games with Kansas City last season because of an ailing right shoulder that required surgery. But Crisp said he is recovering on schedule and should be ready for spring training.
"There are a lot of whispers and rumors right now," said Crisp, who said he was open to a one-year or multi-year deal. "But I'm fine and looking forward to seeing what happens."
Get our updates on 
Merely want to say your article is astounding. The lucidity in your post is simply spectacular and i can take for granted you are an expert on this field. Well with your permission allow me to grab your rss feed to keep up to date with future post. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work.