Offseason
Finishing fourth in the American League Central division coupled with having both MLB's lowest batting average and on base percentage in 2007 prompted the White Sox to make numerous transactions, particularly with West Coast teams, to improve their lineup.
- Infielder Juan Uribe re-signed with the White Sox for a one year, $4.5 million contract.
- Infielder Orlando Cabrera was acquired from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim for starting pitcher Jon Garland.
- Relief pitcher Scott Linebrink was signed to a four-year contract worth $19 million.
- Outfielder Carlos Quentin was acquired from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Minor League infielder Chris Carter.
- Infielder Alexei Ramírez, a former Cuban baseball player, signed with the White Sox.
- Nick Swisher was acquired from the Oakland Athletics for three Minor League prospects: pitchers Gio Gonzalez and Fautino de los Santos and outfielder Ryan Sweeney.
- Octavio Dotel, former reliever for the Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves, was signed to a two-year contract for $11 million.
Other players no longer with the team from the 2007 season are Alex Cintrón, Darin Erstad (signed with Houston), Andy González, Mike Myers, Heath Phillips, Scott Podsednik, and Luis Terrero.
Two coaching staff changes were made, with the hiring of Pittsburgh Pirates third base coach Jeff Cox and bullpen coach Juan Nieves. Cox replaces Razor Shines, while Nieves replaces Art Kusnyer.
Read more about this topic: 2008 Chicago White Sox Season