Tracy Ringolsby posted on his Twitter account that in return for starting pitcher Gavin Floyd, the White Sox were asking for both Ian Stewart and Dexter Fowler.  He declared such a proposition to be “silly.” [Inside the Rockies]

There should be an announcement either today or tomorrow regarding Alexei Ramirez and his 2011 contract.  The White Sox shortstop will either be offered a contract extension or exercise his player option and opt out of his $1.1 million salary for 2011.  If he chooses to opt out, the White Sox can either exercise their $2.75 million club option, or take their chances in arbitration. [Chicago Breaking Sports]

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ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick eloquently details the heartbreaking story of the death of Trevor Correia, and the subsequent grieving process of his brother, Kevin.  “I would quit baseball right now to have [Trevor] back.  Nothing will be able to compare to that,” said the Padres starting pitcher.  Without a doubt, this is one of the best articles that I have read in some time. [Jerry Crasnick, ESPN]

With all of the ongoing hoopla regarding Derek Jeter and the New York Yankees, the folks over at Climbing Tal’s Hill decide to take a look at four different Astros players who spent their entire career playing for the organization. [Climbing Tal’s Hill]

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Before the Detroit Tigers landed Victor Martinez, the Texas Rangers were allegedly interested in landing the free agent catcher.  The Rangers, who seem to be looking for an upgrade from Mitch Moreland at first base, now might be interested in Paul Konerko. [Baseball Time in Arlington]

Jim Margalus shares his thoughts on the Chicago White Sox decision to decline arbitration on catcher A.J. Pierzynski.  He also explores the potential outcomes of the White Sox decision, ranging from the “most likely to the most dangerous.” [Sox Machine]

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The Chicago White Sox have offered arbitration to 1B Paul Konerko and RHP J.J. Putz…..the team ultimately chose not to offer arbitration to OF/DH Manny Ramirez, as well as catcher A.J. Pierzynski…..we will have more information as soon as it is made available. [@InsideTheSox]

On Monday, the White Sox claimed RHP Waldis Joaquin off waivers from the San Francisco Giants….. Joaquin, 23, broke camp with the Giants in 2010 but was demoted to Triple-A in early May…..posted a 9.64 ERA out of the Giants bullpen…..White Sox see something in the kid, considering in 2009 he registered a 2.25 ERA in 44 appearances while splitting time between Double-A and Triple-A. [MLBTR]

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Since its commencement, I have never considered, nor wanted, this site to be a forum for the endless criticism and public humiliation of other bloggers and baseball writers.  Every writer or website has its flaws; nobody’s perfect.  Still, as both a writer and general baseball obsessive, I can always look past any petty grievance that I may have and appreciate the analysis and creativity at the heart of someone’s work.  It’s like when you are a pitching and one of your fielders makes a costly error behind you: it’s not like the guy did it on purpose.  At the same time, when a player isn’t giving a wholehearted effort, it’s painfully obvious.

That might be why I was astonished at the blatant lack of thought and effort that Chicago Tribune sportswriter, Phil Rogers, put into his Saturday column.  Rogers, who covers the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox for the Tribune, wrote an article titled, “Here’s a not so modest proposal for Chicago baseball,” that suggested the Cubs and White Sox should not only swap General Managers, but also execute an 11-player trade between the two organizations.

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