Jenks becomes a free agent
In a move that was predicted for months, the White Sox non-tendered Bobby Jenks on Thursday, making the 29-year-old closer a free agent.
Jenks is coming off a rocky season, going 1-1 with a career-high 4.44 ERA while saving 27 games.
He also missed the final 27 games with ulnar neuritis in his right forearm.
Had the Sox made a contract offer to Jenks, it would have cost them more than the right-hander's $7.5 million salary this season.
“All this move says is for the dollars we would commit to him in arbitration, we can't commit that type of money to where he is now and where we are now,” White Sox general manager Kenny Williams said. “It's especially true since we have a few options to go to. We have to allocate money to the best of our abilities to put together the team as a whole.”
Williams said Matt Thornton can step in and close games, and Sergio Santos might be ready to pitch in the ninth inning as well following an impressive rookie campaign (2-2, 2.96 ERA, 1 save, 56 strikeouts in 51 innings).
Another rookie, Chris Sale, might be the best option for the Sox at closer if he isn't moved to the starting rotation.
As for Jenks, Williams said the door is still open for his return, at a reduced price.
But Jenks didn't get along with manager Ozzie Guillen for much of the season, and he is almost certain to be pitching for a new team in 2011.
“Bobby Jenks helped bring a World Series to Chicago and I'll never forget that,” Williams said. “Where we are with Bobby and the message I have to fans and to Bobby Jenks is, No. 1, he gave us everything he had and performed very well for the White Sox. I'm proud of him as a person, player and as a dad.
“He's a heck of a dad, too. Just a good guy. I wish the best for him if, in fact, he ends up somewhere else.”
The Sox also non-tendered left-handed relief pitcher Erick Threets, who pitched 12 scoreless innings this season before suffering a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow.
The White Sox did tender contracts to starter John Danks, right fielder Carlos Quentin and reliever Tony Pena, who are all arbitration eligible.