Hot Stove

The Aunt Jemima treatment

Well under way...

First, the Sox agree to a one-year deal with back-up backstop Chris Widger. A smart move, he was solid off the bench all year.

Second, the Sox bought out Frank Thomas' contract for $3.5 million. No surprise. Thomas, for all practical purposes, now becomes a free agent. Its doubtful he'll sign with any other club. For one thing, he's a DH only, so that eliminates half the teams in MLB right there. Second, Frank doesn't want to leave Chicago. He's been here 15 years, has put down roots, and, so I'm told, is getting married to a local gal here this month... The Sox will keep an eye on his health, invite him to spring training, and give him a deal worth $500,000-$1.5 million that is chock full of incentives. I'd like to see FT back in a Sox uni - I think if he's healthly, he has 2-3 good years left in him. This season, his services, including the buyout, will cost the Sox between $4-6 million.