Sporting News staff reports
White Sox general manager Ken Williams told the Chicago Sun-Times that he will give free agent outfielder Johnny Damon until Sunday morning to accept their latest offer.
Judging from William’s comments, however, it appears the White Sox are out of the running for Damon.
"We asked for their bottom line, and obviously we underestimated on what the market is for him because we thought we were competitive with what the rumors were out there," Williams told the Chicago Sun-Times. "With what we got back (Friday afternoon), unless Johnny sees this as a great opportunity for him, enjoys a chance to win in a great city, it’s an unrealistic number (that) we got back from them."
Williams said the White Sox’s offer, which is believed to be worth between $4.5 million and $6 million, was less than what Damon and agent Scott Boras are seeking.
According to various reports, the Tigers have offered Damon a two-year deal for $14 million and perhaps a one-year deal for $7 million.
"It’s the nature of the beast, but this has gone on long enough," Williams said. "We have a pretty good club as is. Would Johnny Damon add to it? He’s proven that. He was icing on the cake as far as we’re concerned."
Sporting News staff reports
White Sox general manager Ken Williams told the Chicago Sun-Times that he will give free agent outfielder Johnny Damon until Sunday morning to accept their latest offer.
Judging from William’s comments, however, it appears the White Sox are out of the running for Damon.
"We asked for their bottom line, and obviously we underestimated on what the market is for him because we thought we were competitive with what the rumors were out there," Williams told the Chicago Sun-Times. "With what we got back (Friday afternoon), unless Johnny sees this as a great opportunity for him, enjoys a chance to win in a great city, it’s an unrealistic number (that) we got back from them."
Williams said the White Sox’s offer, which is believed to be worth between $4.5 million and $6 million, was less than what Damon and agent Scott Boras are seeking.
According to various reports, the Tigers have offered Damon a two-year deal for $14 million and perhaps a one-year deal for $7 million.
"It’s the nature of the beast, but this has gone on long enough," Williams said. "We have a pretty good club as is. Would Johnny Damon add to it? He’s proven that. He was icing on the cake as far as we’re concerned."