The White Sox continued to adjust their bullpen last week, signing Rick White to a one-year, $750,000 contract that includes a $150,000 buyout on a $1.3M option for 2004. White pitched fairly effectively last season despite some injury problems and should be a solid addition to their relief staff.

My approval of the deal is tempered by concerns about the 34-year-old's ability to remain healthy throughout the season, as well as anxiety over how the rest of the bullpen will fill out. Billy Koch, Tom Gordon, Damaso Marte, Kelly Wunsch, and White fill the first five spots. Chicago could go with either 11 or 12 pitchers, leaving one or two spots for Matt Ginter, Gary Glover, and Edwin Almonte to share, as they aren't likely to carry more than two lefties. Almonte has proven himself at AAA and should receive a spot without question. Ginter has not displayed acceptable skills in the majors and should be returned to AAA for further instruction. Glover likely could have matched White's production out of the pen, but I like Almonte's upside more so if they only go with an 11-man pitching staff, Glover should be demoted. Unfortunately, Chicago may give preference to Ginter and Glover's major league experience and leave Almonte in the minors.

In late December, the White Sox re-signed Sandy Alomar, Jr. to a one-year, $700,000 contract. At 36, he's fragile and his skills are deteriorating, however they needed someone to hold the position while Miguel Olivo spends some time in AAA. Olivo has displayed solid skills to date, but it would be foolish to have him jump over AAA. Hopefully, Alomar will remain healthy long enough for Olivo to spend a good portion of 2003 in the minors, though the White Sox appear to have an itchy call-up finger and may promote him regardless.

After Frank Thomas chose to return to the team rather than continue to pursue free agency, the White Sox were able to restructure his contract in early December, giving them additional flexibility in their payroll this year. The new deal is set up so that after 2003, when he will receive a $5M salary, both Thomas and the White Sox hold options for each remaining year of the deal. Thomas' options are worth $6M in 2004, $8M in 2005, and $10M in 2006, and he will choose whether to accept or decline before Chicago makes their decision. If he declines' the White Sox can exercise options of $8M in 2004, $11M in 2005, and $12M in 2006. Chicago also has the ability to buyout his 2006 option for $3.5M, while Thomas can buyout the White Sox 2004 option and end the deal after 2003 for an undisclosed amount. Thomas has agreed to a partial no-trade clause in place of his 5 and 10 rights and will receive a $1M loan from the White Sox in 2003 to help compensate for the decrease in his salary. The deal includes incentives of up to $2M for finishing in the top 10 in MVP voting.

I think this deal ultimately worked out well for both sides, as the White Sox were able to retain an important piece of the team, but at a cost more in line with the production he's currently offering them. Meanwhile, Thomas is likely earning considerably more than he could have found on the free agent market at this time and even if he rebounds he won't be significantly underpaid.

Chicago has made several interesting additions through minor league signings recently, including OF-R Cliff Brumbaugh, C-R Jaime Burke, 1B-L Brian Daubach, C-S Steven Morales, RHP Brian Cooper, RHP Gil Heredia, and RHP Esteban Loaiza.

Texas drafted Cliff Brumbaugh out of the University of Delaware in the 13th round of the 1995 draft, and Colorado grabbed him off waivers from the Rangers in 2001. He's displayed a solid walk rate throughout the minors, as well as considerable power upside. While he needs to improve his contact rate to deserve a steady bench job in the majors, if the White Sox are ever short on outfielders the 28-year-old should provide them with quality roster filler.

Anaheim drafted Jaime Burke out of Oregon State University with their ninth round pick in the 1993 draft, and he's continued to re-sign with them until this season. The 31-year-old catcher has promising plate discipline and sufficient power to be a decent major league back-up, if Chicago needs another backstop.

Daubach would have impressive upside if he could improve his contact rate, but even at his current skill level he offers the White Sox a nice level of production for a low cost. He has a solid walk rate and moderate power skills. I expect the 30-year-old to make the team out of Spring Training, serving as a pinch hitter, as well as a reserve at first, DH, and the outfield corners. His addition to the bench, likely means the White Sox will only carry 11 pitchers.

Florida drafted Steve Morales out of high school with their 23rd round pick in the 1996 draft. With a little improvement in his walk rate, the 24-year-old could develop into a decent back-up as he has a little power. However, he's currently at least fourth in line for the White Sox's catcher at-bats.

Brian Cooper appears to need a move to relief to maximize his skills. However in that capacity the 28-year-old should be able develop into a useful bullpen option for the White Sox. Gil Heredia did not pitch for a major league affiliate last season. Nevertheless, the skills he's displayed in the past as a starter indicate, the 37-year-old could provide the White Sox with a decent reliever.

Esteban Loaiza will compete for a rotation spot in Spring Training, but at the moment he appears to be favored over Jon Rauch. He missed the first month and a half of last season with a slap lesion in his shoulder, so he's a significant injury risk. However, the 31-year-old should be able to provide the White Sox with at least league average innings, as long as he remains healthy, and the additional minor league time should be good for Rauch. Loaiza will reportedly receive $500,000 contract provided he breaks camp with Chicago, and the White Sox will have a $3.5M option for 2004 with a $150,000 buyout.