Chicago White Sox: Mark Buehrle's Uncertain Future Probably Isn't in Chicago

Chicago White Sox pitcher Mark Buehrle may have two starts left in him before the 2011 season comes to a merciful end. It's also very likely that those two starts will be the last games Buehrle pitches in a White Sox uniform.

As the plug has been pulled on the current season, management faces a similar decision to last year's offseason, when Paul Konerko's impending free agency cast doubt on whether he would return or not.

Two longtime fan favorites who epitomize South Side values and two holdovers from the 2005 World Series champions, only Konerko has more service time on the current roster than Buehrle, who has been a part of the rotation since 2001.

It really was a sort of miracle that Konerko was re-signed at the 11th hour. I'm not sure a similar trick is up Kenny Williams' sleeve.

Buehrle was Chicago's most consistent hurler for most of this season, as has been the pattern over the last few years. However, he has faded badly down the stretch.

In his three September starts, Buehrle is 0-3 with an 11.74 ERA. Compare that to a 1-3 record and 5.84 ERA last September and a 2009 season that saw him go 2-6 in the last two months. Despite being the beneficiary of pitching in a six-man rotation, Buehrle has failed to stay fresh late in the season.

As long as he makes those two starts the rest of the way, he will likely reach double-digit wins, at least 30 starts and at least 200 innings for the 11th consecutive season. He has been the hallmark of consistency in his career. In this day and age, that's something to admire.

However, it may not be something the White Sox can afford.

Payroll is going to be cut in some regard following a disappointing season. Buehrle made $14 million in 2011 and is set to hit the free-agent market. Can a similar cost be justified for a veteran who is the staff ace in mind and spirit, but hasn't led his team in wins outright since 2004?

I'm the last person who wants to see Buehrle pack his bags. He's represented the White Sox in fine fashion for the bulk of his career and comes to pitch when it's his turn. Unless he's willing to take a cut in pay to say, $10 million to $11 million, I don't think it's plausible to believe he'll be back.

Some other team will be willing to pay him top money to hold down the third or fourth starter's role on a team that's on the verge of contention. With few options to truly pare down salary, the White Sox may be forced to walk away.

A hometown discount is Chicago's only realistic hope of retaining Buehrle's services. Of course, I had already waved goodbye to Konerko last winter before a deal was struck. Perhaps both sides will be able to work that same magic following the season.

We can hope, but I'm not sure hoping will be enough.