White Sox decline options for Youkilis, Myers

The White Sox have announced that they have declined the 2013 club options for third baseman Kevin Youkilis, and pitcher Brett Myers. Youkilis' option was worth $13 million, and he will now earn a $1 million buyout. Myers was originally slated to earn $10 million, and he will now earn a $3 million buyout.

Youkilis came over to Chicago from Boston back in May, and resurrected his career. He hit .236 with 15 home runs and 46 RBI with Chicago on the season.

Myers started the season in Houston, but the Astros did not hesitate to trade him. They dealt him to Chicago for two minor league prospects. Myers converted himself to a closer before the season began, and finished the year with a combined 3.31 ERA in 70 appearances.

Analysis: This isn't surprising because the Sox are probably trying to either get younger or cheaper. Since they have such a thin farm system, they will probably try to resign Youkilis at a cheaper price. The only other option would be to allow Brett Morel to play everyday, and Morel has shown us that he can be over-matched by big league pitching. Myers is definitely replaceable, and at $10 million, the White Sox can easily decline his option without thinking twice. Bullpen depth is nice to have, and if Myers is willing to shift back to being a starting pitcher I bet his value his increase.

White Sox exercise option on Floyd

The White Sox have announced that that they have exercised pitcher Gavin Floyd's 2013 option worth $9.5 million.

Floyd posted a 4.29 ERA in 29 starts during the 2012 season. He signed a four year, $15.5 million extension with Chicago back in March of 2009.

Analysis: Wow this is surprising. Floyd is a decent pitcher, but not worth $9.5 million. I guess this shows that the White Sox are willing to spend money to keep their pitchers. The rotation is thin as it is, so losing Floyd would be bad. I thought they were going to decline his option then try to resign him for a lower price, but I was wrong.

White Sox, Peavy agree to two year extension

The White Sox have announced that they have signed pitcher Jake Peavy to a two year, $29 million contract extension with an option for the 2015 season.

Peavy will earn $14.5 million annually in 2013 and 2014, and the 2015 option becomes a player option if Peavy throws an undisclosed amount of innings in those two seasons. His previous contract included a $22 million option for 2013 with a $4 million buyout. Peavy will receive the buyout.

Peavy posted a 3.37 ERA in 219 innings pitched with the White Sox in 2012, and that was easily his best season since his Padre days. He would have been one of the top starting pitchers available had he hit the free agent market.

Analysis: Coming into this season, I did not expect Peavy, or the White Sox for that matter, to be any good. Peavy went on to have a great season, and pretty much emerged as the team's ace. Peavy was previously a mega-bust for Chicago, mainly due to some durability problems, but managed to stay healthy for the 2012 campaign. In my opinion this is a good signing by Chicago, because they cannot rebuild with their thin farm system, and retaining Peavy will give them an ace for the next two years. Hopefully the guy can stay healthy.

Olmedo outrighted to Triple-A

The White Sox have announced that infielder Ray Olmedo has cleared waivers and will be outrighted to Triple-A.

Olmedo hit .273 in 2012 at Triple-A after signing a minor league deal with them last November. Chicago now has one spot open on their 40-man roster.

Analysis: Olmedo isn't really that great of an offensive player, and can really serve as infield depth only at this point of his career. It isn't surprising that he cleared waivers.

Fantasy talk: Gordon Beckham status report

Gordon Beckham hasn't really lived up to his hype over the last few years, but it feels like a breakout year will come soon. His statistics continue to get better and better every year, and if he develops into a solid option at second base, he could be in a White Sox uniform for a long time.

Beckham was drafted in the 1st round (8th overall) by the White Sox in the 2008 draft. He quickly rose his way through the minors, and within one year he had the starting second base gig with Chicago. He hit .270 with 14 homers and 63 RBI in 430 plate appearances in the 2009 season. That earned Beckham the starting job for the next season, and he didn't play as well in 2010. He hit .252 with 9 homers and 49 RBI in 498 plate appearances. The 2011 season was very similar, except his batting average took a slight dip. Entering 2012, the White Sox really hoped that Beckham would come around and live up to his hype. So far, he hasn't done that at all.

In 2012, he has hit 12 homers with 49 RBI in 487 plate appearances while hitting .231. Beckham has really been a questionable player ever since coming up to the majors. Every year, I feel like he may have a semi-breakout season. If I owned him, I'd take 20+ homers with 80+ RBI and a .270 batting average. That isn't great by any means, but Beckham really needs to turn it around soon. I have a strong feeling that Chicago is losing patience with him, and may be planning on trading him. As a fantasy player, Beckham is, just like I said before, a questionable player. He is too inconsistent and strikes out way to much to be an asset to your team. Don't pick him up unless you catch him on a hot streak.

Moskos outrighted to Triple-A

The White Sox announced that relief pitcher Daniel Moskos has cleared waivers and will be outrighted to Triple-A.

Moskos has spent the entire season in Triple-A and Double-A, where he posted a 4.05 ERA in 33 1/3 innings.

Analysis: Moskos is actually, in my mind, a pretty decent reliever. His stats don't look very good, but he is a lefty relief pitcher with decent upside. I'm surprised that a club didn't take a chance on him.

White Sox release Gregory Infante

The White Sox announced that they have released pitcher Gregory Infante.

Infante, 25, pitched 4 2/3 scoreless innings for Chicago two years ago, but he hasn't made another MLB appearances since. He posted a 3.55 ERA in Double-A and Triple-A this year.

Analysis: It's odd that Chicago is suddenly willing to get rid of a young relief pitcher with decent upside. Infante will probably hook on with another team, and serve as bullpen depth.

Non-tender candidate: Phillip Humber

Phillip Humber shocked the baseball world earlier this year by tossing a perfect game against the Rays. Most people didn't even know who Humber was before he tossed that gem. (I knew who he was because I remember him as a Mets' prospect.) Anyway, besides that perfect game, he has struggled this season. He has had several DL stints and has pitched like crap when on the field. The  Mets drafted him in the first round of the 2004 draft, therefore meaning that he does indeed have a high ceiling. Humber, however, will most likely be non-tendered this winter for the following reasons.

He isn't very good. I know that sounds like a stupid reason, but why would you keep a guy who is probably a number 5 starter at best when you have a young pitcher like Hector Santiago waiting under the wings. Humber walks way to many hitters, and his ERA is very ugly. He also has a 9.4 H/9 ratio, which is not very good.

He doesn't have a track record. There is a reason why he has bounced around from team to team throughout his entire MLB career. He didn't even put up good numbers in the minor leagues, which is somewhat alarming.

Overall, Humber will probably not ask for that much through arbitration ($700-$900k.) But think about it, that $700-$900k could be used to bring a proven pitcher to Chicago, not an over-hyped a bust like Humber.

Fantasy talk: Paul Konerko status report

Paul Konerko has been the heart and soul of the White Sox organization for the last decade or so, and every year he continues to put up great numbers, making him one of the most underrated players in the game right now. However, he is 36 years old, and some believe that his skills may be degrading, but in this status report i'm sure that you'll be convinced to keep him.

Konerko was drafted in the first round (13th overall) by the Dodgers in the 1994 draft. He put up great numbers in the minor leagues, and had a few cups of coffee with Los Angeles in 1997-1998. In the middle of the 1998 season, the Dodgers traded Konerko to the Reds in a deal that brought Jeff Shaw to Los Angeles. Konerko had a brief stint with Cincinnati, and was traded to the White Sox in November of 1998 in the Mike Cameron deal. In 1999, he got to play everyday, and made the most of it. He hit 24 homers while hitting .294. From there on, every season of his, with the exception to 2003 and 2008, Konerko has been one of the most consistent hitters in the game, constantly slugging 20-40 homers per season while maintaining a high batting average.

Konerko has hit .316 with 21 homers and 59 RBI this season, and is carrying his White Sox club to a possible post-season berth. It's astonishing to think that Konerko is 36 years old, and seems to be getting better and better with each and every passing season. In my opinion, if he has 3-4 more good seasons, he'll be a shoe-in for the Hall of Fame. Anyway, back to fantasy baseball. Konerko is one of the best first basemen in the game, and is an excellent pick every year. Continue to have faith in the man, because he will continue to put up great numbers. Who knows, maybe he'll be in his 40's and still be mashing 30+ homers per year. That would be pretty amazing.

Fantasy talk: Chris Sale status report

Chris Sale has been a breath of fresh air for the White Sox this season, and one of the many surprises on their roster. After switching him back and forth from a reliever to a starter, Manager Robin Ventura finally decided to make Sale a full time starting pitching this year. Let's say that this was probably one of the best decisions Ventura has made this season.

Sale was drafted by the White Sox in the 13th overall in the 2010 draft. Interestingly enough, Chicago started him in Single-A, where he pitched well, and instantly sent him to Triple-A. In Triple-A he put up outstanding numbers, putting up a 21.3 K/9 ratio in 7 games pitched. Now the odd thing here is, rather than wait another year or two, GM Kenny Williams decided to call Sale up to the show, where he would go on to pitch like a pro in a relief role. He posted a 1.93 ERA in 21 games, and was being groomed as the team's closer of the future. Along came the 2011 season, where Sale made the Major League squad as the setup man. Of-course, yet again, he put up solid numbers, posting a 2.79 ERA while finishing 17 games. However, the White Sox had young pitcher Addison Reed competing with Sale for the closer's job, and Reed ultimately won the job. This meant that Sale was either going to go into the rotation, or rot in the setup man's role.

Enter 2012. Sale starts the season in the rotation and does an amazing job. However, Robin Ventura believes that Sale's arm isn't cut out for pitching every fifth day so he moves him to the bullpen. This move caused a lot of confusion around the north side of Chicago. Eventually, after about a week or so, Ventura realized that he made a mistake, and moved Sale back into the rotation. Flash-forward to today, August 16, 2012. Sale currently has a 2.60 ERA in 21 games started. He has also accumulated 132 strikeouts. Sale is a big reason why the White Sox are currently in contention, and he is making a run at the AL Cy Young award.

Sale is transforming himself into an awesome fantasy player for years to come. He is one of the most promising pitchers that I've seen this season. Personally, I love his pitching motion, because it allows him to really generate power for his fastball. Anyway, back to fantasy baseball. Sale actually does concern me a tiny bit because the White Sox have talked about putting an innings limit on him for the remainder of the season, but nothing is official at the moment. Doing so, in my opinion, would be wrong because the White Sox are making a postseason run right now and should use all of their weapons. Overall, Sale looks like an awesome player and I can't wait to see how his career will turn out. If you can, try to draft him next season, because I can probably guarantee you that he is probably already owned in your league right now.

White Sox sign Jose Lopez

The White Sox have signed infielder Jose Lopez to a minor league contract and assigned him to their Triple-A affiliate. The Indians released Lopez over the weekend.

Lopez has hit .249 in 224 plate appearances for Cleveland this year.

Diamondbacks acquire Tyler Kuhn

The Diamondbacks have acquired utility man Tyler Kuhn from the White Sox for cash considerations. Kuhn has hit .273 in 449 plate appearances at the Triple-A level this season.

White Sox sign DeWayne Wise

The White Sox have signed outfielder DeWayne Wise to a minor league deal. Wise was released by the Yankees on Wednesday after he decided to refuse his outright assignment to Triple-A.

Wise has hit .262 in 63 plate appearances for New York this year. This is Wise's second stint with Chicago, as he played with them from 2008-2009.

Astros complete Brett Myers deal

The Astros and White Sox have officially completed the Brett Myers deal today. The player to be named later has been announced as Chris Devenski. Devenski will go to Houston's organization today.

Devenski was selected in the 25th round of last year's draft. He has spent most of the 2012 season in Single-A, where he has posted a 4.23 ERA in 61 2/3 innings.

White Sox sign Tommy Manzella

The White Sox have signed shortstop Tommy Manzella to a minor league deal. Manzella has spent the last two seasons in the minor leagues.

Manzella has hit .229 in 295 plate appearances for Double-A and Triple-A this year.

White Sox release Dallas McPherson

The White Sox have released Dallas McPherson from their Triple-A team.

McPherson, a former top prospect, has hit .253 in Triple-A this year.

John Danks officially out for season

White Sox pitcher John Danks is officially out for the season due to ongoing shoulder issues. Danks will undergo shoulder surgery next Monday.There is no guarantee that he will be 100% for the start of spring training next February.

Danks posted a 5.70 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 53 2/3 innings.

White Sox acquire Francisco Liriano

The White Sox have acquired pitcher Francisco Liriano from the Twins in exchange for infielder Eduardo Escobar and pitcher Pedro Hernandez.

Liriano's name has been mentioned as a trade candidate for a few years now. He is eligible for free agency after this year, and is owned about $2.1 million for the rest of this season. Injuries and awful inconsistency has plagued Liriano's career. This year he has posted a 5.31 ERA in 100 innings pitched for Minnesota.

Chicago is getting themselves one of the premier strikeout pitchers in the game. Liriano's pitches are always filthy, and he owns a 9.8 K/9 this year. Unfortunately, he has had trouble with his control, as walks have always been an issue. He will now join a White Sox rotation that figures to include Chris Sale and Jose Quintana, which means that Chicago will have three lefties in their starting rotation.

Escobar has hit .202 in 99 plate appearances this year. He has been used as a utility player in the past, playing second, third, shortstop, and left field. He has a career .270 batting average in the minors, and Baseball America ranked him as the Chicago's tenth best prospect prior to this season.

Hernandez struggled in his first MLB start earlier this year, allowing eight runs in four innings. He played very well in the minors this season, posting a 2.94 ERA in 85 2/3 innings at the Double-A and Triple-A levels.

Both Hernandez and Escobar have been assigned to Minnesota's Triple-A affiliate, the team announced.

Analysis: This a decent, low risk trade by Kenny Williams (White Sox GM.) I've never been much of a Liriano supporter but maybe he just needs a change of scenery. Hopefully he gets his crap together with Chicago. As for Escobar, I don't know where he will play for Minnesota. I see him as either a shortstop or third baseman, but I seriously doubt the Twins will use him at shortstop. I'm sure they'll want to give young shortstop Brian Dozier a look at the position before Escobar. Hernandez looks like a good prospect, however. I'm not alarmed by his poor start earlier this year. His minor league numbers are solid and he is still young (23 years old.) The Twins have been looking to add young arms and they got one in Hernandez.

White Sox acquire Brett Myers

The White Sox have acquired pitcher Brett Myers from the Astros. Houston will receive prospects Matt Heidenreich and Blair Walters, and also a player to be named later. Houston will also send cash to Chicago.

Myers has a $10 million option for 2013 that will vest if he finishes 45 games and doesn't end this season on the disabled list. To date, Myers has finished 29 games with 35 appearances in total. He has been linked to several teams lately including the Cardinals and Mets but the White Sox were never among the teams rumored to be interested.

Astros GM Jeff Luhnow has had a busy week, having just completed a ten player trade with Toronto yesterday morning. He has now replenished Houston's farm system with eight prospects in these two deals.

Myers has posted a 3.52 ERA for the Astros this season.

Analysis: This is a decent trade for both sides. Jeff Luhnow has done a great job bringing in a lot of prospects into his farm system over the past two days. These two prospects are decent, but nothing special at the moment. I think this PTBNL will be the key piece of this deal. I'm really eager to find out who they'll get.

Tigers, White Sox, Orioles interested in Richard

The Tigers, White Sox and Orioles have asked the Padres about pitcher Clayton Richard's availability. All three teams have reportedly been actively searching for starting pitching depth lately.

Richard has a 3.83 ERA in 127 innings pitched this year. He will earn $2.7 million this year and is under team control through 2014. He has a career 4.12 ERA in five seasons in the MLB.