The White Sox have come to terms on a deal with first-round pick Chris Sale, according to Jim Callis of Baseball America. The pitcher, who was taken 13th overall, agreed to a bonus of $1.656MM.
The bonus figure is surprising as it is equal to MLB's bonus recommendation for his No. 13 slot in the 2009 draft. The Florida Gulf Coast University product was considered by teams to be the first or second-best college pitcher in the draft.
While Sale will get less money than anticipated, Callis writes that he will be given every opportunity to join the big league bullpen, perhaps as early as August. Sale will start off in high-A in Salem with the goal of jumping to Triple-A Charlotte in mid-July.
Sale's agent, B.B. Abbott of Jet Sports Management, conceded that deal will be "perceived in the industry" as a victory for the White Sox, but believes that it is in the best interest of his client.
"While we felt extremely confident that a larger bonus would be available later in the summer, we think Chris not only has a viable opportunity to pitch in the big leagues this year, but a very good chance to do so. As we did with Zack Wheeler last year, we considered the opportunity, the risk and the reward. As clear as it was that Zack should wait, it is equally clear that this is a legitimate opportunity for Chris to pitch in the big leagues in six weeks or less with a contending team. While this was not an easy decision, we believe it is the right decision," Abbott said.
Sale is now the highest-drafted player to agree to a deal thus far. You can keep track of the bonuses that first rounders, supplemental rounders, and other noteworthy picks obtain right here.
“…this is a legitimate opportunity for Chris to pitch in the big leagues in six weeks or less with a contending team.”
There’s something wrong with the last part of this quote…
They’re 9-1 and have swept the last two teams they faced. Before that they won series against the Tigers and Cubs. Being only 5.5 back and on a roll, I think that anyone would call them a contending team.
Hmm, my bad then. I’m not really a close AL follower, and just last week there was talk about them blowing it up. So I guess I assumed. Just goes to show how much can change in a week’s time, especially in that division.
The key thing is that it seems the rotation is starting to gel as was advertised this spring. That and Teahen isn’t playing…
I would not be surprised if KW makes some moves, but letting AJ’s 10 and 5 rights vest last week tells me that no fire sale is coming.
I don’t like that when I look at this team there’s huge flaws that no one will fix. The player with the 2nd worst WAR in the whole major leagues still starts in right field for us. Mark Kotsay regularly starts at DH for us with his around .200 average. Juan Pierre is simply the most frustrating player I’ve ever watched. Scott Linebrink is in the major leagues. It goes on. I don’t feel the team can be competitive in the playoffs if obvious flaws aren’t fixed, even if our rotation performs as they should.
If you’re not a close AL follower, then why are you commenting on the White Sox?
Because I wanted to piss you off. Specifically you. Jeez dude, come on. A week ago, did you think you’d be a contender now? Unless you’re psychic or something, the answer is no. I don’t check the AL standings for one week, and the Sox go from the verge of rebuilding to a contender again. I made a mistake, not many teams can go from that bad to that good in that short of time. So I guess I assumed.
The White Sox are only 5.5 games out of first place, have won their last 6 games, and 9 out of their last 10. Yes, they are a contending team.
The White Sox have a losing record against all divisions in the AL.
The White Sox still have 3 1/2 months of baseball yet to play against all divisions in the AL.
Yeah to comment on this signing, it goes to show another reason why I love this organization. Even though they go through struggles and seem to miss sometimes, the intent to win is still there. They (Kenny, front office, and Jerry) are always making strong moves in attempt to win. Whether it’s taking a risk on trades, waiver claims, or signing draft picks the Sox have shown the ability to make some good moves. The only two qualms I have are with scouting and, relatedly, the minor league development system. I think if there were better scouts who could provide Kenny and Rick with better info on player development (i.e. seeing Teahen continue to be a bum on our team, or Fields last year) there would be less misses. But that could be said for every team in baseball there are gonna be some positives and decent amount of negatives in every front office move. And hopefully the minor league system will pay some dividends withing the next 2 or 3 seasons with Buddy at the helm.
I thought Chris was going to start. Well I guess they will go the Buerhle route and let him pitch in the pen, and then transition him to a starter.
Alright I get it now. He will be in the pen this year, moving to a starter in the AFL with a chance to make the starting rotation next year.