According to ESPN, the White Sox signed right fielder Jermaine Dye to a two-year contract extension today. The contract is for 2-years and $22 million with a mutual option for a third year. The contract calls for salaries of $9.5 million in 2008, $11.5 million in 2009 and $12 million in 2010 option year. The converse of the option being picked up is a buyout for $1 million.

While Dye has a team-high 24 Homers for the Sox this year, I think it’s a bad deal, but not that bad. It sure beats a 6-year commitment that top tier outfielders would demand and it helps to bridge the gap between Sox prospects getting seasoned in the majors. Dye is hitting .245 with a .309 OBP and .490 slugging %. That has him on the brink of the decent standard for outfielders OPS which stands at .800; compare that with Dye and he’s .799 this year but .823 for his career

I think the best part of the deal is the number of years or the lack thereof. I’ve never understood the infatuation with Dye. But he produces when he needs to show his value.