Righty must clear waivers, but it's unlikely a team would pick up his hefty contract
May 10, 2009, 12:30 PM
By: Bruce Levine
Pitching coach Don Cooper said on the White Sox pregame show that the team is prepared to send right-hander Jose Contreras to the minor leagues. Contreras (0-5, 8.19 ERA) has struggled with his command, in particular with his forkball.
Any player with six or more years in the Major leagues has the right to refuse an assignment, and therefore could declare free agency. According to White Sox sources, Contreras wants to go to the minors to work on his command, and so will accept the assignment and sign a personal waiver.
Contreras must also clear waivers, which means that all other 29 teams have an opportunity to pick up Contreras and his $11 million contract. That's the reason why no team in baseball is likely to pick him up at this point, because they would have to assume the responsibility of the rest of the contract.
Once the White Sox put con on waivers, it takes 48 hours for him to clear before they can send him on assignment.
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