The White Sox went from a joke in 2007 to Central Division champions in 2008, but general manager Ken Williams has refused to sit on his hands this winter. That reconstruction started with Nick Swisher sent to New York in a trade and Javier Vazquez sent to Atlanta as Williams has added a surplus of talent to his farm system. As far as adding to the immediate major league team, however, the signing of free agent Bartolo Colon is really the only move of note. Williams, however, is still looking.
ARRIVALS: 3B Dayan Viciedo (free agent from Cuba), RHP Kelvin Jimenez (claimed off waivers from Blue Jays), INF Wilson Betemit (trade with Yankees), RHP Bartolo Colon (free agent from Red Sox). DEPARTURES: RHP Javier Vazquez (traded to Braves), LHP Boone Logan (traded to Braves), OF Nick Swisher (traded to Yankees), LHP Horacio Ramirez (free agent, signed with Royals), C Toby Hall (free agent, signed minor league deal with Astros), INF Juan Uribe (free agent, signed minor league deal with Giants).
FREE AGENTS: SS Orlando Cabrera, 3B Joe Crede, OF Ken Griffey Jr.
The Sox declined options on both Hall for $2.25 million and Griffey at $16.5 million and have also said goodbye to reserve infielder Uribe, who is not in the team's immediate plans, according to GM Ken Williams. Cabrera was offered arbitration but will likely turn it down, while Crede will also walk away with no resistance from the club.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: None.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Bartolo Colon (elbow surgery) is still recovering from the operation last fall and will be brought along slowly in spring training.
RHP Jose Contreras (ruptured Achilles tendon in August 2008) likely will be on the shelf until at least July, and he could miss all of 2009 if there are setbacks.
OF Carlos Quentin (fractured right wrist in September 2008) was cleared for full baseball activity in December. He expects to be fully recovered by spring training.
3B Joe Crede (back problems) was slowed most of the second half, and he will have to show his back is OK as he enters free agency.
