Scott Podsednik News

It's easy to support the theory of A.J. Pierzynski standing out as one of the most valuable players on the White Sox roster during his five-year tenure in Chicago.

For the second time in a week, the White Sox signed an aging player they have sought for years, although the question is whether outfielder Andruw Jones can be as valuable as infielder Omar Vizquel , or whether either might be the new Bartolo Colon .

The Chicago White Sox have signed outfielder Andruw Jones to a one-year contract for $500,000, with a chance to make $1 million in performance bonuses.

Ozzie Guillen was asked during Monday's conference call announcing Omar Vizquel's free-agent signing what needs his White Sox had to fill as Thanksgiving approached.

The White Sox announced on Monday that they signed 42-year-old, 11-time Gold Glover Omar Vizquel to a one-year, $1.375-million contract.

Ozzie Guillen would like to confidently admit that the White Sox are indeed close to signing free agent shortstop Omar Vizquel for the 2010 season, but then again, the manager knows how it works.

Don't expect a stampede Friday when the White Sox and the other 29 major-league teams can start tendering contracts to free agents.

Mark Buehrle suffered from a lack of support Tuesday night. But the White Sox made the most of their meager offense when Tadahito Iguchi ripped a two-out double off Esteban Yan in the 11th inning to score Joe Crede for a 2-1 victory over the Angels.

Ken Williams appreciates Scott Podsednik's contributions, but the White Sox general manager said he won't sacrifice other needs for the sake of filling the leadoff role.

What will it take to get Marlon Byrd back? Do you think Mike Cameron could be an option? -- Mary R., Fort Worth It will likely take a three-year contract from anywhere between $18-24 million to re-sign Byrd.

The question handed to Ken Williams during Monday's opening afternoon of the 2009 General Managers Meetings at the O'Hare Hilton dealt with respect, and the topic of the respect question was free-agent outfielder/designated hitter Hideki Matsui.

This week's general managers' meetings were trimmed by one day, which probably suits the White Sox 's Ken Williams and his fellow competitors based on the trades that occurred immediately after the World Series.

The acquisition of Mark Teahen and move of Gordon Beckham from third base to second base is just the start of a busy offseason for the Chicago White Sox.

The highly productive Jermaine Dye era on the South Side of Chicago, which included a 2005 World Series title during his first year with the team, appeared to come to an end on Friday when the White Sox bought out the right fielder's mutual option for $950,000. But during a Friday morning conference call to discuss the acquisition of Mark Teahen ...

Aaron Hill was named the American League's Comeback Player of the Year on Tuesday as part of the 2009 Players Choice Awards.

The finalists for the annual Players Choice Awards, which are chosen by the players themselves in conjuction with the Major League Baseball Players Association and Upper Deck, were released today.

Orlando Hernandez's reputation as a big-game pitcher will be put to the test Sunday.

Thome was decked out in Dodger blue. It all looked so wrong. And it seemed all so right.

The White Sox boast a 22-15 record in games against left-handed starters, including a triumph over five-time Cy Young Award winner Randy Johnson.

With this White Sox team, it's a good idea to come early and stay late. The Sox have outscored opponents 53-28 in the first inning and 57-42 in the eighth and ninth innings.