Mark Buehrle Might Stay In Chicago

After he admitted this spring that he had rejected a 3-year $30 million offer from the White Sox, virtually everybody became convinced that this would be Mark Buehrle's last on the south side of Chicago.

Well it's amazing what throwing a no-hitter and being reminded how much a city loves you can do to a guy, because now Buehrle is softening his stance.

''Yeah, that's definitely a possibility now,'' Buehrle said, when asked if there was a scenario that would bring him back. ''People think I don't want to stay here, but I do want to stay. Hopefully, in the offseason, something will be done before I even go out there and start visiting other teams. That would be the best-case scenario

"Jerry basically told me, 'Just give us a chance to match it.' I promised him that I will. Jerry told me he had no problem with me going out there and seeing what I'm worth, what I'm offered, and then said, 'Come back to us and see if we can match it or come close to it, see if we have a chance and go from there.'''

It's the same thing that Paul Konerko did after the Sox won the World Series. He promised the White Sox that he would allow them to match any deal he was offered, and then he actually took less money to stay after being offered a longer contract by the Angels.

Now none of this means that Buehrle is going to do the same thing, and stay with the White Sox. There's always the chance that this is all nothing but a smokescreen to allow both sides to look good should Buehrle leave. He can say that he gave the Sox a chance, and the Sox can say they made an offer.

I'm still convinced that Mark will be wearing another jersey next year, especially when you look at the struggles the Yankees are having with their pitching staff. A guy who always throws 200+ innings a year, and wins ballgames could be very valuable to the Yankees.

Previously at the Fanhouse:
Mark Buehrle Had A Decent Evening
Buehrle Trying Hard Again; Throws No-Hitter
Buehrle Still In Chicago's Plans?