MLB Free Agents 2012: Do C.J. Wilson or Mark Buehrle Go to Chicago White Sox?

C.J. Wilson probably saw his time with the Texas Rangers expire on Tuesday when the Rangers signed closer Joe Nathan and upgraded Neftali Feliz to the starting rotation.  Moving Feliz to the starting rotation might have pushed Wilson out of the question for the Rangers.  Would Kenny Williams consider low-balling Wilson if Mark Buehrle doesn't return to the Chicago White Sox?

After spending his entire career to date with the White Sox, Buehrle is entertaining offers all about the MLB.  On Monday, Buehrle met with Washington Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo, along with other Nationals officials, at his St. Louis home.  The Miami Marlins offered a contract to Buehrle.  Also, the Chicago Cubs are interested and the New York Yankees are pursuing him.

The fact that Buehrle could leave the White Sox to sign with another team is a strong possibility.  Williams doesn't feel sure about the possibility of re-signing Buehrle.  When asked last Monday about re-signing Buehrle, Williams showed exasperation.

"I think I've answered it and I've answered it consistently the same way every time I've been asked. Look at the notes.  It is what it is," Williams said.

What it is doesn't seem to be positive.  Williams recognizes that Buehrle is being pursued by several teams, many of which have deeper pockets than the White Sox.  Also, those teams seem to have greater offseason ambitions than the White Sox.

Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times set a very dim outlook on the possibility of re-signing Buehrle in an interview on WSCR-AM 670 Chicago.  Cowley, who is generally critical of Williams, is resigned to the fate that Buehrle won't return.

"I think the White Sox didn't count on this many offers to Buehrle, and offering him three years and possibly four.  I think the Sox have been playing with the two-year parameter.  I think we've seen the last of Mark Buehrle with the White Sox."

Cowley's prediction might be a realistic one.  With almost $93 million committed to 13 players for 2012, the White Sox don't a great amount of money to offer Buehrle.

If Buehrle ends up signing elsewhere—and signs before Wilson—Williams might want to bite the bullet and make an offer for Wilson.  The White Sox don't want to enter next season with an incomplete starting rotation.  John Danks, Gavin Floyd, Phil Humber and Chris Sale will be there, but can they count on Jake Peavy or Zach Stewart?

Wilson could seal up the rotation.  Not only that, but he could join Danks and Sale to make a sure front part of the rotation.  Williams could go out on a prayer and offer Williams four years and $52 million.

This might not be much, but Williams could try to persuade Wilson by telling him he could be a difference maker in the rotation with the strong possibility of being a No. 1 starter.

On the other hand, making an offer to Wilson might not be a good idea.  Often, starting pitchers sign big contracts only to have their arms fall apart. 

Does Williams want to make the same mistake he made with Peavy, picking up an expensive pitcher only to see him get hurt?

Still, Wilson has his options.  Like Buerhle, many teams are pursuing Wilson.  The Rangers are still interested in re-signing him.  Also, Wilson dined with Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim manager Mike Scioscia and general manager Jerry Dipoto.  According to NBCSports.com, the Marlins, Yankees and Boston Red Sox are also interested.

Wilson is demanding $120 million.  That's far too much for Williams to offer.

Williams might want to try for Wilson if—and only if—Buehrle signs elsewhere and he would be serious about pursuing Wilson.