The Chicago White Sox were not fortunate enough to top the American League Central table last season. However they came second and garnered much attention thanks to their star players in the league. Alexei Ramirez was one man to
shine for the club during the regular season. While Manny Ramirez couldn’t do much at the club when the management signed him on at the ending interval of the Major League, Alexei went on to produce a great performance on the field for the team.
Alexei Ramirez was interestingly the only White Sox player to collect a good number of accolades over the season. He came close to clinch the Gold Glove award for the best shortstop in the regular season but lost out to Derek Jeter,
who made only 6 errors in the tenure. Alexei however did get his rightful award at the end when he claimed the Silver Slugger award for being the top offensive short stop in the American League.
Alexei produced figures of 499 assists in the field with a total of 768 chances as the league’s top Shortstop. His batting average went up to .282 and his slugging percentage matched .431 on the sheet. Furthermore he touched base
252 times, while slamming 18 homers and driving in 70 runs. He is deservingly, one of the best players in his team and with a valuation of $1.1 million, expected to be paid in 2011, things still didn’t look right.
This is why Alexei has declined an offer to continue on the pay range. His move however doesn’t mean he will leave for the free agency. As agreed upon in 2008, following his $4.75 million contract signing, he will be given a raise
for the coming campaign. The club still owns the movement of the star till 2013 and he will most probably get an offer of $2.75 million for 2011, as part of a club option. If that however, doesn’t happen, Ramirez will become eligible for first year arbitration.
The club is particularly interested in rewarding Alexei and this only means the shortstop will be getting a much deserved raise in salary for the coming campaign. The responsibility has increased for the batter to deliver and the
next year will tell how he takes the pressure, heading out to the field. One can expect the man to deliver, given his consistency in 2010.
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