The Chicago White Sox locked up first baseman Paul Konerko with a three-year, $23M contract. Konerko was entering his second season of arbitration-eligibility, so Chicago was able to avoid arbitration for the next two seasons and delay his free agency by one year. He'll reportedly receive $6.25M in 2003, $8M in 2004, and $8.75M in 2005. Although there he does not have a no-trade clause in the deal, he would receive an additional $500,000 in each of the last two seasons of the contract if he were dealt.

If they'd waited until later in the off-season when the Frank Thomas question had been settled, Konerko might have been able to command even more. He had a strong season this year, though he suffered in the second half due to an injury to his left foot. I suspect the next few seasons to resemble the final results of this year with a more even kilter to the season rather than the hot streak and slump. Considering he'll only turn 27 in March of 2003, Konerko likely has his career year ahead of him. The White Sox should own the most productive seasons of his career. As such this salary seems appropriate, especially considering his value to the fans.

Chicago also signed C Mark Johnson to a one-year deal worth $500,000. Johnson's established himself as the White Sox's back-up catcher over the last several seasons. However he offers few offensive skills, so I'm somewhat disappointed Chicago didn't attempt to find a more productive substitute, especially if they're going to pay him more than minimum wage.

The White Sox have signed 2B-S Aaron Miles and OF-R Anthony Sanders to minor league contracts. Chicago grabbed Miles from Houston in the minor league portion of the 2000 Rule 5 draft and has kept him in the system since that time. The 25-year-old returned to AA Birmingham in the Southern League in 2002 and performed quite well while repeating the level. He hit .322 with a .369 OBP and .450 SLG on 171 H, 39 2B, 1 3B, and 9 HR with a 40:45 BB:K and 25/41 SB% in 531 AB. Miles definitely needs at least a season of AAA experience and is likely too old to develop into a consistent starter. However, he has displayed good plate discipline accompanied by moderate speed and power skills, so he should be able to grab a reserve job in a year or two.

Sanders also spent a portion of last season with the White Sox after Chicago acquired him from Cincinnati for future considerations. He has far less upside than Miles due to poor plate discipline without any neutralizing power or speed skills. If the 28-year-old spends time in the majors, it will be because the team wants a defensive replacement in the outfield.

In other White Sox's news, outfielder Aaron Rowand suffered serious injuries in a dirt bike accident in which he hit something in the road, throwing him off the bike and down an embankment. In addition to a bruised left shoulder and broken ribs (one on each side), Rowand underwent surgery to repair a broken left scapula. He'll reportedly be fine for Spring Training baring a setback in his rehab, however this certainly makes the list of careless injuries.

The other teams in the AL Central have also made a few minor league signings. Cleveland re-signed C-R Tim Laker to a minor league contract. The 32-year-old started the season late due to off-season surgery to repair an infected pancreas. When not affected by injury, Laker's split most of the last decade between AAA and the majors, sometimes showing decent plate discipline and power. However, he's unlikely to find any playing time with the Indians who have the best young catching depth in baseball.

Detroit has signed RHP Pat Ahearne, LHP Rafael Roque, and C-S Matt Walbeck to minor league deals. The 32-year-old Ahearne has good command but lacks dominance as a starter. If moved to relief, I think he could have an impact in the majors. The Tigers might consider him for a spot start next season, but I don't think he'll succeed in that role.

Roque apparently played in the Mexican League last season. The 30-year-old has similar skills to Ahearne, though he's already tried relief work with some success. If Detroit needs a lefty-reliever at some point during the season, Roque could probably hand the job.

Walbeck was of course with the Tigers last season and even spent some time in the majors. His offensive skills are limited, though probably better than Brandon Inge's at this point. I suspect he'll receive serious consideration for the back-up role in Spring Training, and if Alan Trammell values offense at all, the 33-year-old could usurp Inge as the starter for a portion of the season. However, Detroit really should search for alternatives to both.

First baseman Morgan Burkhart signed a minor league contract with Kansas City. Burkhart spent last season playing in Japan, where he hit .214 with a .293 OBP and .437 SLG on 27 H, 1 2B, and 9 HR with a 9:40 BB:K in 126 AB. The 30-year-old barely has the offense to play in AAA, so I sincerely doubt he'll receive a call-up even if Mike Sweeney misses time again next season.

Minnesota has signed RHP Ben Ford and IF-R Brian Rios to minor league deals. Ford's spent most of the last five seasons in AAA. After years of struggling as a reliever, he's tried to move to starting, but that isn't working out any better for him. He suffers from control problems and his dominance has dropped. The 27-year-old will not make any positive contributions to the Twins.

Detroit drafted Rios out of Oral Roberts University in the 18th round of the 1996 draft, and he's escaping the organization for the first time this year as a minor league free agent. The 28-year-old doesn't have strong plate discipline skills, but he's demonstrated power in the past and can play short and third. The Twins don't have a lot of major league ready depth his positions, so he could spend some time as a reserve if they suffer an injury.