Putz says any role with Sox just fine with him

Literally minutes after the New York Mets declined his $9.1 million option for 2010 in early November, J.J. Putz was a wanted man.

His hometown Detroit Tigers were first in line, with the Phillies, Cubs, Diamondbacks and Pirates also prepared to make a sales pitch.

In the end, though, the White Sox won out, signing the 32-year-old relief pitcher to a one-year, $3 million contract Friday, with another $3.25 million possible in incentives.

Putz, a former closer with the Seattle Mariners who was limited to 29 games with the Mets this season before having surgery to remove a bone spur from his elbow, feels good about joining the Sox.

"They have been the most aggressive team since Day One, from the moment my option was declined with New York," Putz said on a conference call Wednesday.

"I think they're one of the elite teams in the American League. They seem to have everything you're looking for - great starting pitching, power in the back end of the bullpen.

"They definitely have some power in that lineup, and I think adding Juan Pierre (in a trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday) creates some havoc at the top of the lineup.

"On paper, it looks like a team that's going to be a force this year."

Putz set up Francisco Rodriguez in his one abbreviated season with the Mets. But the 6-foot-5, 250-pounder saved 36 games for Seattle in 2006 and 40 a year later.

Bobby Jenks remains the Sox' closer, but there still is a chance he could be traded before spring training.

Putz said he's fine in any role.

"Anybody who's closed before really cherishes the time they do get to close," Putz said. "It is, in my opinion, the best job in baseball, and at some point I'd like to be a closer again.

"I think going into it (2010), I'll probably be used in the seventh and eighth innings, just matching up with right-handers and Matt (Thornton) with left-handers. Just try to hand the ball to Bobby as often as we can."

As for his health, Putz said he threw 20 pitches off the mound Tuesday and "everything felt great."