I want to hear the White Sox fans defend Kenny Williams on this one!
The Chicago White Sox and free-agent catcher Toby Hall have agreed to terms on a two-year, $3.65-million contract with a club option for 2009. Under terms of the deal, Hall will receive base salaries of $1.75 million each in 2007 and 2008, while the White Sox hold a 2009 option at $2.25 million with a $150,000 buyout.
Hall, 31, split the 2006 season between Tampa Bay and the Los Angeles Dodgers, combining to hit .259 (72-278) with 17 doubles, eight home runs and 31 RBI in 85 games. He batted .231 (51-221) with eight homers and 23 RBI in 64 games with the Devil Rays last season before being traded to the Dodgers on June 27, where he hit .368 (21-57) with eight RBI in 21 games.
"Toby brings us a veteran presence behind the plate and allows us to keep A.J. Pierzynski rested as the season goes on, " said White Sox general manager Ken Williams. "There are have a number of left-handed starting pitchers in the division and feel Toby will enhance our offensive attack against them.
"I had a great conversation with Toby to explain how we view his role and he expressed how difficult a decision it was for him. He had chances to go to other clubs that may have offered more playing time, but he chose the White Sox and we are a better team for it. His desire to play on a winning team and in his words ‘wear a Sox jersey’ ultimately won out."
Hall, 31, split the 2006 season between Tampa Bay and the Los Angeles Dodgers, combining to hit .259 (72-278) with 17 doubles, eight home runs and 31 RBI in 85 games. He batted .231 (51-221) with eight homers and 23 RBI in 64 games with the Devil Rays last season before being traded to the Dodgers on June 27, where he hit .368 (21-57) with eight RBI in 21 games.
"Toby brings us a veteran presence behind the plate and allows us to keep A.J. Pierzynski rested as the season goes on, " said White Sox general manager Ken Williams. "There are have a number of left-handed starting pitchers in the division and feel Toby will enhance our offensive attack against them.
"I had a great conversation with Toby to explain how we view his role and he expressed how difficult a decision it was for him. He had chances to go to other clubs that may have offered more playing time, but he chose the White Sox and we are a better team for it. His desire to play on a winning team and in his words ‘wear a Sox jersey’ ultimately won out."