Konerko, Putz offered arbitration; Pierzynski is not
The White Sox on Tuesday offered salary arbitration to free agents Paul Konerko and J.J. Putz but declined to offer arbitration to catcher A.J. Pierzynski and outfielder/DH Manny Ramirez.
There was little surprise in the decisions by Sox general manager Kenny Williams. Konerko has been the face of the franchise for several years and was a key player in the Sox' 2005 World Series championship. Putz is a key cog in the bullpen.
If either Konerko or Putz accepts the offer of arbitration, they automatically are back with the White Sox for 2011, and both figure to get hefty raises. Konerko made $12 million in 2010, while Putz made $3 million.
The Sox are not interested in having Ramirez back, but they are free to negotiate with Ramirez and Pierzynski, also a key member of the '05 Series-winning team.
If either Konerko or Putz signs with another team, the White Sox will receive draft-pick compensation. They will not receive draft picks for either Pierzynski or Ramirez if they sign with other teams.
Konerko finished fifth in American League MVP balloting, which was announced Tuesday. Texas' Josh Hamilton won the award. Konerko had a hitting line of .312/.393/.584 with 39 home runs and 111 RBI.
Putz was 7-5 with a 2.83 ERA and 3 saves in 60 relief appearances. His WHIP (walks plus hits per 1 inning pitched) was a tidy 1.04 ERA.
Pierzynski had a line of .270/.300/.388. Now that other teams will not have to surrender draft picks, the market for a catcher of Pierzynski's ability should open up.
Ramirez was largely a nonfactor in 24 late-season games after coming over in a trade with the Dodgers. For the Sox, he batted .261 with 1 homer.
“It's just part of the chess game that is the off-season,” Williams said of the process via e-mail. “We remain interested in P.K., J.J. and A.J. but must allow the market to determine affordability.”
In other news, the White Sox announced their spring-training schedule. They'll open as the “road” team against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Feb. 28, at the Camelback Ranch facility the two teams share in Glendale, Ariz.
The Sox will host the Cubs on March 11, and the two teams will meet at the Cubs' Mesa, Ariz., home March 24.