Has Juan Uribe Been Placed On Waivers?

There's a reason why I haven't commented on this situation yet. I just don't know which story to believe. The rumors have him placed on waivers. One story has Juan pulled off of waivers. Another story has Juan never placed there. I'm confused.

Making matters worse, the Sox can't comment on the situation. This always leads to wild speculation. So, is he or isn't he? I guess we'll find out in the next few days. South Side Sox has a good report on the whole affair.

I've also heard that there was no interest in him for a trade, so he was placed on waivers. This led to at least one team expressing a lot of interest. That response led to the White Sox pulling Uribe from waivers to hash out a trade with the team(s) of interest.

If this sounds confusing, it is. Without any confirmation, it's all speculation right now. Does this mean that Juan Uribe is on his way out? Does this mean Alexei Ramirez is the second baseman? Or does it mean that Brian Roberts is headed to the White Sox in a trade? Your guess is as good as mine.

Brian Roberts would solve the leadoff spot and put a solid second baseman in the lineup. I have a feeling that the Sox think that Alexei Ramirez can fill that role nicely. I would hate to see that Alexei is a Spring Training player that cools off when he gets to the regular season. Past examples of this type of player include Juan Uribe and Brian Anderson.

Whatever the outcome, it should be an interesting few days watching this pan out. It could turn into nothing or it could be the move that puts the White Sox over the top. We'll find out the results at the end of the season.

California Cool

Jon Garland to the Angels for Orlando Cabrera and cash.

Not exactly the Cabrera I was expecting to be on the White Sox. Considering Orlando's OBP is average, it will be a step up from the lows this past season. My question is, now that the Sox picked up Juan Uribe's $5MM option and a new $9MM shortstop, what do they do with Juan Uribe? I'm sure Kenny Williams has something in mind, but I'd love to know what.

I've been a vocal champion for Jon Garland since he got to the South Side. I just didn't have a blog until this month. I've been pulling for this guy for a long time. First off, it was just a great trade to hold over the Cubs. Their top prospect for one crappy reliever. I'm happy when Garland's successful and frustrated when he's not. Jon has a boatload of potential. He just doesn't tap into it all the time.

The press around Chicago would get on his case a lot for the way he presented himself. He came off as not caring, but it was his California upbringing. Jon's laid back and doesn't let things get to him. It certainly didn't help that he was constantly in trade rumors for the past few years.

I've learned long ago that baseball is a business. That doesn't mean that you don't get attached to players. That's the beauty of this game. Players stick with you for one reason or another. It could be a great performance or a kind gesture or you think the guy looks like your uncle. Whatever it is, you latch on to these players and follow their careers long after they've left your team. Jon is one of those guys for me.

Jon, I appreciated all that you've done for the White Sox. Usually a guaranteed 12 wins a season and a World Championship. Good luck in California. Maybe you'll make your way back to the White Sox in free agency. To Orlando Cabrera, welcome to Chicago. You'll love it here.