Dotel To the White Sox Rumors

Various media outlets are reporting that the White Sox have either signed Octavio Dotel, or are very close to doing so, to a two year 11.5 million dollar contract. There are however, conflicting reports coming from Dotel's camp.

The White Sox already have two solid lefties to turn to in Matt Thornton, and Boone Logan. The right handed relievers, were a bit more of a gamble last season for Ozzie Guillen and company. Mike MacDougal last season led the White Sox in holds with a respectable 19. Of course he also had a 6.80ERA and a WHIP of 1.961.

Going into 2008 the White Sox will have Scott Linebrink and now (potentially) Dotel from the right side. This gives them two solid left handed and right handed relievers to go to, and use in various match-ups.

FANTASY OUTLOOK

There isn't a whole lot of fantasy impact here, unless your league counts Holds as a stat. Octavio Dotel would immediately become the White Sox go to set up man in the 7th inning, and probably be the back up closer should anything happen to incumbent Bobby Jenks. The recently signed Scott Linebrink, would remain entrenched in the 8th inning, because Dotel has closing experience.

Even if they struggle in their roles, I fully expect Linebrink and Dotel to keep their jobs, because of the near 30 million the White Sox would have invested in them. Expect at least 15 holds from each, and Dotel to get 2-3 saves here and there.