White Sox Sign J.J. Putz

The Chicago White Sox solidified the back of their bullpen and gave themselves some options on Friday afternoon, as it was announced that they'd signed reliever J.J. Putz to a one-year, $3 million deal that includes up to $3 million in bonuses based on his performance. The 32-year old reliever is coming off a down season with the New York Mets that ended prematurely when he needed surgery to have a bone spur removed from his right elbow on June 9.

Before then, Putz had gone 1-4 with a 5.22 ERA, serving as a set up man for Francisco Rodriguez in the Mets bullpen. In his first six big league seasons, Putz pitched for the Seattle Mariners, with whom he racked up 101 saves and made the AL All-Star team in 2007.
Despite the arm troubles that Putz has had in recent years, there was still plenty of interest in Putz throughout the Majors as plenty of teams are looking to bolster their bullpens. Now that the White Sox have signed Putz, he can renew his "bromance" with fellow set up man, Matt Thornton.

Of course, it's also possible that the bromance could be put to the test, as Putz and Thornton may end up competing with each other to be the new White Sox closer. While general manager Kenny Williams denies actively shopping the team's current closer, Bobby Jenks, it's no secret that the White Sox wouldn't mind parting with Jenks should the right offer come along.

Doing so would free up over $5 million for a team that doesn't have much money to spend this winter after trading for Jake Peavy last summer, and picking up Alex Rios' enormous contract on waivers. That extra cash could be used to go after a possible centerfielder/lead-off man the team is looking for.