Hey everyone,

I apologize if you end up getting this twice, but I sent it out a number of
hours ago and it seems to have disappeared off the face of the earth. So,
here it is again...

-Mark

P.S. Here's a link you'll want to keep handy: http://www.charlotteknights.com/

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Date: Thu, 18 Apr 2002 15:48:38 -0400
To: jose list
From: Mark Petrillo <mark@...>
Subject: BREAKING NEWS: Canseco signs...

...a minor league deal with the Chicago White Sox!

Jose will be playing with the White Sox AAA team in Charlotte, NC. If/when
he'll make it back to the majors is anyone's guess, but at least he'll be
playing regularly and will have a chance to show everyone he's still got
what it takes. Hopefully he'll put up some good numbers down there and the
Sox will give him a chance or trade him to a team that will.

Honestly, I'm glad to see Jose back with the Sox. They treated him well
last year, and I'm glad they are giving him another chance. I can't help
but wonder how long it will be until we see him in a major league uniform
though - hopefully not too long.

-Mark

==========
From the Chicago Sun:
Canseco could return, play in Sox' system
April 16, 2002
BY TONI GINNETTI

Jose Canseco is only a telephone call away from wearing a White Sox uniform
again, if he so desires.

The veteran slugger, who needs 38 home runs to reach 500, was released by
the Montreal Expos in spring training and can't sign again with the Sox
until May 18. But general manager Ken Williams said Monday he has kept in
touch with Canseco, 37, who is keeping himself in shape.

''He's keeping his options open,'' Williams said. ''He has a standing
invitation to join one of our minor-league teams. We owe him that after
what he gave us last year. He didn't come in with an ego, carried himself
well and performed well. If he called today, he'd have a home.''

Canseco joined the Sox before the All-Star break after playing for the
independent Class A Newark Bears. He appeared in 76 games for the Sox and
hit .258 with eight doubles, 16 home runs and 49 RBI.

==========
Canseco agrees to minor league contract with White Sox
April 18, 2002

CHICAGO (AP) -- Jose Canseco's quest for 500 homers brought him back to the
Chicago White Sox.

Canseco, who needs 38 homers to reach 500 in his career, agreed to terms
Thursday on a minor league contract with the White Sox. He'll report to
Triple-A Charlotte and be activated in time for the Knights home game Tuesday.

``Jose still has a desire to play, and we told him last fall that we would
have a place for him in our minor league system if he needed it,'' White
Sox general manager Kenny Williams said.

``He will have a chance to play himself back into shape in Charlotte and
then we will see where things go from there,'' Williams said.

Canseco, 37, signed with the White Sox last June and hit .258 with 16 home
runs and 49 RBIs in 256 at-bats. He played 76 games, almost all of them as
a DH. He was a good fit at the time, with the White Sox needing someone to
replace the injured Frank Thomas.

``Jose did a tremendous job filling in for us last season and handled
himself with nothing but class,'' Williams said.

With Thomas healthy again, though, the White Sox didn't have a spot for
Canseco and he became a free agent. He went to spring training with the
Montreal Expos but was released after being told he wouldn't be an everyday
player.

An AL player his entire career, he has been in the outfield only 13 times
in the last three years.

A six-time All-Star, Canseco ranks 22nd on the career home run list with
462, three behind Dave Winfield. He is second among active players,
trailing only Barry Bonds.

The AL Rookie of the Year in 1986, he won AL MVP honors in 1988, when he
became the first player in major league history to hit 40 home runs and
steal 40 bases in the same season.

==========
White Sox sign OF Canseco to minor league contract
April 18, 2002

CHICAGO (TICKER) -- Jose Canseco may have a chance to pursue his dream of
500 home runs after agreeing to terms on a minor league contract with the
Chicago White Sox on Thursday.

Canseco, a designated hitter and part-time outfielder, had signed a minor
league deal with the Montreal Expos but was released after batting .200
(7-for-35) with three home runs and four RBI in 14 games during spring
training.

The 37-year-old Canseco, who batted .258 with 16 homers and 49 RBI in 76
games with White Sox last season, will be assigned to Class AAA Charlotte
and be activated in time for Tuesday's game against Norfolk.

The American League Rookie of the Year with the Oakland Athletics in 1985,
Canseco was the Most Valuable Player in 1986 when he became the first
player ever to hit 40 homers and steal 40 bases in the same season. He also
has played with Texas, Boston, Toronto, Tampa Bay and the New York Yankees.

A six-time All-Star, Canseco is 22nd all-time on the home run list with
462. Among active players, only Barry Bonds (575) has more.

With the hopes of reaching the Hall of Fame, Canseco has set 500 homers as
a goal. Each eligible member of the 500-member club has made it to the Hall.

The Cuban-born Canseco is one of just nine players with 400 homers and 200
stolen bases. He has hit more home runs than any other player born outside
the United States.