Report: Rios draws interest
The White Sox placed a waiver claim on Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Alex Rios, according to an ESPN.com report that cited anonymous Major League sources.
If true, the Blue Jays would have until Tuesday to pull Rios off of waivers, try to work out a trade with the Sox, or allow the Sox to keep him. The Sox likely placed their claim to block another team from trying to acquire Rios, although he could figure in their long-term plans with Jermaine Dye due to hit the free-agent market this winter.
Rios, 28, is due almost $60 million through the next five seasons. He offers a combination of power and speed, although his .261 batting average and .315 on-base percentage have fallen short of expectations this season.
At this point, it would be a surprise if the Sox acquired Rios in the next few days. However, the Blue Jays dealt Scott Rolen and considered trading Roy Halladay, so a move could be possible.
In six years with Toronto, Rios has averaged .285 with 16 home runs, 79 RBIs and 23 stolen bases per 162-game season.
-Tom Musick
