Sox part company with Podsednik
As the 2007 season mercifully came to a close for the White Sox, reporters approached left fielder Scott Podsednik prior to the final game of the season.
With a knowing smirk, Podsednik politely declined comment and dressed for what would be his final game in a Sox uniform.
Podsednik, a key cog for the 2005 World Series champions, was designated for assignment Tuesday. The White Sox have 10 days to trade or release him.
Podsednik was dynamic in '05, batting .290 out of the leadoff spot and stealing 59 bases. In the postseason, he batted .286 and had 3 triples, 2 home runs, 6 RBI and 6 stolen bases.
Shortly after the World Series, Podsednik had surgery to repair a sports hernia. That seemed to set off a string of other injuries, and the 31-year-old outfielder was limited to 62 games this season, batting .243 with 12 stolen bases.
"We have 10 days to make a move, but obviously each time I have to make a move with a team member that helped us win a World Series, it comes with a bit of sadness,'' Sox general manager Kenny Williams said via e-mail.
"When we acquired him, I pictured a little different tenure. But Pods gave us nothing but his best each and every time he took the field.''
Quality leadoff hitters are a rare breed, which is why the White Sox gambled $2.7 million that Podsednik could stay healthy in 2007.
Two weeks into the season, Podsednik strained his left adductor while working out at U.S. Cellular Field on an off-day. He was out more than two months.
Podsednik missed most of July with a strained left rib-cage and played part time for the Sox over the final two months.
In addition to designating Podsednik for assignment, the Sox purchased the contracts of catcher Cole Armstrong and right-handed pitchers Jack Egbert, Lucas Harrell and Adam Russell.
Egbert has an outside shot of winning a starting job in spring training. In 2007, the 24-year-old was 12-8 with a 3.06 ERA in 28 starts for Class AA Birmingham. In the Arizona Fall League, Egbert was 1-0 with a 3.26 ERA.
Russell has a chance to win a job in the bullpen after going 9-11 with a 4.80 ERA in 38 games (20 starts) with Birmingham.
The White Sox' 40-man roster is at 40.