With the loss of Jorge Fabregas further depleting the White Sox’s supply of left-handed hitters, General Manager Ron Schueler will fight to keep Dave Martinez from joining the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.
Martinez, a free agent who lives outside of Tampa, led the Sox’s left-handed hitters with 12 home runs and 55 RBIs last year. He has received “a good offer” from the Devil Rays, according to Schueler. But he believes the 33-year-old Martinez can contribute on a White Sox roster loaded with good prospects in the outfield and at first base.
“I just think he’s a good fit for us,” Schueler said Thursday. “I know he likes Tampa because it’s home, and it would be easier for his family. I know he really has enjoyed his three years here. If we can be competitive with our offer, I think we can get him back.”
Schueler said the Sox will counter the Devil Rays with a multiyear offer. He hinted they are strongly considering offering Martinez salary arbitration by the Dec. 7 deadline, which would vest them to receive a high draft choice as compensation because Martinez is a Type A free agent. Signings before the deadline require draft-choice compensation.
Arbitration would be a risk for the White Sox. Martinez earned $950,000 in salary and bonuses last year but could seek two or three times that much if he accepted the offer of arbitration.
Agent Alan Nero told the St. Petersburg Times he is talking to Devil Rays GM Chuck LaMar about deals for Martinez and free agent third baseman Wade Boggs. He said he’s “optimistic that might happen.”
Despite the emergence of first baseman Mario Valdez and outfielders Mike Cameron, Magglio Ordonez and Jeff Abbott, Schueler said Martinez would “play a lot more for us than (Tampa Bay).”
Nearing an end: Schueler says he is “60-70 percent” finished with his initial rounds of interviews for the vacant managerial job. He didn’t put a timetable on it but said he hopes to complete that phase by Thanksgiving, then enlisting Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf’s help in making a selection from the finalists.
According to a major league source, Detroit bench coach Larry Parrish will receive strong consideration. Parrish might appeal to the White Sox because he has helped develop the Tigers’ young team. He interviewed with both Toronto and Tampa Bay last month but is not among the Jays’ finalists. New York Yankees third-base coach Willie Randolph, former Detroit shortstop Alan Trammell and San Diego Triple-A manager Jerry Royster are among those believed to be under consideration.
Housekeeping: Creating room for 10 rising prospects, the White Sox designated for assignment right-hander Jeff Darwin and infielder Chad Fonville. They added pitchers John Ambrose, Lorenzo Barcelo, Derek Hasselhoff, Bobby Howry, Jason Olsen, Todd Rizzo and John Snyder; catcher Mark Johnson; third baseman Carlos Lee; and outfielder Brian Simmons. Schueler set the roster at 40 players.
