White Sox winter meetings recap: Day 1

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The first day of the winter meetings in Dallas passed by without anything concrete happening, but the groundwork appears to be laid for Mark Buehrle to leave the White Sox.

Chuck Garfien says Miami is still the frontrunner to sign Buehrle, despite that Robin Ventura, Kenny Williams and Jerry Reinsdorf want the lefty back. Ventura actually ran into Buehrle on the street in New York City, of all places, and implored Buehrle to return.

But Buehrle could get a four-year deal, possibly for a total close to the four-year contract extension he signed with the White Sox in 2007. That's a price tag the Sox won't -- and shouldn't -- meet.

The Twins reportedly jumped into the Buehrle sweepstakes, although they aren't considered a major player. As it stands, the Marlins, Nationals and Rangers are likely the three teams with the best shot to land Buehrle.

Late in the evening, a rumor popped up that the Cardinals could try to deal Kyle Lohse to make room for Buehrle in their rotation. That probably won't happen, though.

In non-Buehrle news, the asking price on John Danks and Gavin Floyd remained high Monday. The Yankees aren't willing to trade either Manny Banuelos or Jesus Montero, both blue-chip prospects, for Danks. Williams doesn't appear to be at the winter meetings to set the market on pitching, instead, he's letting the market dictate itself. And until the pitching market is more clear, he's going to demand all of the tea in China for Danks or Floyd.

Minnie Minoso received just nine of 16 votes from the special "Golden Era" veterans' committee, falling three votes short of a worthy induction into Cooperstown. Jerry Reinsdorf was stunned by the result.

White Sox pitchers and catchers report Feb. 23, with the first full-squad workout Feb. 28 and the first spring training game March 5 of next year. About a month before spring training, the White Sox will host a 2005 World Series reunion of sorts at SoxFest.

Around the division: Minnesota made an odd move, re-signing Matt Capps to a deal worth a minimum of 4.75 million for 2012. There's a 6 million option for 2013 as well. While 4.75 million isn't much, the Twins don't have unlimited cash and could've spent it better than on a guy who posted a negative WAR last year.

And finally, Kansas City is reported to have interest in A's starter (and two-time former White Sox farmhand) Gio Gonzalez and Tamps Bay's James Shields. The Rays asked for an exorbitant return for Shields, and it's hard to see Kansas City dealing away star prospect Wil Myers in any deal this winter.

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