July 2009 - Chicago White Sox Wiretap

The White Sox have acquired outfielder Juan Pierre from the Dodgers, according to sources. Pierre has $18.5 million left on his deal, but sources say Chicago will pay just $3 million in 2010 and $5 million in 2011. The Dodgers received two minor leaguers and cash for the outfielder.

White Sox general manager Kenny Williams told the Chicago Tribune that Bobby Jenks is still the team's closer. Chicago signed reliever J.J. Putz on Friday. "Obviously, Bobby is the closer," Williams said in a conference call. "(Matt) Thornton can do a little of both, and now you have J.J. who can do that. And everyone else fills in behind them."

The White Sox have signed relief pitcher J.J. Putz to a one-year, $3 million deal. Putz can make another $3.25 million in incentives if he closes games for Chicago all season. Putz is rehabbing an elbow injury. He had bone spurs removed from the elbow last season, limiting his only season with the Mets. "We've been on this for quite some time," White Sox general manager Kenny Williams said. "We've been monitoring him ever since the season ended. His daily workouts we're very familiar with. We've had weekly progress reports. When our doctors finally got their hands on him he passed his physical with flying colors. We couldn't be happier with what was communicated to us by our doctors. "We feel now from the top of the rotation to the bottom of the bullpen we're as strong as we've ever been."

The White Sox are reportedly one of two teams that have let the Yankees know they have interest in outfielder Brett Gardner. The Royals are the other club, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. New York's center field rotation got crowded earlier in the week when the Yankees acquired Curtis Granderson from the Tigers. They also have Melky Cabrera at the position. Many see Gardner as a prototypical leadoff man. He hit .270 with three home runs and 23 RBIs in 2009. He added 26 stolen bases in 108 games.

The White Sox have agreed to a three-year, $14 million contract with newly-acquired third baseman Mark Teahen. Chicago acquired Teahen from Kansas City on Nov. 6 for Chris Getz and Josh Fields. Teahen is a career .269 hitter in 676 career games.

White Sox general manager Ken Williams said Friday that he is not shopping closer Bobby Jenks. Williams downplayed reports of a rift and said "we value him here" during a conference call with Chicago reporters.