The White Sox are starting to realize that the best arm in the bullpen probably deserves to be rewarded. Even though Bobby and the White Sox are a long way from worrying about this, it looks like they are talking about an extension.

I'm not one that favors lengthy contracts for pitchers, but this seems like a good idea. The White Sox have shied away from giving huge contracts out to pitchers because of the many times they have been burned. They don't usually give out lengthy contracts period, because of that reason.

It seems that every time a White Sox player gets a long contract, they get injured before the ink has dried. Hopefully that won't happen to Bobby. I'd like to see him in a White Sox uniform for a long time. He may even challenge Bobby Thigpen's save record someday. Although, I think that record is pretty safe for now. Bobby Jenks is the first Sox pitcher to have back to back 40 save seasons, so it's not out of the realm of possibility.

I've been hearing rumblings tonight that the White Sox have signed Scott Linebrink. It's about time that Kenny Williams addressed the bullpen issue. This could be wishful thinking on Bruce Levine's part. He's a reporter for the Chicago based ESPN radio station. Apparently, the signing is pending a physical next week. If this turns out to be true, this is a good sign for the Sox.

I expect one or two more trades and maybe two more free agent signings after this. Again, this is pure speculation. The way I see it, the Sox have too many third basemen, too many shortstops, too few outfielders and too few relief pitchers. So this potential signing makes sense.

Scott seems to be a perfect fit for a setup man for Bobby Jenks. The only thing that's making me leery about this is that there's no mention of it on whitesox.com or any of the official MLB sites. If this signing is the real thing, welcome to the South Side, Scott. You'll love it here and we need your pitching expertise desperately.

***UPDATE: It has been confirmed Linebrink has signed a four year, $19MM contract.***

I can't wait for signings and trades to start flying! Essentially, Bobby Jenks is the only relief pitcher that has a safe job. The Sox can probably get by with the defensive holes and/or batting slumps that the position players brought in 2007. They need a top notch middle relief! I can't begin to remember all the games the bullpen lost trying to get from the starter to Jenks. Too many for my comfort level. I don't expect perfection all the time, but c'mon, 2007 was ridiculous!

The way I figure it they have a few options. I'm not holding out any hope for Scott Linebrink. He's going to be costly and I don't think he's going to be worth the eventual cost. I'm sure I'm missing a few players, but the White Sox tend to go after certain players more often than others. Usually mid 20's to mid 30's. Some projects that failed in other team's systems. Coming off down years or "under the radar" players. Players that tend not to rock the boat and do their job without drama. Players that come as a bargain, so the Sox can make a big splash through a signing or a trade. It's definitely a bonus if a player has no connections to Scott Boras.

These potential free agents seem to fit the mold of what the White Sox might be looking for this winter.

• Francisco Cordero - Brewers - RHRP age 32 (Milwaukee is supposed to make a push to retain him, but he may opt to see what else is out there)
• Joselo Diaz - Japan - RHRP age 27 (an ex-Royal, signable for under $350,000)
• Octavio Dotel - Braves - RHRP age 33 (ex-Royal, always seems to be rumored to be part of package deals to the Sox when he was in KC)
• Hitoki Iwase - Japan - LHRP age 32 (the White Sox are one of many teams supposedly in the running)
• Joe Kennedy - Blue Jays - LHRP age 28 (left-hander who has bounced around the last couple of years)
• Dan Kolb - Nationals - RHRP age 32 (ex-Boras client and Illinois native)
• Jay Witasick - Devil Rays - RHRP age 29 (could be available if Rays use the buyout option for 2008)
  

I have a good feeling about next year. I hope that feeling will be proven right. The bullpen can't implode two years in a row, can it?