ChiSox exercise options on Dye, Buehrle, Iguchi

CHICAGO -- Left-hander Mark Buehrle's $9.5 million option for next season was exercised Monday by the Chicago White Sox.

Chicago also exercised right fielder Jermaine Dye's $6.75 million option and second baseman Tadahito Iguchi's $3.25 million option. The White Sox declined a $3.65 million option on right-handed reliever Dustin Hermanson, who gets a $500,000 buyout.

Buehrle was 12-13 with a 4.99 ERA this year, his first losing record in seven major league seasons. After making the AL All-Star team, he faltered in the second half, going 3-7 with a 6.44 ERA as the White Sox finished third in the AL Central, one year after winning the World Series.

Dye hit .315 with a team-leading 44 homers and 120 RBI and could get a contract extension after his strong performance. Iguchi batted .281 with 18 homers and 67 RBI.

The 33-year-old Hermanson missed most of this year with lower back inflammation, returning in September to pitch in six games. He was Chicago's closer in 2005 before the back problems surfaced and he lost the job to Bobby Jenks. Hermanson had 34 saves in 2005.