Central Extensions

Well it is best to sign your player with a future before he hits the market. Many teams don't offer that big extension in time, as the Yankees or Dodgers will gobble him up. The White Sox and Cardinals got busy with that recently.

First the White Sox made a deal with starting pitcher Chris Sale, a 5 year extension with two option years to follow. Sale is guaranteed $32.5 million through the 5 seasons. Sale was the key pitcher on the team last season, going 17-8 with a 3.05 ERA. This is a big signing for the White Sox as Sale will be a big piece of their future, especially with so many other names, such as Konerko, Peavy, and Dunn reaching the end of their prime. Sale now being known as the ace of the team, will be the arm the White Sox build their team around as the look to make a strong team to go up against the dominating Tigers, newly build Indians, and the uprising Royals. The AL Central will be a challenge this year, as I see each team besides the Twins having possible contention for the playoffs.

Allen Craig is coming off a break out season, with his bat and his ability to play in the outfield and at first.  He hit .307 with 22 homeruns last season and was a big piece of the Cardinals success, especially with Berkman and Holliday having injury issues. To keep him involved with the organization, the Cardinals have given Craig a 5 year extension as well. It is a $31 million contract for the 28 year old. Craig was a big piece to the Cardinals 2011 World Series win, with his great bat and robbing a homerun off of Nelson Cruz in game 7. Though he has been having shoulder problems recently, it does not seem to be anything to worry about as the Cardinals look to Craig to be one of their power hitters and help fight against the Reds for the Central division.