Every year, writers try to help ignite the Cubs-White Sox rivalry prior to the interleague series. Back in ’05, Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle was asked if he’d ever sign with the Cubs:
"It depends. It’s one of those things that if no team in baseball wants me and they do, I’ll go over there and sign. But I have my places that in the back of my mind — I’m not saying Wrigley — there are a couple of cities that if I was a free agent and they offered me, I wouldn’t go there. Even if it came down to however much money, I just wouldn’t feel comfortable going to those places to play."
He didn’t exactly seem open to donning a Cub uniform at that point. It’s interesting to note that the article indicates that Buehrle might avoid New York, regardless of money.
Has anything changed, two years later? Not really, but it seems that Buehrle leaves the door open an extra crack now that he may actually depart the White Sox:
"Anything’s possible. Put it that way. I never say never because I said I’d never throw a no-hitter and that happened. Anything’s possible. I’m not a big fan of going over to that place. It would be different. Just with the whole Cubs-Sox rivalry, it’s just so hectic getting over there, tickets and all that stuff."
Still looks like a long shot for Buehrle to become the Cubs’ third southpaw in ’08. Interestingly, it could become four if Donald Veal comes along. Realistically, his hometown Cardinals remain the favorite for Buehrle. If he wants to stay in the midwest, maybe the Reds would become an option.
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