Kenny Williams Enters Pissing Contest

I'm not exactly sure what Kenny Williams from the Chicago White Sox is trying to do. The off and on talks between the Sox and Mark Buehrle appear to be off for good. Apparently, the Sox offered Buehrle a four year deal in the range of $56 million. Buehrle countered with the same numbers but a full no-trade clause. The Sox shot that down and Buehrle came back suggesting that a 5th year for $17 million would kick in if he was traded. The Sox again shot down Buehrle's option. Now pretty much every other team would probably have jumped on the 28 year old Buehrle for those numbers, even with his request for a no-trade clause. Looking around the league there are plenty of horrible pitchers making more than that, as well as pitchers similar to Buehrle making more. At what point is a no-trade clause that big of a deal for a GM? If Buehrle hits rock bottom and is worthless, no one is taking a pitcher for $14 million a year. If Buehrle continues strong and remains a bargain for $14 million, you're not going to want to get rid of him. I'm not sure if Carl Pavano had a no-trade clause in his contract, but if he did, do you think Brian Cashman was sitting there saying "man I wish we didn't have that no-trade clause, people are knocking the door down to get a piece of him." On the reverse side of that, what GM says "man we're out of it this year but we have this strong pitcher signed for another two years at a quality value...let me see if I can sell him off."

The only way this no trade clause becomes a factor is if Chicago's out of it 4 years from now, and they are looking to wheel off Buehrle. Are you really going to worry about 6 months of a season and the little in return you'll get for a rental? Not to mention, there will probably be a team willing to pay that 5th year if they need Buehrle bad enough the year prior. Williams will probably trade off Buehrle now, Buehrle will probably get more money for his services in free agency (along with a no-trade clause), and continue to be a solid pitcher. Meanwhile, Williams will probably get a few decent to sub-par prospects that may not even be around in a few years and Chicago will lose a key piece of their pitching. Nothing like telling your fans you're ready to lose.

To read more of Williams to stupidity go here

Buehrle Talks Crumble