I want Bobby Jenks back

Something that really bothers me is how much most White Sox fans want Bobby Jenks gone.

When you say that to Sox fans, they assume you can't let go of the past. I agree there is a degree of sentimentality involved, but it's somewhere in the realm of 1 percent.

The other 99 percent is based in logic.

I agree that I don't want the Sox to offer arbitration to Jenks, but that's not a knock at his abilities. I just don't believe any closer...aside from the absolute elite of the elite...deserve an 8 figure salary. But I'm totally in favour of the Sox resigning Jenks after non-tendering him. Doubtful, given the perceived animosity between Jenks and the organization, but it's still worth a mention.

Bobby Jenks, by most modern statistical measures, had one of the best seasons of his career in 2010.

I'm not a stats guy by nature, but I personally believed Jenks pitched well this year. I looked up his peripheral numbers, and they agreed.

His FB velocity was its highest since 2006, his K/9 was its highest since 2005, his K/BB was its highest since 2007, he was getting more ground balls than ever in his career (58.3%, 2.80 GB/FB rate - just awesome). His BABIP shot up 70 points from 2009 to .368, which is probably was his FIP was 2.59, the second lowest of his career.

Everything points to bad luck. Absolutely everything.

Jenks has always been the subject of (in my eyes) unfair skepticism, and this year was no exception. I don't tend to agree with athletes that complain about accountability issues, but I actually agree with Bobby. He's earned the benefit of the doubt, but has seemingly never received it. I can't picture him coming to a post-non-tender-agreement with the Sox (too many ego's), but I do envision him as an absolute steal for some team in 2011.

I'll miss you, Bobby. I think a lot of Sox fans will join me a year from now when they see you pumping your fist to saves with another team.