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Former Sox Pitcher Worth Billions?

Land White Bought Is Rock Quarry

Combined Wire Services

March 1 2007

Matt White, a journeyman pitcher trying to make the Dodgers, could become a billionaire, and it has nothing to do with his arm. He owns a rock quarry in western Massachusetts.

White, a former Rule 5 pick of the Red Sox who has appeared in seven games, paid $50,000 three years ago to buy 50 acres of land from an elderly aunt who needed the money to pay for a nursing home.

While clearing out a couple acres to build a home, he discovered stone ledges in the ground. A geologist estimated there were 24 million tons of the stone, which is being sold for upward of $100 a ton, meaning there's well over $2 billion worth of material.

"It sounds bogus even saying those numbers," White said. "I'm just a small-town guy trying to get to the big leagues. It's beyond comprehension."

Dr. Peter Pannish, an adjunct professor in the department of geosciences at UMass, said he believes the stone was formed about 400 million years ago.

"It's basically a slabby rock that can be used for sidewalks, building faces and stone walls," Pannish said. "There are some sidewalks here on campus that are made of that same rock."

Pannish said he believes White could sell his property for several million dollars, or more.

"As far as hundreds of millions, I doubt if that's possible because of all the expenses that would have to be considered," Pannish said. "But it could be quite a bit of money."

The Red Sox took White, 29, from the Indians in the 2003 Rule 5 draft. He allowed 11 runs in 32/3 innings with the Sox, including six runs in two-thirds of an inning in his debut at Yankee Stadium. He was traded a month later to the Mariners and allowed three runs in three innings. He pitched once for the Nationals in 2005 and hasn't appeared in the majors since.

Shoulder issue for Jenks: Bobby Jenks threw nine pitches in the White Sox's opener Wednesday before being taken out because of right shoulder tightness. Jenks said he is OK.

"There is no pain at all, no sharp pain, just one pitch where it caught right away," Jenks said. "There is nothing wrong with it. It is just tight."

Jenks, who had 41 saves last year, faced three batters in a 12-4 loss to Colorado before being taken out. He hit his first batter, walked the second and fell behind 2-and-0 to Joe Koshansky before being removed. ... White Sox lefty Mark Buehrle allowed four runs and six hits in the first two innings, while righthander Jon Garland gave up seven runs - six earned - and eight hits in the next two innings. ... Rockies righthander Aaron Cook allowed one hit in two scoreless innings. Outfielder Brad Hawpe had three hits: a two-run double off Buehrle, and a double and a single against Garland. Outfielder Matt Holliday went 2-for-3 with a single and a two-run homer, while third baseman Garrett Atkins and catcher Javy Lopez had two hits each.

Wainwright solid: Cardinals righthander Adam Wainwright opened his bid for a starting job with three hitless innings in a 6-3 victory over the Marlins. He walked one batter and fell behind several others, but needed only 30 pitches - 15 strikes - to get through the first three innings, facing 10 batters.

Former Cardinals starter Rick Ankiel, trying to win a spot as an outfielder, went 2-for-2 with a two-run single, but was thrown out at the plate twice.

Marlins' Johnson won't be ready: Marlins righthander Josh Johnson, 23, has yet to throw from a mound because of a sore arm, and manager Fredi Gonzalez said it is unlikely he will be ready for Opening Day. A source told MLB.com the injury could keep Johnson out for a good part of the season.

Johnson, 23, went 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 157 innings last year in his rookie season. He missed the last three weeks of the season with a similar injury. Sergio Mitre and Yusmeiro Petit, who was acquired from the Mets in the Carlos Delgado trade, could replace him in the rotation.

Bonds received death threats: Barry Bonds, who is 22 home runs from passing Hank Aaron's career record of 755, told a San Francisco radio station that he has been receiving threats, but refused to talk about it at Giants camp Wednesday.

Bonds has been closely guarded by a Major League Baseball security official throughout spring training for the second straight year.

Kielty out 3-6 weeks: A's outfielder Bobby Kielty needs arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and will be out three-to-six weeks. Kielty was injured during a rundown drill Sunday.

If he'd been hurt closer to Opening Day, Kielty said he would have opted against the scope. Manager Bob Geren said the injury won't affect Kielty's role with the team.

Kielty, expected to be a bench outfielder, hit .325 against lefties, including seven of his eight homers. ... A's center fielder Mark Kotsay had an MRI on his stiff back. Milton Bradley will start in his place for Oakland's first two games, beginning today against the Brewers. ... The Giants and righthander Matt Cain are close to a four-year contract with an option. Cain, 22, led all rookies with 13 wins and 179 strikeouts last year, going 13-12 with a 4.15 ERA in 1902/3 innings. ... The Angels are telling righthander Jered Weaver, 24, not to rush his recovery from biceps tendinitis just to make it by Opening Day. ... Former Rockies third baseman Vinny Castilla will manage Mexico at the Pan American Games July 11-19 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Copyright 2007, Hartford Courant