Mark Buehrle’s future with the White Sox looks more promising.
Assistant General Manager Rick Hahn flew Wednesday from Chicago to Florida to negotiate an extension that would keep Buehrle from being traded before the July 31 non-waiver deadline.
“I think everyone knows where my heart’s at, where I want to stay and how badly I want to stay here,” Buehrle said after the Sox mounted a late rally to help him earn a 5-3 victory over Tampa Bay and extend their winning streak to three games Wednesday night.
“If anyone has a question thinking I’m going to St. Louis after this season when I’m a free agent, if it gets to that point, they’re wrong. I want to stay here and do everything I can to stay there.”
Hahn was scheduled to meet with Buehrle’s agent Jeff Berry, who was surprised by reports a contract extension was imminent. “Nothing’s going on,” Berry said. “I’m not sure where those reports are coming from.”
Buehrle, who won his 102nd game with the Sox, can become a free agent after this season and would expect to receive a significant raise from his $9.5 million salary.
“If Buehrle was my kid, ‘Hey, make your money,’ ” manager Ozzie Guillen said before the game. “But Buehrle is my pitcher. I think he’s going to sign.
“Hopefully, we sign him before we get to Chicago [Sunday night]. That’s everybody’s hope.”
Buehrle said a report that he was close to a four-year, $50 million contract was premature.
“I guess I signed it,” Buehrle deadpanned. “They must have drugged me last night, and I signed it.”
There are several prickly issues that must be resolved.
About a year ago, Buehrle rejected an offer that would have paid him $10 million in 2008 and $10.5 million in 2009, plus a club option. Since then, the free-agent market for pitchers has exploded, with left-hander Barry Zito receiving $126 million over seven years from San Francisco.
The Major League Baseball Players Association is expected to monitor the negotiations because a Buehrle signing could have an impact on the market for left-handed pitchers this winter.
Guillen sensed both sides have an artificial deadline of Monday for reaching a deal, with the Sox likely to deal Buehrle if they can’t reach an agreement.
