In Chicago, Barry Rozner writes following the White Sox' moves at last week's winter meetings, there is "no doubt" about Chair Jerry Reinsdorf's "desire to win -- and win quickly." White Sox fans "are optimistic and talking about their team again" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 12/15). Also in Chicago, Paul Sullivan writes the "stench of the 99-loss season" of the '13 White Sox "has dissipated, and almost overnight the perception of the Sox as conservative spenders has been blown to smithereens" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 12/15).
BEHIND THE CURTAIN: Pirates President Frank Coonelly on Saturday said of the Marlins signing RF Giancarlo Stanton to a 13-year, $325M contract, "They thought it was a great deal. It's all in the eyes of the beholder or perspective." Coonelly said of conversations with Marlins Owner Jeffrey Loria and President David Samson at the owners meetings, "They said to me, ’Well, you don't understand. He has an out after six years and those first six years are only going to cost $107 million, and then after those six years he'll leave and go and play for somebody else. So it's not really $325 million'" (POST-GAZETTE.com, 12/13). Meanwhile, the Pirates on Saturday unveiled their "new alternate camo jerseys" (MLB.com, 12/13).
JAY IT AIN'T SO: In Toronto, Steve Simmons wrote there is "still not a word" from Blue Jays owners Rogers Communications following the "messy end run that angered and embarrassed" President & CEO Paul Beeston. Rogers' "first conversation should have been with Beeston." There is "nothing wrong with making change if you believe change is either warranted or necessary." But there is "something unsophisticated about tripping over your own shoelaces while trying to find Beeston's replacement before in fact replacing him" (TORONTO SUN, 12/14).
TWIN BILLLING: In Minneapolis, Sid Hartman wrote the Twins' payroll is "expected to be" around $105M after signing P Ervin Santana to a four-year, $55M contract. It "could reach a previous high" of close to $113M if they "sign a relief pitcher." The Twins started '13 with payroll of $85M, which was "24th in the league." It is "hard to know what the payroll for each team will be next year," but $105M "would have ranked 16th in MLB last season" (Minneapolis STAR TRIBUNE, 12/14).
