He gone... Buehrle to join Guillen in Miami
The White Sox have been saying goodbye to Mark Buehrle for months.
While some might have been holding out hope the workhorse left-handed starting pitcher would buck some long odds and find his way back to the South Side to finish his career in a Sox uniform, there was almost no chance that was going to happen due to financial issues.
On Buehrle’s side, the 32-year-old icon was looking for one more big contract. On the White Sox’ side, they are slashing payroll and in the early stages of a rebuilding project.
Sox captain Paul Konerko knew how it was ultimately going to play out, but he was still staggered Wednesday when he found out Buehrle is leaving the Sox and rejoining manager Ozzie Guillen with the Marlins.
Miami continued its wild spending spree by signing the free-agent pitcher to a four-year, $58-million contract.
“You knew it was going to happen, but it’s always a shock when you actually see it on TV,” Konerko told the Daily Herald on Wednesday night.
Players come and players go in major-league baseball, but Buehrle was in a different class. A new starter — likely Chris Sale — will step in for Buehrle next season, but the void will never be filled.
“My thoughts are that it is tough, sad day for White Sox,” Konerko said. “So many different ways. No way to spin this any other way, just try to get over it and move on. All his teammates hate seeing him go, I guarantee you that.”
Easygoing on and off the field, Buehrle was fond of mocking his glaring lack of arm strength.
On a good day and with the wind at his back, Buehrle barely hit 90 mph with his fastball. But the pride of St. Charles, Mo., was a master of changing speeds, hitting his spots and fielding his position.
Selected on the 38th round of the 1998 draft, Buehrle broke in with the White Sox in 2000.
Buehrle was a career 161-119 with a 3.83 ERA for the Sox. He ranks sixth in franchise history in wins.
In addition to being one of the most popular pitchers in White Sox history, Buehrle was one of the most productive.
He pitched a perfect game against the Rays, a no-hitter against the Rangers, is a four-time all-star and has won three straight Gold Gloves.
Buehrle also helped the Sox win the World Series in 2005, going 2-0 with a 3.47 ERA and 1 save in the postseason.
Over the last 11 seasons, Buehrle has thrown at least 200 innings while making at least 30 starts and winning 10 games, the longest streak in the majors.
In addition, he has never been on the disabled list.
Had the White Sox not flopped so badly last season with a $128 million payroll, maybe there would have been money for Buehrle. Instead, the Sox are stuck with players like Adam Dunn, Alex Rios and Jake Peavy, who make a combined $43 million in 2012.
By the way, that is $2 million more than Tampa Bay’s entire 2011 payroll, and the Rays won the American League wild-card berth.
General manager Kenny Williams has been ultra-aggressive over the years, and that is what you’d expect from a big-market club.
But Williams has clearly been off his game as of late, and now the White Sox are feeling the painful effects.
“Two words probably best sums it up: It (stinks),” Williams said of Buehrle’s departure at the winter meetings in Dallas. “But this is part of sports. It’s part of the business. Your favorite players and my favorite players will come and they will go.”
While Williams is sad to see Buehrle go, Guillen could not be more thrilled.
Buehrle and Guillen were together for the past eight years with the White Sox and are very close.
I’m very happy to have this kid,” Guillen said. “He’s one of my favorite players. The Marlins know how much I love him. I know how much he can help us.”
sgregor@dailyherald.com