By Mark Gonzales
Less than two weeks ago, D.J. Carrasco was eager to play a more prominent role in the White Sox's bullpen.
He enjoyed his breakout season in 2009 and the opportunity to make more money as a first-year arbitration-eligible player.
But now that won't be with the Sox, who informed his agent before 5 p.m. Saturday that they wouldn't tender him a contract for 2010 and thus make him a free agent.
Less than two weeks ago, D.J. Carrasco was eager to play a more prominent role in the White Sox's bullpen.
He enjoyed his breakout season in 2009 and the opportunity to make more money as a first-year arbitration-eligible player.
But now that won't be with the Sox, who informed his agent before 5 p.m. Saturday that they wouldn't tender him a contract for 2010 and thus make him a free agent.
Carrasco, who made $440,000 last season, was offered a $160,000 raise.
That wasn't what he or his agent had in mind, and the gulf became
apparent during a lunch Wednesday at the winter meetings involving
Carrasco's agent and a Sox official.
The Sox were moving closer to signing J.J. Putz at the time despite increased interest. When Putz passed his physical and signed a $3 million contract with an additional $3 million in incentives on Friday, Carrasco became more expendable because of the Sox's bullpen depth and that they could use rookies Daniel Hudson, Sergio Santos or Carlos Torres to fill that role for 2010 near the major league minimum of $400,000.
Whether Carrasco can double his salary depends on the interest that teams express. But they shouldn't question his versatility, especially after what he did for the Sox in 2009.
The Sox were moving closer to signing J.J. Putz at the time despite increased interest. When Putz passed his physical and signed a $3 million contract with an additional $3 million in incentives on Friday, Carrasco became more expendable because of the Sox's bullpen depth and that they could use rookies Daniel Hudson, Sergio Santos or Carlos Torres to fill that role for 2010 near the major league minimum of $400,000.
Whether Carrasco can double his salary depends on the interest that teams express. But they shouldn't question his versatility, especially after what he did for the Sox in 2009.
Get our updates on 
Rrrrram rammm brrumba baaaaam baba rummaba baaa Gaaaa Gaaa rummmbraa baaa Bbbad Roamance!
Lady Gaga RULES
White Sox Stink, as thye have for the past 200 years.
Pride.....tradition...........1919
Cheatin like Tiger Woods........White Sox baby
mmmmy my pka my poka my poka faaaaaaaace
Here to entertain
Gaga Surf
I agree that a couple of hundred grand was a bit chinsy but to u guys that feel the sox are out of contention because carasco is gone I kinda wish you'd head on up to the north side...
za
Carrasco didn't mean much.
If seven million dollars were Involved MAYBE I could understand this nonsense, but the Sox offered $700,000, while DJ wanted $800,000?
If the current Sox management can't afford to compete MAYBE It's time to fold up the tent and go home. Sell the team to someone who can. I'm personaly real tired of listening to the whining. We don't get cut rate ticket price. The cost of food and drinks are outragous as Is the parking. I go Spring training every year there's noting cut rate there either.
We don't even talk about the three real players that would have made this team a contender. FIGGINS, BAY and LACKY. We constantly pick off the scrap heap and then as fans we have to cross our fingers and hope.
Not one player added to this team since the Rios signing has made the the White Sox a clear cut contender to go back to the world series, or the team to beat!
Warren Weaver,
Letting your customers set your standards is a dangerous game, because the race to the bottom is pretty easy to win...
Setting your own standards and living up to them is a better way to profit.
Not to m ention a better way to make your day worth all the effort you put into it.