By Mark Gonzales

Tribune reporter

10:52 a.m. CST, December 12, 2011

The Chicago White Sox have until 11 p.m. Monday to tender contracts to all of their unsigned players.

Those players include left-handed pitcher John Danks and right fielder Carlos Quentin, whom each are arbitration eligible and have been targeted in trades.

The Sox are expected to tender contracts to Danks and Quentin before the deadline. Danks and Quentin can become free agents after the 2012 season. Danks could earn close to $8 million and Quentin near $7 million in 2012.

Any unsigned player who isn’t tendered a contract by their team by the deadline can become a free agent. The Sox signed catcher Toby Hall after the 2006 season following Tampa Bay’s decision to not offer him a contract.

Also, the Sox have signed left-hander Eric Stults to a minor league contract, according to Baseball America. Stults, 32, has a lifetime 8-10 record and 4.93 ERA over parts of five seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Colorado.

Stults pitched a four-hit shutout against the Sox on June 25, 2008, at Dodger Stadium while pitching for the Dodgers.

By Mark Gonzales, Tribune reporter

1:10 p.m. CDT, October 22, 2011

Chicago White Sox general manager Ken Williams said Saturday that he’s willing to listen to offers this off-season but won’t settle for minor league talent in return.

In an interview with WMVP-AM 1000, Williams admitted that the offers might not be overwhelming because so many players had subpar 2011 seasons.

Without naming names, Williams appeared willing to listen to offers for right fielder Carlos Quentin and pitchers John Danks, Gavin Floyd and Matt Thornton if the right proposals were tendered.

“What we have to do is weigh whatever they’re offering up against our chances for the next season,” Williams told the “Talking Baseball” show. “Because if we’re going to move our valuable pieces, it’s going to be for major league-ready talent as they can grow with this nice nucleus in place.”

Williams mentioned Dayan Viciedo, Tyler Flowers, Alejandro De Aza and Brent Morel as part of the nucleus.

Williams could seek to follow a plan after the 2006 season, when he acquired Danks and Floyd in trades involving Freddy Garcia and Brandon McCarthy.

Williams added that he would speak later with Adam Dunn, whom he said needed a break after the worst season of his productive major league career.

By Mark Gonzales

Tribune reporter

12:46 p.m. CDT, October 5, 2011

There’s little doubt that first baseman Paul Konerko was the Chicago White Sox’s 2011 Most Valuable Player on the basis of his team-leading 31 home runs and 105 RBIs.

But not even Konerko could singlehandedly keep the Sox in contention in late August and September. When Carlos Quentin suffered a sprain of the AC joint in his left shoulder while making a diving catch on Aug. 20, Konerko was batting .316 despite a sore left calf to go with 28 home runs.

But the lack of protection was only a small reason why Konerko’s batting average sank to .300 while hitting only three home runs after Quentin’s injury. The season-long slump of Adam Dunn gave then-manager Ozzie Guillen little choice but to start Konerko at first base instead of giving him extended breaks at designated hitter down the stretch.

Despite Konerko’s impressive season, Sox first basemen ranked 10^th in the American League with a .243 batting average, and they were fifth with 100 RBIs.

When he was allowed to, Guillen got plenty of mileage out of Konerko as the designated hitter. In 37 games as the DH, Konerko batted .348 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs.

Konerko, however, is the Sox’s best defensive first baseman, The Sox will need a comeback year from Dunn as well as occasional help from Tyler Flowers and maybe Brent Lillibridge to keep Konerko strong when he enters the 2012 season at the age of 36.

Konerko batted .319 in the first half but hit only .272 in the second half. Konerko coped with a sore left calf for the final two months, and his missed the final three games because of a very sore left elbow after getting hit by a pitch.

All signs point to Konerko and the Sox needing more help at first base to ensure that he remains strong throughout the 2012 season.

CHICAGO —  

Jason Kubel and Luke Hughes homered during Minnesota’s six-run first inning, and the Twins beat the White Sox 7-6 on Wednesday to snap Chicago’s five-game winning streak.

Kubel and Hughes each hit a two-run shot off Jake Peavy (6-7), who allowed four consecutive extra-base hits during his rocky opening inning. Trevor Plouffe, Joe Mauer and Michael Cuddyer hit three straight doubles to plate the first two runs.

Scott Diamond (1-2) allowed three runs and three hits in six innings to earn his first major league win. Joe Nathan yielded Paul Konerko’s two-run single in the ninth before finishing for his 12th save.

Brent Lillibridge hit a two-run homer, walked and scored twice for the White Sox, who dropped to six games back of AL Central-leading Detroit. Juan Pierre singled, walked twice and scored two runs.

Peavy (6-7) allowed six runs and eight hits over five innings, falling to 2-6 with a 5.77 ERA since a relief appearance on June 25.

The costly streak of extra-base hits started after Jason Repko began the game with a harmless grounder to third. Mauer drove in Plouffe to give him 500 career RBIs. Cuddyer then doubled in Mauer and scored when Kubel lofted a fly ball to left that got some help from the wind and barely cleared the outstretched glove of a leaping Pierre.

Kubel’s third homer in his last four games was his 14th in 39 career games at U.S. Cellular Field.

After Danny Valencia struck out, Rene Tosoni singled and Hughes hit a drive to left-center for his seventh homer.

Repko added a two-out drive in the seventh for the Twins, who went 7-21 in August for the club’s worst-ever record in the month.

Peavy settled down after the rough start, giving the White Sox a chance to get back into the game. Lillibridge hit a two-run homer in the third and came all the way around from first to score on Konerko’s double in the sixth.

Alex Rios hit an RBI single in the eighth but Chicago left the bases loaded when Tyler Flowers lined out to third to end the inning.

The White Sox mounted another challenge in the ninth, but Nathan struck out Rios with a runner on first to end the game.

NOTES: Chicago OF Carlos Quentin said his sprained left shoulder has improved but he wasn’t willing to put a timetable on his possible return. He’s been on the disabled list since Aug. 21. . Twins 1B Justin Morneau (mild concussion symptoms) has to be cleared by the league before he can return. Morneau jammed his shoulder on Sunday and experienced headaches, prompting a concussion test. . After a day off, the Twins begin a three-game road series against the Angels on Friday with Carl Pavano going against Los Angeles ace Jered Weaver. . The White Sox begin a crucial three-game series at first-place Detroit on Friday. John Danks will start the opener against Tigers ace Justin Verlander, who is 20-5. Verlander’s last loss came against Chicago on July 15. … Much-maligned White Sox slugger Adam Dunn hit for Lillibridge with runners on second and third in the ninth and struck out swinging.

Gavin Floyd pitched shutout ball into the eighth inning, Brent Lillibridge and Alex Rios hit two-run homers and the Chicago White Sox romped past the Texas Rangers 10-0 Sunday.

Chicago took two of three from the AL-West leading Rangers and finished a nine-game homestand at 5-4. The White Sox had their first winning homestand since June 3-12.

Floyd (11-10) coasted with a big lead. He allowed just three hits, struck out six and walked one. He left after giving up a leadoff hit in the eighth.

The Rangers have dropped three of four after winning the first six games on their 10-game road trip.

Derek Holland (11-5) lost for the first time in five decisions since the All-Star break. The left-hander gave up five runs and eight hits in 3 1-3 innings.

White Sox right fielder Carlos Quentin was out of the lineup after he injured his left shoulder making a diving catch during Saturday night’s win. X-rays came back negative and an MRI result showed a sprain. He was listed as day-to-day.

After Juan Pierre reached on an infield single in the White Sox third, Lillibridge followed with his shot to left field. It was Lillibridge’s 11th home run, matching slumping slugger Adam Dunn’s output in 197 fewer at-bats. Dunn has been sitting against left-handers in favor of Lillibridge.

After Holland issued back-to-back walks with two outs, Alejandro De Aza split the gap in the left-center for a two-run double that put the White Sox ahead 4-0.

Chicago added on in the fourth. Gordon Beckham broke an 0-for-14 slump with a single and Lillibridge chased Holland with a single. Paul Konerko greeted reliever Scott Feldman with an RBI single, leaving him one hit shy of 2,000 for his career.

Pierre added a two-run single with the bases loaded off Feldman in the fifth for a 7-0 lead.

Rios homered in the eighth.

Josh Hamilton was given the day off by manager Ron Washington, despite being 6 for 10 lifetime against Floyd. Hamilton is hitting .173 in day games this year and .339 at night.

Floyd pitched around an error by Lillibridge in the second inning. Floyd had Mike Napoli picked off, but Lillibridge missed Floyd’s throw at first. The ball bounced off the camera well fence and Napoli went into third. Floyd stranded Napoli at third by striking out Mitch Moreland and Yorvit Torrealba.

Along with giving up a two-run home run to Rios in the eighth, Feldman gave up an RBI single to De Aza.

Rangers manager Ron Washington stayed with Feldman for the rest of game, despite giving up five runs on eight hits in 4 2-3 innings of relief.

NOTES: After an off-day Monday, the White Sox begin a five-game road trip against the Angels on Tuesday. LHP Mark Buehrle is scheduled to start for the White Sox. Buehrle is 3-1 with a 2.29 ERA in his last five starts. … The Rangers begin a four-game series against the Red Sox on Monday. LHP C.J. Wilson, Monday’s scheduled starter, is 5-1 with a 3.99 ERA in 12 starts at home this season. … Texas 3B Adrian Beltre (left hamstring) will see Dr. Keith Meister on Monday. Texas hopes he will be cleared to resume running the bases.

CHICAGO, Aug. 20 (UPI) — Alex Rios put Chicago ahead with an eighth-inning RBI double Saturday and the White Sox held on for a 3-2 decision over Texas.

Rios, who had entered the game in the first inning after right fielder Carlos Quentin hurt his left shoulder while making a diving catch, chased home pinch-runner Brent Lillibridge with a single to left off Darren Oliver in the eighth.

Koji Uehara (1-3) was saddled with the loss after allowing Paul Konerko’s one-out single.

Alexei Ramirez and Juan Pierre each had an RBI as the White Sox snapped a three-game losing skid and took the middle contest of a series with the Rangers.

John Danks started for Chicago and pitched well, allowing two runs on seven hits over seven innings, but Jesse Crain (8-3) got the victory with a scoreless eighth.

Ian Kinsler led Texas at the plate, going 3-for-4 with two solo homers as American League West-leading Rangers lost for the second time in three games.

Alex Rios entered the game when Carlos Quentin was injured in the first inning then hit a go-ahead double in the eighth, giving the Chicago White Sox a 3-2 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday night to snap a three-game skid.

Brent Lillibridge came in to pinch-run after Paul Konerko’s one-out single. Rios ripped a full-count pitch from Koji Uehara (1-3) down the left field line to score home Lillibridge.

Jesse Crain (8-3) put two runners on in the eighth but got Nelson Cruz to fly out to right field to end the threat.

Sergio Santos worked the ninth for his 26th save in 30 chances.

Ian Kinsler hit two solo home runs for the Rangers, who lost for just the second time in nine games.

Pierre hit a game-ending single in the 14th inning to cap a wild, five-hour marathon as the Chicago White Sox beat the Cleveland Indians 8-7 on Tuesday night.

Gordon Beckham doubled off Chad Durbin (2-2) with one out in the final inning, advancing to third on Brent Morel’s infield single.

David Huff relieved Durbin to face Pierre, who singled to left to win it.

“We just battled and they battled. You expect to do that when you’re in the hunt like that,” Pierre said. “It’s a big victory. Being out there so long, it would have been tough to come in after a loss. It’s a big win.”

Pierre hit a solo home run off of Cleveland starter Ubaldo Jimenez in the fourth. It was his second homer of the season and 16th in his 12-year career.

“He started me off with fastballs in the previous at-bat. I was just looking for a fastball. I never try to hit a home run, so I was just trying to put it in play hard and just hit it in the right spot,” he said. “I’m kind of hoarse from screaming around the bases. I have to act like I’ve at least done it somewhat. That’s 16 career now? Twenty is in sight now, 20’s in sight.”

Jason Frasor (3-2) worked the top of the inning to earn the victory.

“We had our chances,” said Indians manager Manny Acta. “We had the bases loaded and one of our best hitters at the plate and we couldn’t get it done. You have to give credit to Jesse Crain.”

Crain worked two scoreless innings, including escaping a bases-loaded, one out jam in the 13th.

The White Sox have won nine of 11 and remain 3½ games behind the American League Central-leading Detroit Tigers. The loss drops the second-place Indians to three games back.

Cleveland rallied to tie the game in the ninth on a pair of defensive miscues by the White Sox. After Sergio Santos issued a one-out walk, Michael Brantley dropped a single in front of center fielder Alex Rios, who had just come in as a defensive replacement.

With runners on first and third, Shin-soo Choo tapped a slow roller to second base. Beckham thought about throwing home but hesitated and dropped the ball. He was only able to get a force out at second, allowing the tying run to score.

It was Santos’ fourth blown save in 29 chances this year.

De Aza tripled in runs in the second and sixth. He became the first White Sox player to triple twice in a game since Alex Cintron on April 13, 2006.

Paul Konerko extended his hit streak to 12 games with four more hits. After doubling in the fifth, Konerko tagged up at second and slid into third on Carlos Quentin’s flyout to center, later scoring on Alexei Ramirez’s triple.

The White Sox captain has been hobbled by his left knee since being hit by a pitch on July 31 against Boston. He has been unable to play in the field but has hit in every game since returning to action on Aug. 4.

Juan PierreGordon Beckham doubled off of Chad Durbin (2-2) with one out in the final inning, advancing to third on Brent Morel’s infield single.
David Huff reliever Durbin to face Pierre, who singled to left to win it.
Jason Frasor (3-2) worked the top of the inning to earn the victory.
The White Sox have won nine of 11 and remain 3 1-2 games behind the American League Central-leading Detroit Tigers. The loss drops the second-place Indians to three games back.
Cleveland rallied to tie the game in the ninth on a pair of defensive miscues by the White Sox. After Sergio Santos issued a one-out walk, Michael Brantley popped a single in front of center fielder Alex Rios, who had just come in as a defensive replacement.
Alejandro De Aza moved over to right field to take over for Carlos Quentin, who Rios replaced.
With runners on first and third, Shin-soo Choo tapped a slow roller to second base. Beckham thought about throwing home but hesitated and dropped the ball. He was only able to get a force out at second, allowing the tying run to score.
It was Santos’ fourth blown save in 29 chances this year.
De Aza tripled in runs in the second and sixth. He became the first White Sox player to triple twice in a game since Alex Cintron on April 13, 2006.
Paul Konerko extended his hit streak to 12 games with four more hits. After doubling in the fifth, Konerko tagged up at second and slid into third on Carlos Quentin’s flyout to center, later scoring on Alexei Ramirez’s triple.
The White Sox captain has been hobbled by his left knee since being hit by a pitch on July 31 against Boston. He has been unable to play in the field but has hit in every game since returning to action on Aug. 4.
Tyler Flowers and Rios also tripled for the White Sox, who tallied five three-baggers in one game for the first time since Sept. 17, 1920 against the New York Yankees. The club record is six triples, a feat achieved three different times. The White Sox had just eight triples on the year coming into the game.
Rios tripled to lead off the 11th, but the White Sox stranded him on third.
Pierre hit a solo home run off of Cleveland starter Ubaldo Jimenez in the fourth. It was his second homer of the season and 16th in his 12-year career.
Gavin Floyd struck out nine over 5 2-3 innings. He allowed five runs on five hits in the no-decision. He retired the first nine batters he faced, including seven strikeouts. He struck out the side in the second.
Jiminez allowed five runs, four earned, on nine hits over 4 2-3 innings, throwing 105 pitches. He struck out five and walked one.
NOTES: Indians LHP Tony Sipp was ejected in the 10th for arguing a controversial call after being removed from the game. … The White Sox placed C A.J. Pierzynski (fractured left wrist) on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Aug. 13, and purchased the contract of C Donny Lucy from Triple-A Charlotte. Chicago requested waivers for the purpose of granting RHP Brian Bruney his unconditional release after he cleared waivers and rejected an outright assignment to Triple-A. … Indians OF Grady Sizemore (knee/sports hernia) ran on a treadmill on Tuesday and is scheduled to do so again on Thursday. Cleveland hopes he will progress to land-based running by the time the team returns home on Aug. 22. … Indians INF Jason Kipnis (side) was out of the lineup for the second straight game but was available to pinch-hit according to manager Manny Acta. … LHP Mark Buehrle (10-5, 3.06 ERA) takes the mound for the White Sox in the second game of the series on Wednesday. The lefty has allowed three runs or less in 18 straight starts. Cleveland sends RHP Fausto Carmona (5-12, 5.12) to the hill. Carmona has allowed 18 runs in eight innings in his two starts against the White Sox this season (0-2).