October 30, 2006
Getting Some Exercise
The Chicago White Sox exercised their options on three players today:
Mark Buehrle, Jermaine Dye and Tadahito Iguchi all were instrumental in helping the Chicago White Sox win the World Series in 2005. Nearly 12 months later, the White Sox decided to retain their services.
It's clear to see why. With Buehrle making $9.5 million, Dye $6.75 million and Iguchi $3.25 million, all of them are a steal. Dye's especially interesting. He'll be 33 in 2007, and the White Sox essentially get him for a second walk year. That will give him plenty of incentive to perform well again. At the same time, Chicago avoids a longer term commitment at an age where a decline in production is more likely than not.
Given the price #2 starters commanded in recent years, Buehrle is probably worth $15 million on the open market. And Iguchi's good OBA with some pop at second base would likely put him close to seven figures on the open market. The White Sox are getting a lot of value for not a lot of money.
$15 million for Buehrle? No sir. $15 million is Zito to the Yankees or Mets money, not Mark Buehrle on the open market.
Charley Steiner just interviewed Paul White of USA Today Sports Weekly, and both agreed Buehrle was likely
picked up to trade. Steiner mentioned Buehrle grew up a
Cardinals fan and would no doubt love to go there.
