chisox2334

What did you expect kenny say about his team every offseason going into spring training? You think hes going literally tell you that this team has no chance and should tell Konerko, Buerhle, Thome, Dye, Vasquez, and AJ dont bother showing up and stay home. Kenny has tried this offseason get players he wanted but came up short... s*** happeneds..... When you look back at 2005 everyone going into season looked alot brighter what has happened last 2 years... I look main difference now Kenny said back then " Were looking win championship" to now " were looking to contend" Kenny depleted the farm systems by trading for players twice like Carl Everett, Roberto Alomar, and Sandy Alomar. Kenny relationship with Boras means jack crap. Hahn talks to boras instead of Kenny complaining how he got screwed over Arod in 2000. Also, go look at the fact that Reinsdorf is man writting the checks and handing out the money. The same guy told Micheal Jordan when he signed him 30 mil dollar deal that he was going to regret it. The whole media thing is Kenny seeing all publish reports around here telling him how much he failed to deliver to w sox fans. Also, defends the call dye made and saying how he was pisst off at Kenny Willams. No offense the big part I see w sox not contending now bc we dont have a centerfielder or left fielder... But only having two starters you can really count on. I remember way back ozzie said I only ask you get me 5 horses. How quickly that has changed and now worried about the offense that struggled. Kenny looks like a man with his head cut off trying to fix one thing when theirs many other holes. How many you think danks and floyd will last whole season in rotation? Do you really expect the bullpen be so much better with getting limebrink? Kenny tries help this city go back to winner. Thing is he dosent have the money and Reinsdorf refuses to give more money to free agents. It always ends up the trade route rather free agency.. So whose fault is it that w sox have so many holes? Kenny? Reinsdorf? Ozzie? you make the call but remember Kenny can only do so much with so littler power of checkbook.

theirs kenny press confrence call on main page of mlb.com

white sox have make decision whether they want a number 5 or 6 hitter in center or get at top of the lineup. Number of names you can say with number 5 hitter to trade for or sign free agency Rowand, Jones, Burrell, etc. or get a leadoff hitter which the w sox need Patterson, Crisp, Taveras, Crawford,... or just keep owens sign cheap left fielder and sign 2 starting ptichers to rotation which looks bad in backend.

Cowely sources have been wrong last yr. Going through the whole buerhle about to sign to buerhle souces saying it was dead. I love the part where says trade crede to rockies for taveras when atkins is in colordao

Sox swing and miss, but game's not over Still searching after failing to nab Hunter By Dave van Dyck Tribune staff reporter November 23, 2007, 9:28 PM CST As the White Sox try to rebuild a championship contender, this is where they are two months into a significant off-season: The one free agent they wanted most has spurned them, leaving them with no clear starting center fielder or left fielder. They have two highly paid starting shortstops, two starting third basemen and an untested second baseman. Oh, and a battered and bruised bullpen. All this leaves the impression it's a rather messy period for the 2005 World Series champions. "Messy period?" general manager Ken Williams asked testily. "People can say what they want. We have a plan, and there will be 25 guys on the field come April 1 ready to compete for a championship." Having lost out on Gold Glove center fielder Torii Hunter on Thanksgiving eve, Williams was back at work Friday in search of at least one big-time outfielder. He said losing Hunter was a disappointment but not a disaster because, as always, he has contingency plans. "We have a Plan 1 and 1A and 1B and then there is Plan B," Williams said in a telephone interview. So where is he now? "Plan 1B," he replied. Does that include getting two outfielders or one? "If we get the right guy, just one," Williams said. Presumably that would be ex-Sox fan favorite Aaron Rowand, who won't cost as much as Hunter but for good reason. He isn't nearly as dominating as Hunter could be. Also available as free agents are Mike Cameron, who will start the 2008 season as a 35-year-old serving a suspension after a positive drug test, and Andruw Jones, who has Scott Boras as an agent and is coming off a miserable season. Rowand seems to be the upcoming Plan 1B, and even Williams said the outfield help should come from free agency. "The one thing I've learned is that when stuff comes out about our interest in players like Hunter … you pay as much attention to others because there is no guarantee you'll get him or anyone else," he said. Rowand's agent, Craig Landis, did not return a telephone call Friday. Williams admitted he was surprised when the Angels came storming in Tuesday and had signed Hunter by Wednesday. He was not asked to match the offer of $90 million over five years and would not have done it anyhow "because we could not have put a [competitive] team together" with the roster money left. Before this winter is over, Williams not only will have to fill outfield spots but do something about his overcrowded left side of the infield. Most likely, Joe Crede or Josh Fields will have to be traded to open up third. Same with newcomer Orlando Cabrera and holdover Juan Uribe at shortstop. "Orlando Cabrera is going to play shortstop," Williams said. "As far as how the rest will play out, I don't know yet. I do know they are all good ones." None of the four is expected to play second base, where Danny Richar will go into spring training as the starter despite a .230 average, .289 on-base percentage and one stolen base in 56 games. "But he has to come to [camp] and prove he can do it," Williams said. "We have other options. Pablo Ozuna is coming back [from injury], and he'll be looking for more playing time." As for the bullpen, it appears the Sox will make the signing of Scott Linebrink official Monday after he passes a physical. Reports have the former Brewers and Padres reliever signing for $19 million over four years, also costing the Sox two draft picks next \summer. While not commenting on Linebrink, Williams did say that "we're really right on track to get the guy we targeted from Day 1 of [the off-season] and the year before." [email protected]

There was very little for Ken Williams to be thankful for on Thursday morning, as a member of the White Sox organization described the mood concerning the news of Torii Hunter signing with the Angels as "complete shock — not only for Kenny, but all of us.'' A source in the organization told the Sun-Times on Monday that "the climate'' was there for a deal to be announced soon unless another team was to come in at the last second and blow Hunter away with an offer. » Click to enlarge image Torii Hunter [AP] The Angels did, and did so to the tune of five years and a reported $90 million. The Sox weren't the only ones wide-eyed with the news. "These guys shocked me,'' Hunter told reporters of the deal. "We shocked the world. Now I'm an Angel.'' Not that Hunter hasn't become accustomed to breaking Sox hearts. As a member of the Minnesota Twins for nine full seasons, he often made highlight reels stealing home runs or bowling over defenseless catchers when playing the South Siders. That "grinder'' mentality was one of the reasons Williams was in heavy pursuit of the All-Star. "What's to say?'' Williams said in a text on Thursday morning. "All along the way, though, I've never stopped exploring other options, so there's still an opportunity to further strengthen the club.'' And with the Hunter now off the board and the Sox clearing almost $10 million off their payroll by trading Jon Garland and designating Scott Podsednik for assignment, Williams isn't wasting any time moving on. Free agent reliever Scott Linebrink is expected to sign a four-year, $19 million deal if he passes his physical scheduled for either today or Monday. The 31-year-old right-hander posted a 3.71 ERA over 71 games in total for the Padres and Brewers in 2007. During an eight-year career covering 384 games, Linebrink has a 30-16 record with a 3.21 ERA and 378 strikeouts in 442 2/3 innings. He would instantly step in as the Sox set-up man, a role that Mike MacDougal was expected to do in 2007 before he failed miserably. But unless Linebrink can also play center field that still leaves the Sox with a big hole to fill. Common sense would say that the Sox would now turn their attention back to free agent - and former Sox cult hero - Aaron Rowand, but the club is staying mum on what Plan B is for center field. The Sox did discuss trying to reacquire Rowand from Philadelphia last spring training, after they originally traded him to the Phillies for Jim Thome following the 2005 World Series run. Rowand has said on several occasions that Williams had hinted to him that he would have a chance to return to the South Side, and there is a fit, considering Rowand would give the Sox some serious defense in center field, as well as some pop in the lineup, coming off a career year in which he hit .309 with 27 homers and 89 RBI. Williams, however, likes to follow the path less traveled, and in his "under the radar'' mentality, he could be trying to work a deal for Boston's Coco Crisp, who seems to be the odd-man out in the Red Sox outfield. Crisp is a notorious Sox killer, as well as a speed guy for the top of the lineup with an outstanding glove. He is under contract for $4.75 million in 2008 and $5.75 million in '09, with an $8 million team option for 2010.

Sources: Hunter could be on Sox within a week November 19, 2007 By Joe Cowley Ken Williams has learned to accept fans and media often tossing him into what he refers to as “The Idiot of the Day Club.’’ But the trade of Jon Garland to the Angels on Monday afternoon for shortstop Orlando Cabrera was “Phase 2’’ of the offseason facelift only because the club is feeling all but certain that “Phase 1’’ was accomplished over the weekend. » Click to enlarge image Minnesota Twins' free-agent center fielder Torii Hunter may be on his way to the White Sox within a week. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) AP RELATED STORIES • Sox trade Garland for Gold Glove SS Cabrera • Full Court Press: Your thoughts on trade, Hunter • Orlando Cabrera's profile, stats from mlb.com • What they're saying about the trade: L.A. Times Sources both in the Sox organization and the camp of free-agent outfielder Torii Hunter have told the Sun-Times that the two sides could be signing a contract within the week. In other words, while it appeared Williams was playing checkers in the Garland for Cabrera deal, he was actually playing chess, staying moves ahead of the game. According to one source, Hunter had met with the Sox twice in the last two weeks, getting the financial details of what was being offered in that second meeting. While an agreement had not been reached as of Monday afternoon, the source said that “the climate’’ was there for a deal to be announced soon, unless another team comes in at the last second and blows Hunter away with an offer. Enough so that Williams cleared the way for the Hunter acquisition by trading away Garland and his $12 million contract for the ’08 season. With Cabrera at shortstop and Hunter in center field, not only would the Sox add two Gold Glovers to the mix, but now have the hole in the No. 2 spot of the lineup filled with Cabrera, while Hunter would offer protection for the “big three’’ of Jim Thome, Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye in the batting order. “The main focus of the organizational meetings was getting back to the formula in 2005 – pitching and defense,’’ the source said. While losing Garland is a hit for the pitching part of the formula, privately some in the organization felt that Garland had reached his ceiling in 2005 and ’06, winning 18 games in both years, and with the right-hander hitting the free agent market after ’08, he would price himself out of what the Sox felt was a comfortable range. Garland himself knew the writing was on the wall, telling the Sun-Times back in September, “If I had to guess right now, I would say that I’m more likely to get traded than to sign back, only because looking around this clubhouse and depending on which way they want to go with the team – whether Kenny wants to go young or build a winner here – at least on the starting staff, I bring the most attention.’’ That doesn’t mean that the starting rotation isn’t taking a hit, however. After the proven arms of Mark Buehrle, Javier Vazquez and Jose Contreras, the Sox will rely on John Danks to step up after an inconsistent rookie campaign, while the enigmatic Gavin Floyd will get the first shot to fill the vacancy left by Garland. Pitching coach Don Cooper made it a point to say that he backed whatever moves Williams felt would make the team better, but also realized that the pressure now grows for all five starters – no matter who they are come April 1. “With Buehrle, Contreras, and Vazquez, I mean we need 15 wins each from them and there is no room for error for them,’’ Cooper said. “John Danks, his grace period, learning curve, just got quicker. And then with Gavin, if it is Gavin, we need him to pick it up where he left off in September. “Again, we know we have to do a better job with the bullpen and that will be addressed. My only concern is the players we have here. The job is to get into the playoffs and win a World Championship. Right now, we lose Jon garland, that means someone else is going to have to step up.’’ The next step for Williams if he does land Hunter this week, is adding a proven leadoff hitter/left fielder, which could be accomplished in shipping third baseman Joe Crede out in a trade. The bullpen will then be the focus for the remainder of the offseason. “Kenny wants to get back into the playoffs and feels this trade will help,’’ Cooper added. “I back it. There’s a track record here. I mean he’s already orchestrated one championship team here.’’

Sources: Hunter could be on Sox within a week November 19, 2007 By Joe Cowley Ken Williams has learned to accept fans and media often tossing him into what he refers to as “The Idiot of the Day Club.’’ But the trade of Jon Garland to the Angels on Monday afternoon for shortstop Orlando Cabrera was “Phase 2’’ of the offseason facelift only because the club is feeling all but certain that “Phase 1’’ was accomplished over the weekend. » Click to enlarge image Minnesota Twins' free-agent center fielder Torii Hunter may be on his way to the White Sox within a week. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green) AP RELATED STORIES • Sox trade Garland for Gold Glove SS Cabrera • Full Court Press: Your thoughts on trade, Hunter • Orlando Cabrera's profile, stats from mlb.com • What they're saying about the trade: L.A. Times Sources both in the Sox organization and the camp of free-agent outfielder Torii Hunter have told the Sun-Times that the two sides could be signing a contract within the week. In other words, while it appeared Williams was playing checkers in the Garland for Cabrera deal, he was actually playing chess, staying moves ahead of the game. According to one source, Hunter had met with the Sox twice in the last two weeks, getting the financial details of what was being offered in that second meeting. While an agreement had not been reached as of Monday afternoon, the source said that “the climate’’ was there for a deal to be announced soon, unless another team comes in at the last second and blows Hunter away with an offer. Enough so that Williams cleared the way for the Hunter acquisition by trading away Garland and his $12 million contract for the ’08 season. With Cabrera at shortstop and Hunter in center field, not only would the Sox add two Gold Glovers to the mix, but now have the hole in the No. 2 spot of the lineup filled with Cabrera, while Hunter would offer protection for the “big three’’ of Jim Thome, Paul Konerko and Jermaine Dye in the batting order. “The main focus of the organizational meetings was getting back to the formula in 2005 – pitching and defense,’’ the source said. While losing Garland is a hit for the pitching part of the formula, privately some in the organization felt that Garland had reached his ceiling in 2005 and ’06, winning 18 games in both years, and with the right-hander hitting the free agent market after ’08, he would price himself out of what the Sox felt was a comfortable range. Garland himself knew the writing was on the wall, telling the Sun-Times back in September, “If I had to guess right now, I would say that I’m more likely to get traded than to sign back, only because looking around this clubhouse and depending on which way they want to go with the team – whether Kenny wants to go young or build a winner here – at least on the starting staff, I bring the most attention.’’ That doesn’t mean that the starting rotation isn’t taking a hit, however. After the proven arms of Mark Buehrle, Javier Vazquez and Jose Contreras, the Sox will rely on John Danks to step up after an inconsistent rookie campaign, while the enigmatic Gavin Floyd will get the first shot to fill the vacancy left by Garland. Pitching coach Don Cooper made it a point to say that he backed whatever moves Williams felt would make the team better, but also realized that the pressure now grows for all five starters – no matter who they are come April 1. “With Buehrle, Contreras, and Vazquez, I mean we need 15 wins each from them and there is no room for error for them,’’ Cooper said. “John Danks, his grace period, learning curve, just got quicker. And then with Gavin, if it is Gavin, we need him to pick it up where he left off in September. “Again, we know we have to do a better job with the bullpen and that will be addressed. My only concern is the players we have here. The job is to get into the playoffs and win a World Championship. Right now, we lose Jon garland, that means someone else is going to have to step up.’’ The next step for Williams if he does land Hunter this week, is adding a proven leadoff hitter/left fielder, which could be accomplished in shipping third baseman Joe Crede out in a trade. The bullpen will then be the focus for the remainder of the offseason. “Kenny wants to get back into the playoffs and feels this trade will help,’’ Cooper added. “I back it. There’s a track record here. I mean he’s already orchestrated one championship team here.’’

go look at main page whitesox.com where show white sox trade garland and look in lower portion shows confrence call click on.

juan uribe will be gone by spring

kenny confrence call on whitesox.com site

CHICAGO -- For the past two or three years, Jon Garland has been the focus of Hot Stove trade rumors where the White Sox are concerned. In fact, the rumor mill had the right-hander all but traded to Houston during the final day of the 2007 Winter Meetings in Orlando. But when the ensuing season began, there was Garland, back on the mound for the White Sox, serving as a fixture within the team's deep starting rotation. On Monday, those rumors finally became reality. Garland, 28, was shipped to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for shortstop Orlando Cabrera and cash considerations. The addition of Cabrera provides the upgrade up the middle sought by the White Sox, with Cabrera recently capturing his second Gold Glove and driving in 86 runs while topping .300 (at .301) for the first time in his 11-year career. Monday's move could make Juan Uribe expendable, move Uribe to second base or put Uribe into a utility role with the White Sox. Cabrera is a strong contact hitter, with just 493 strikeouts over 5,301 career at-bats, and could serve as the lineup's perfect No. 2 hitter after scoring a career-high 101 runs last season. Cabrera, 33, earns $9 million in 2008, marking the final year of his current four-year deal. He has 112 career playoff at-bats, including hitting .200 against the White Sox during the 2005 American League Championship Series, and was part of the Red Sox 2004 World Series championship squad. By moving Garland, the White Sox took $12 million off the books for 2008, while also seemingly opening a rotation spot for both John Danks and Gavin Floyd -- assuming general manager Ken Williams does not add another veteran arm to the rotation. Garland posted a 92-81 record and a 4.41 ERA in 246 games (223 starts) over eight years in Chicago. Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=78668

http://www.star-telegram.com/284/story/304298.html Hunter wants 7 yr deal

i just like say ozzie no choice who he likes or dosent... floyd is the exception and as long kenny as hardon for him he has like him

autos money sports tech more MSN home | Hotmail | My MSN | Sign in Hotmail Messenger My MSN MSN Directory A-list Air Tickets/Travel Autos Careers & Jobs City Guides Dating & Personals Games Health & Fitness Horoscopes Lifestyle Maps & Directions Money Movies Music News Real Estate/Rentals Shopping Slate Magazine Spaces Sports Tech & Gadgets TV Weather White Pages Yellow Pages HOME NFL MLB NBA NHL NASCAR NCAA FB NCAA BK SOCCER GOLF TENNIS MORE FANTASY Community Video SHOP MLB Home · Scores · Schedules · Standings · Stats · Transactions · Injuries · Teams · Players · Odds · Tickets Deserving stars? With the rosters pretty much set, Dayn Perry breaks down who is an All-Star and who actually should be one. To be the best ...you have to beat the best. Dayn Perry says that when Boston and Detroit meet this week, baseball's best will be on display. Small Papi So far this season, Big Papi has had no pop. Kevin Hench examines what's gone wrong for the Red Sox slugger. About Ken Rosenthal Ken Rosenthal has been the senior baseball writer for FOXSports.com since Aug. 2005. He appears weekly on the FSN Baseball Report and MLB on FOX. MORE BY Ken Rosenthal: • A's may have a logjam at DH • What's next with Hargrove, Narron gone? • Buehrle-ChiSox deal must get done See all articles > MOST ROOTED FOR STORIES A-Rod's wife sports vulgar tank top Time to put tantrums on time-out A squad that can hit, run, throw and irritate There must be something in Roger's water Baseball's only salvation lies in amnesty Fed up Cubs trade Barrett to Padres Yanks, Rangers should get this deal done Beavers first repeat champs since LSU We know about Giambi; what about Bud? Former All-Star closer Rod Beck dies at 38 View all headlines... • Gamble in Vegas without losing your shirt • Theme parks welcome summer with new thrills • How women would like you to buy them a drink FOX SPORTS STORE Florida Marlins MLB "Toss" Pillow (18"x18") Miguel Tejada Photo Mint View the FOX Sports Store > Buehrle wants no-trade protection Ken Rosenthal FOXSports.com, Updated 42 minutes ago STORY TOOLS: print send blog RSS LIKE THIS STORY? The staredown continues. Jeff Berry, the agent for White Sox left-hander Mark Buehrle, said Wednesday night that Buehrle will not sign a proposed four-year, $56 million contract with the Sox unless it includes complete no-trade protection. Berry also said that if Buehrle is traded, the pitcher will decline any offer of a contract extension from the team that acquires him and exercise his right to become a free agent at the end of the season. "Mark is not going to waver on his desire for a full no-trade clause," Berry told FOXSports.com. "If he can't play where he wants, which is Chicago, then he'll re-evaluate it at the end of the year when he is a free agent." Asked if Buehrle, a native of St. Charles, Mo., near St. Louis, would apply his position even to the Cardinals, Berry said, "I believe so." "Anywhere he goes, he'll obviously consider it," Berry said. "But he won't be signing an extension." Teams interested in Buehrle already expected him to be a rental; the White Sox will not grant a 72-hour negotiating window for a trade partner to sign Buehrle to an extension. Buerhle's unwillingness to sign an extension after he is traded, however, could decrease the White Sox's leverage in trade discussions. advertisement STORY TOOLS: print send blog RSS LIKE THIS STORY? The two sides are at an impasse over a 20-month gap in which Buerhle would lack no-trade protection in his new contract. The White Sox have offered Buehrle a full no-trade clause for 2008, the first year of the deal. Buerhle would gain the right to veto any trade in July 2010 when he becomes a player with 10 years of major-league service, five with the same club.

The Mark Buehrle watch continues, but negotiations at least appear to be civil. "There's no animosity here," agent Jeff Berry said Tuesday, four days after the White Sox rejected a full no-trade proposal for his client. Berry offered no other details, other than adding the Sox "have to make a decision where their organization goes." General manager Ken Williams is expected to remain in Chicago before heading to San Francisco to watch the Futures Game on Sunday. The no-trade issue is a stumbling block after sources confirmed both sides are comfortable with a four-year, $56 million contract. Scouts from Philadelphia and Los Angeles attended Tuesday's game.

in other news reifert and cowley are now alright with each other Good News! Joe Cowley of the Sun-Times and I made up before the game today and he evened promised to consider taking part in Blog Night (I know I need to pick a date).

Im not going even worry about it. It's life and happeneds to everybody. It's not going be the first time we want someone back very badly. Can't wait till next offseason with Jon Garaland and Joe Crede. If it goes to what this is, then it's going be alot posting on those pages as well. I remenber the whole Maggs thing as well. It just going be dragged out. Hopefully soon this mess get done or traded.

June 5 Chicago Tribune - re Jermaine Dye Dye is making $7 million this year, hits free agency after the '07 season and has his eye on a contract approaching Carlos Lee's yearly salary ($17M). GM Ken Williams has had talks with Dye's agent, Bob Bry, about an extension, but isn't sure he wants to commit that much money to one player. "There's no doubt we have strong interest in bringing him back, but those are numbers where we have to take a step back and wrestle with them," Williams told the newspaper. "Once you do these deals, if you are wrong, they can cripple the club with ramifications for a lot of years. ... We just have to consider all the variables."

i remember in the offseason kenny wondering if he should award dye that big of contract with his age and all during offeason

dont really care anymore its not worth to stress over something we cant control or handle. I will say this Ozzie asked get bad karma out of locker room lee, maggs, thomas, etc. The rest is not ozzie's decision. They make ask him but he has no choice but to give the old PR move. I wish ozzie state how he really feels about not paying Buerhle. If Ozzie didnt agree he be fired but no he takes company line say o well. So since he does that he will be given four year extension

The Dodgers and Chicago White Sox have discussed a trade that would bring left-hander Mark Buehrle to Los Angeles, with the White Sox believed to be most interested in outfielder Matt Kemp. The Dodgers do not appear interested in that one-on-one trade at this time. It is uncertain whether the White Sox would want more than Kemp for Buehrle or would consider a trade that did not involve Kemp. When the Dodgers and White Sox spoke about outfielder Jermaine Dye this season, the White Sox were believed to be interested in pitchers Chad Billingsley and Jonathan Broxton. The Dodgers are exploring trades for starters and relievers. Buehrle, 28, could be the best starter available in trade this summer, but he could leave as a free agent next winter. Dye also is eligible for free agency. With little to no power from a revolving cast of other outfielders — Scott Podsednik, Darin Erstad, Luis Terrero, Rob Mackowiak, Brian Anderson, Ryan Sweeney and Jerry Owens — the White Sox could envision Kemp as an upgrade now and a future anchor.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Mark Buehrle's teammates have joked for the last few weeks about the White Sox ace possibly making his final start for the team. "It's one of those things that I'm not too concerned about," said Buehrle, who is scheduled to start Monday night at U.S. Cellular Field against the Orioles. It could be the final hurrah for Buehrle with the Sox, who enter the final homestand of the season's first half knowing they must do more than win series from opponents. "I think we can (make a run) ...," Buehrle said Sunday after Jon Garland allowed no earned runs in seven innings of a 3-1 victory over Kansas City to complete a 6-1 trip. "I mean, we can get on a roll and start winning every series from here on out. But the teams in front of us, the way they're playing, it might be too late. "But we can't go out there and think like that. We have to try and get every series. It's hard to try and think sweep, but until the teams in front of us start losing, that's the only way we can make up that ground." The Sox's situation has left general manager Ken Williams with the daunting task of trying to get championship-caliber play out of his players less than two years after they won a World Series. Williams will have no shortage of suitors for Buehrle, who has won 102 games with the Sox and is on target for his seventh consecutive 200-plus innings season. In addition to the Mets and Braves, the Dodgers, Red Sox and Brewers are expected to increase their interest in Buehrle. Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein watched his top pitching prospect, Clay Buchholz, pitch five no-hit innings Saturday night for Double-A Portland against New Hampshire. The right-handed Buchholz, 22, has a 6-2 record and a 1.69 ERA with 115 strikeouts and only 21walks in 85 1/3 innings. He's the type of pitcher Williams must land to quickly alleviate any fallout he receives if he deals the popular Buehrle. Astros slugger Lance Berkman is a Buehrle fan. "To me a guy like Mark Buehrle, whose coming up (on free agency) would be a perfect guy to try to sign," Berkman told the Houston Chronicle. "Like Carlos (Lee) is saying, it may not happen (with the Sox). But you get a guy like that and you add him to what we have here, I think you got a real good mix." Buehrle wasn't sure he would receive a warm greeting Monday night, based on his contract status and the strong possibility he could be dealt before the July 31 non-waiver trading deadline. But manager Ozzie Guillen seemed certain Buehrle would receive a hero's welcome. "Mark's done a lot of good things for this organization, and fans respect that," Guillen said. "Hopefully, they go out and support him. Mark is still with us. As long as he's with us, I just pencil him in every five days. That's all I can do." Buehrle isn't pressing for a resolution from the Sox but admits his clouded status has been difficult. "You know what's going to happen (at the start of the year), but when it actually hits you, it's a little more stressful," Buehrle said. "You think about it a little bit more. I'm an even-keel guy and don't let that stuff bother me. But it's in the back of my mind. It doesn't affect the way I pitch and the way I do my job." The trade clock also could resume ticking for right fielder Jermaine Dye, who ran the bases without any noticeable limp during batting practice as he recovers from a quadriceps injury. Dye, like Buehrle, is a free agent and could be attractive to National League West title contenders in need of a right-handed hitter. Dye didn't seem happy Saturday that the Sox had resumed negotiations with Buehrle but not with him. "That's why I haven't talked about it," Buehrle said. "It's been a big media circus with the whole contract in the papers every day. That's why I said I didn't want to be a distraction for the rest of the team. So I'm not talking about it."

I dont really mind losing Buerhle. Hes been great for this company. But, were just fans and can't do nothing about it. I remember the whole offseason with Konerko thing. No reason work yourself over it. I hope things could work out but if they dont time get something in return for him. I look for Danks get better and hopefully have amazing career