• Gordon Beckham is ecstatic that Paul Konerko will be retuning to the South Side next season.  Apparently it was Konerko who helped the White Sox second baseman through his toughest times in 2010,  “He helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel. He helped me get perspective on the game.”

• About a week and a half ago I posted a link to Sox Machine’s survey on all of Kenny Williams’ trades in his 10-years as the Chicago White Sox GM.  Readers were asked to vote from 1 to 10 on his 50+ trades, with 1 being awful and 10 being a miracle.  Well, the results are in…

• With all of the offensive pieces in place for the 2011 season, the White Sox are now addressing their only glaring weakness, the bullpen.  However, after shelling out the big bucks for Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko and A.J. Pierzynski, they will most likely have to make a trade to add a reputable arm.

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After testing positive for cocaine, Lil’ Ron Washington was sent to his room.

When I was at the store the other day, I decided to pick up a copy of the latest issue of “Baseball Beckett,” which I must say has become rather bulky since my last purchase.  Anyway, as I was flipping through some of the opening tidbits and articles, I came across one such piece that was far too good not to pass along.

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The Texas Rangers have made it clear that they will do everything in their power to re-sign starting pitcher Cliff Lee this off-season.  While signing Lee would obviously be the ideal outcome for the reigning American League Champions, there is no reason to believe that the Rangers should live-or-die by him, especially with a prospect like Martin Perez surging through the Minor Leagues.  And while there is an inherent risk in signing the 32-year old Lee – as there is with signing any 32-year old pitcher – the left-handed Perez is just 20-years old and already has a full Double-A season under his belt.

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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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• On Tuesday, the Atlanta Braves declined to offer arbitration to both Troy Glaus and Derrek Lee, indicating that prospect Freddie Freeman will get the nod at first base in 2011.

• Last week the Florida Marlins traded Dan Uggla to the Atlanta Braves for infielder Omar Infante and relief pitcher Mike Dunn.   Two of our writers, Griff and Dee, actually played with and against him in high school.  Marlin Maniac offers a scouting report and projection for the left-hander.

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