Sox likely stuck with Contreras
Jose Contreras is still wearing a White Sox uniform. And the veteran starter is still scheduled to pitch against the Yankees in New York on Tuesday, which just happens to be the nonwaiver trade deadline.
The Sox would be thrilled to move the 35-year-old Contreras (5-13, 6.22 ERA), who is 1-9 with an 8.27 ERA over his last 11 starts.
Problem is, what team would be willing to assume the rest of Contreras' contract -- $3 million for the rest of this season and $10 million in both 2008 and '09?
Unless the White Sox pick up a significant chunk of the contract, it looks like they're stuck with Contreras.
"He has value for us, but I don't know for other people,'' said Sox manager Ozzie Guillen. "He's had a bad couple, four or five games in a row, but he has value for us.''
When he was with the Yankees in 2003, Contreras did make 9 relief appearances, allowing 11 earned runs in 13ˆº innings. The Sox don't seem interested in moving Contreras to the bullpen.
"That's a problem,'' Guillen said. "Jose takes about an hour to get loose. I don't know if he can be out there every day and we can count on him every day.''
Hemond departs: Roland Hemond, who has been an adviser to general manager Kenny Williams since 2001, is leaving the White Sox and returning to the Arizona Diamondbacks as special assistant to Derrick Hall, the club's president.
Hemond was also the Sox' general manager from 1971-85.
"I am indeed very happy to rejoin the Diamondbacks organization," Hemond said in a statement. "It is gratifying to be welcomed back by Derrick and other members of the front office. I have been impressed by what has transpired with the Diamondbacks recently, and I want to lend my experience to contribute in any way I can to make this organization even more successful for years to come.''
Hemond, who makes his home in Phoenix, was the Diamondbacks' senior executive vice president from 1996-2000.
Sitting tight: After coming up from Class AAA Charlotte and getting shelled in his start against the Tigers in Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader, Gavin Floyd figured to be sent back to the minor leagues.
But Floyd, who has allowed 11 earned runs on 19 hits over 10ˆº innings in 2 spot starts with the White Sox, is still on the roster.
"He's here until we see what we are going to do and what direction we are going to go,'' said manager Ozzie Guillen.
Erstad watch: On a rehabilitation assignment with Class AAA Charlotte, center fielder Darin Erstad didn't play the last two days, reportedly due to stiffness in his neck.
Erstad has played only a half-inning for the Sox since spraining his left ankle in a May 31 game at Toronto.
In eight games for Charlotte, Erstad is batting .200 (6-for-30) with no home runs and 2 RBI.