February 18

2010 Topps Heritage #170 - Alex Rios

On this day in 1981, Alex Rios was born.

Rios was claimed off of waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays in August 2009. At his peak in early 2008, Alex signed a seven year contract with the Jays worth a guaranteed amount of $69,835,000: $5.9 million in 2009, $9.7 million in 2010, $12 million each in 2011 and 2012 and $12.5 million each in 2013 and 2014. By the end of 2008, Rios started his decline.

High expectations followed Alex into Chicago, where some people thought that a change of scenery and entering a situation where the burdens of winning weren't square on his shoulders could help him reach his full potential. There have been small flashes of brilliance, but nothing so far that has justified the climbing salary. Perhaps with a change in manager and coaches, Rios will finally see his potential on display consistently.


White Sox February 18th birthdays:

1889 - George Mogridge
1922 - Joe Tipton
1939 - Bob Miller
1944 - Syd O'Brien
1952 - Marc Hill
1960 - Bob Fallon
1964 - Kevin Tapani
1981 - Alex Rios