CHICAGO – The Chicago White Sox have agreed to terms on a three-year, $12-million contract with infielder Jeff Keppinger. Under terms of the contract, Keppinger will receive $3.5 million in 2013, $4.0 million in 2014 and $4.5 million in 2015.
Keppinger, 32, batted a career-high .325 (125-385) with nine home runs, 40 RBI and a .367 on-base percentage in 115 games with Tampa Bay in 2012, making 41 starts at third base, 23 at second, 21 at first and 19 as the designated hitter. His .325 average overall would have ranked third in the AL but he fell 84 plate appearances shy of qualifying.
Keppinger, 6-foot-0 and 190 pounds, led the American League with a .376 (44-117) average vs. left-handers and was the most difficult player in the AL to strike out, fanning just 31 times in 418 plate appearances. He ranked fifth in the AL after the All-Star Break with a .332 (85-256) average, including a .369 (31-84) mark in August.
"Jeff adds a valuable and different type of offensive player to our lineup," said Rick Hahn, White Sox senior vice president/general manager. "Combined with his ability to play quality defense at multiple positions as well as his overall approach to the game, we are thrilled to add him to our mix."
Keppinger is a career .288 (707-2,459) hitter with 41 home runs and 255 RBI over eight major-league seasons with New York-NL (2004), Kansas City (2006), Cincinnati (2007-08), Houston (2009-11), San Francisco (2011) and Tampa Bay (2012).
Among active players, he ranks second with an average of 15.64 plate appearances per strikeout and seventh with .333 (237-712) average vs. lefties (minimum 750 plate appearances). He joins Albert Pujols and Dustin Pedroia as the only three active major leaguers with more extra-base hits and walks than strikeouts.
Keppinger has never struck out more than 36 times in his eight major-league seasons, has been the toughest player to strike out in his league on four occasions (2008, 2010-12) and has finished with more RBI than strikeouts seven times.
Sunday, May 19 2013 10:19 PM EDT2013-05-20 02:19:31 GMT
Jake Peavy gave up four runs and four hits over six innings and walked five -- two with the bases loaded -- in a 6-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.
Jake Peavy gave up four runs and four hits over six innings and walked five -- two with the bases loaded -- in a 6-2 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.
Saturday, May 18 2013 11:05 PM EDT2013-05-19 03:05:01 GMT
Alberto Callaspo hit a three-run homer in Los Angeles' five-run seventh inning, and the Angels beat the White Sox 12-9 on Saturday to end Chicago's four-game winning streak.
Alberto Callaspo hit a three-run homer in Los Angeles' five-run seventh inning, and the Angels beat the White Sox 12-9 on Saturday to end Chicago's four-game winning streak.
Friday, May 17 2013 8:56 AM EDT2013-05-17 12:56:16 GMT
Jeff Keppinger walked with the bases loaded to drive in the go-ahead run - his first base on balls in 141 plate appearances this season - and the Chicago White Sox rallied with three runs in the eighth.
Jeff Keppinger walked with the bases loaded to drive in the go-ahead run - his first base on balls in 141 plate appearances this season - and the Chicago White Sox rallied with three runs in the eighth.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 2:51 PM EDT2013-05-15 18:51:57 GMT
Some big headaches are just days away for CTA Red Line riders on Chicago's South Side. The reconstruction of the south branch is scheduled to begin, along with free shuttle service.
Some big headaches are just days away for CTA Red Line riders on Chicago's South Side. The reconstruction of the south branch is scheduled to begin, along with free shuttle service.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 11:09 PM EDT2013-05-15 03:09:36 GMT
Adam Dunn and Dayan Viciedo homered to back another strong start from Jake Peavy and lead the Chicago White Sox to a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night.
Adam Dunn and Dayan Viciedo homered to back another strong start from Jake Peavy and lead the Chicago White Sox to a 4-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night.
Monday, May 13 2013 11:32 PM EDT2013-05-14 03:32:18 GMT
Rookie Aaron Hicks hit two home runs and made a leaping catch in center field to take a home run away from Adam Dunn in the Minnesota Twins' 10-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.
Rookie Aaron Hicks hit two home runs and made a leaping catch in center field to take a home run away from Adam Dunn in the Minnesota Twins' 10-3 win over the Chicago White Sox on Monday night.
Sunday, May 12 2013 11:23 PM EDT2013-05-13 03:23:10 GMT
Chris Sale pitched a one-hitter after being perfect into the seventh inning, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 on Sunday night to avoid a three-game sweep.
Chris Sale pitched a one-hitter after being perfect into the seventh inning, and the Chicago White Sox beat the Los Angeles Angels 3-0 on Sunday night to avoid a three-game sweep.
Saturday, May 11 2013 11:36 PM EDT2013-05-12 03:36:23 GMT
Mike Trout hit a two-run homer and Jerome Williams pitched into the seventh inning to help the Los Angeles Angels beat the Chicago White Sox 3-2 on Saturday night.
Mike Trout hit a two-run homer and Jerome Williams pitched into the seventh inning to help the Los Angeles Angels beat the Chicago White Sox 3-2 on Saturday night.
