Sox Sign Closer Robertson, Deal for Samardzija

December 9, 2014 @ admin → No Comments

Random thoughts while wondering how much closer the Chicago White Sox are to contending for a postseason presence now that they have signed free-agent David Robertson to be their closer (oh, and trading for right-hander Jeff Samardzija, too):

Candice Swanepoel is among the models for the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Tuesday night on CBS.

* Yes, the White Sox made the biggest splash Monday at baseball’s Winter Meetings by signing Robertson — formerly of the New York Yankees — to a reported four-year, $46 million deal. No question the Sox could use a specific closer rather than have manager Robin Ventura pick a name out of a hat. OK, Ventura didn’t pick names from a Sox cap last season. And no one needs to buy him a Magic 8 Ball for Christmas for him to use in 2015.

* The Sox reportedly sent third baseman Marcus Semien, pitcher Chris Bassitt and a third player for Samardzija, who will be a free agent after the 2015 season. Meaning the Sox figure they can re-sign him or they don’t mind if he walks. Of course, after winning the World Series over the Cubs, he will want to remain with the Sox. OK, maybe not over the Cubs.

* Speaking of the Cubs, they signed Jason Hammel, whom they traded with Samrdzija to Oakland during the 2014 season. And the Cubs probably thought that would be good enough to capture the Chicago angle from the Winter Meetings. Wait till next Winter Meetings. Or maybe merely another day.

* The Bears placed receiver Brandon Marshallc on injured reserve. Meaning his season is over. As is the Bears’, but they still have three games to play.

* Following in the footsteps of Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose, Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James wore an “I Can’t Breathe” T-shirt Monday night before a road game vs. the Brooklyn Nets. Rose wore a similar shirt before Saturday’s game to express his feeling about Eric Garner who was died this summer after being choked by a policeman in Staten Island, N.Y. Also wearing “I Can’t Breathe” T-shirts were teammate Kyrie Irving and Nets players Kevin Garnett and Deron Williams.

* James said after the game: “It was a message to the family. That I’m sorry for their loss, sorry to his wife. That’s what it’s about. I think everybody else gets caught up in everything else besides who’s really feeling it, and that’s the family. That’s what it’s about.”

* NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who was at the Cavs contest (as were Britain’s Prince William and wife Kate): “I respect Derrick Rose and all of our players for voicing their personal views on important issues but my preference would be for players to abide by our on-court attire rules.” Really?

* Rose, who did not speak to the media after Saturday’s loss to Golden State, did talk to them after practice Monday. He said he wore the T-shirt also for Michael Brown, who was shot to death after a confrontation with a policeman in August in Ferguson, Mo. Grand juries did not return an indictment in either the Garner or Brown cases. “I think both stories are touching stories, and I just wanted to show my support by wearing the shirt,” Rose said.

* More Rose: “Usually I stay out of politics and police brutality. I’m not saying all cops are bad or anything, I’m just saying what happened them days is uncalled for, and I think that hurt a lot of people. It hurt the nation.”

* Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau on Rose’s social awareness: “”I think he has something to say. I think it’s a great message. It’s about equality and justice for everybody. I think you guys know the type of person Derrick is.”

* On a much, much lighter note, the Victoria’s Secret fashion show is tonight on CBS. Which probably explains today’s photo and some of the videos.