There's JJ

Ex-Rattler JJ Putz ('00) has signed with the Chicago White Sox.

Check off 'Add a significant bullpen arm' from the Hot Stove list of things to do for White Sox general manager Ken Williams.

One year to the Dec. 11 date of J.J. Putz being part of a three-team deal involving the Mariners, Indians and Mets, sending him from Seattle to New York, the right-hander agreed to terms with the White Sox on a one-year, $3-million contract, with up to $3 million in incentives for games finished. Putz, who turns 33 in February, is 23-19 with a 3.24 ERA, 103 saves and 356 strikeouts covering 337 career relief appearances and 352 1/3 innings pitched over seven Major League seasons.

Putz figures to take over Octavio Dotel's role as part of the late-inning setup crew, but when healthy, he also gives the White Sox yet another option to close behind Bobby Jenks.

It should be mentioned that one of JJ's Timber Rattlers teammate in 2000 was Matt Thornton. The two are teammates with the White Sox now.