Hey everyone,

Great news! Jose was signed by the Chicago White Sox earlier today. I
found out about it hours ago, but was away from my computer until just
now. Thanks to the many, many, many of you who sent me emails with the
good news. It was fun to read them all and see how excited you guys
are. It's about time we have something decent to talk about!

Hmmmm.... guess it's time to dust off the old Cansecometer, huh?

-Mark

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From the AP:
Canseco agrees to deal with White Sox

CHICAGO -- The Chicago White Sox, looking to add punch to their lineup,
agreed Wednesday to a one-year contract with veteran Jose Canseco.

Canseco must pass a physical Thursday and hopes to be in uniform for the
White Sox's game that night in Baltimore, the team said after Wednesday's
2-1 victory over Kansas City.

"We think a player like Jose adds a presence to our lineup, something we
feel we have been missing since losing Frank Thomas for the season," White
Sox general manager Ken Williams said.

"I spoke with him this morning and he was excited," Williams added. "He
said he wanted to catch Cleveland and Minnesota. What we're getting is a
very motivated person. If things go well, we'll get a productive person. At
this point, it's worth the gamble."

The White Sox have been without Thomas, their primary designated hitter,
since May 10 when he tore his triceps muscle.

It was then, Williams said, the team started to entertain the idea of
getting Canseco. Williams said he waited to see how well the White Sox made
up for the loss of Thomas -- and to see if Canseco had anything left. After
leading the league last year, the White Sox (33-35) began Friday 12th in
the AL in runs scored.

"There are very few players out there that you can even hope or dream could
replace Frank Thomas-type numbers," Williams said. "This is a guy who has
done it before. It remains to be seen if he can continue and put up those
type of numbers he's put up in the past."

Canseco has been hampered by injuries -- including chronic back trouble --
for much of his career.

When asked about Canseco's health, Williams said, "he's fine. We'll just
have to see how much he has left."

Canseco, who will be 37 next month, was batting .284 with seven homers and
27 RBI in 41 games with Newark of the independent Atlantic League. He was
released by the Anaheim Angels in spring training.

"We'll DH him to put his bat and his presence in the lineup," manager Jerry
Manuel said. "We still hope he has a quick bat."

Chicago pitcher David Wells was happy for the help.

"He's a good hitter, and he's been on a winner," Wells said of Canseco.
"The way we're going right now, you pick up this guy and maybe you go out
and get a couple more guys. We could really make things interesting."

Others were more cautious.

"We will see how he fits into team chemistry," second baseman Ray Durham said.

Canseco is 23rd on the career home run list with 446 and third among active
players behind former Oakland teammate Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds. The
six-time All-Star and 1988 AL MVP has 1,358 RBI.

Canseco has played with Oakland, Texas, Boston, Toronto, Tampa Bay and the
Yankees. In 37 games with New York last season, he batted .243 with six homers.