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SAN FRANCISCO -- The Giants want to make sure Madison Bumgarner never goes elsewhere.San Francisco general manager Bobby Evans spoke with Bumgarner and reached out to the ace left-handers representatives to let them all know the Giants are ready to begin discussions on a new contract.Bumgarner signed a $35.56 million, six-year deal through 2017 that includes $12 million club options for the 2018 and 2019 seasons.We want to make sure Madison is here for the long haul, Evans said Thursday. Well certainly be available when theyre ready to talk. We continue to exchange volleys. Were ready when theyre ready. Ive even talked to Madison. Were very clear.MadBum pitched a four-hitter in a 3-0 road win against the New York Mets in the wild-card game last week to continue his October dominance, then had a no-decision in Monday nights 6-5, 13-inning Game 3 victory against the Cubs. Chicago eliminated the Giants the next night.The 27-year-old left-hander went 15-9 with a 2.74 ERA this season. Two years ago, his spectacular postseason instantly put him right up with the best ever in October. In 2014, he tossed 270 innings, including 21 with two wins and a save in a World Series that went to Game 7 against the Kansas City Royals.His value to the Giants, its sort of incalculable, said CEO Larry Baer, noting hes already fielding questions about when the pitcher will get a statue. Hes been a tremendous asset for us. Hes done historic things.The Giants like to keep around their homegrown players well into the future.In April, first baseman Brandon Belt received a $79 million, six-year contract that takes him through the 2021 season. Shortstop Brandon Crawford signed a $75 million, six-year contract last November through the 2021 season.I have spoken with Madisons agent about what the timing would be, Evans said. Again, this is a conversation Ive had with each of his representatives that hes had this year. Timing on that I cant speak to.While the sting of falling short in the playoffs was still felt by the brass two days later -- the Giants would have played a Game 5 on Thursday back at Wrigley Field -- a team that clinched the second wild card on the seasons final day was credited for sticking it out through a tough second half.The group still hates to lose as much as they like to win, and thats a powerful statement, said Brian Sabean, executive vice president of baseball operations.Manager Bruce Bochy insists his health is good and he is ready to get exploring out in the mountains this offseason and prepare to win another championship. He spent a night in a Miami hospital in August but insists he is strong and energized to improve at age 61.Nobody is hurting more than this team and myself that were not playing tonight with a chance to move on, Bochy said. Im hungry to get back to the World Series, win another one. I couldnt feel better to be honest.San Francisco is strongly considering promoting from within the organization to fill spots in left field -- with Jarrett Parker or Mac Williamson -- while Eduardo Nunez and Conor Gillaspie are likely to play third. Nunez, whose strained right hamstring limited him down the stretch and in the playoffs, is someone Evans likes on an everyday basis with his fire offensively and athletically, and I think he did a really nice job defensively.Its important to value our internal options, Evans said, noting both third basemen are very strong options for us at third. Thats most likely the direction well go.Finding a closer will be a top priority, with Evans saying he would explore every opportunity to make sure that no ninth inning goes unstaffed.Well find ways to improve our bullpen. We have a good core there for years to come, he said. An overhaul would be a tremendous overstatement.Game notes Buster Posey is likely to play regularly behind the plate despite down power numbers this season: 14 homers and 80 RBIs. ... Third-base coach Roberto Kelly and first-base coach Bill Hayes will not return to those duties. Evans said it hasnt been determined whether they will remain part of the organization in reassigned roles. ... Evans said he has exchanged messages with one National League West club with a managerial opening -- either Arizona or Colorado -- regarding bench coach Ron Wotus. ... San Francisco plans to offer a contract to reliever George Kontos. Adidas Superstar White Wholesale . The home side created most of the chances but struggled to break down Braunschweigs resilient defence, resulting in the Bundesligas 1,000th scoreless draw. Cheap Adidas Superstar Shoes . 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CHICAGO -- White Sox ace Chris Sale returned to his team Thursday to face the crosstown Cubs at Wrigley Field.He arrived on the last player bus to Wrigley, walked into the cramped visiting clubhouse, scanned the room and smiled. He hugged teammates Dioner Navarro and Matt Albers, then did a lap around the clubhouse, greeting each player sitting at his locker.Good to see you, pal, said third baseman Todd Frazier.?Sale wasnt allowed around his teammates during his five-day suspension following his jersey-tearing incident last weekend. Instead, he stayed home to prepare for Thursdays start -- or perhaps fine-tune his nascent tailoring skills.In absentia, Sales presence nevertheless loomed large on Wednesday in the Sox clubhouse, where his teammates were asked by the marauding media horde how the pitcher would be received upon his return.In [the clubhouse] with open arms, outfielder Adam Eaton said. When he pitches, he puts on a good show. Im sure it wont be any different when he comes back.Said Navarro: Its weird, its a crazy situation, but I think if somebody can handle it, its him.Youve probably heard the story by now and read more than a few Scissorshands cracks on your favorite social media outlet. Last Saturday, the White Sox planned to use throwback jerseys, but Sale was unhappy with the decision. So he proceeded to methodically cut up those jerseys. He said his beef was a competitive issue; the uniforms were uncomfortable and didnt allow him to pitch at his best.During an interview on MLB.com, Sale said he regretted not being there for his teammates during the suspension, but not so much for the act itself.Do I regret standing up for what I believe in? Absolutely not, he said. Do I regret saying business should not be first before winning? Absolutely not.As tales of the incident spread like a surreal wildfire through the league, Sale was scratched from his scheduled start and suspended the next day. The immediate consequence was that, at the last minute, six White Sox relievers had to step in to soak up Sales innings. They collectively held down the Detroit Tigers and set up Eatons walk-off hit to win that game.Then the White Sox reeled off three more Ws, the first two in similar walk-off fashion, and took the first two of four games against the Cubs. A late-game collapse Wednesday brought the Sale-less spree to a halt. Still, rather than Throwbackgate destroying clubhouse unity, the entire sequence seems to have drawn the White Sox closer.That kind of stuff can ruin a team, Frazier?said. It can be even littler -- Ive seen littler stuff put a team in the hole. I just think the guys are determined to play the game right.I think when we found out the bullpen was going to have to go, they kind of took it upon themselves to step up. Thats all you can ask for as a player. Were professionals; youve got to be ready for change.When Sale takes the mound Thursday, hell be pitching for a chance to give the White Sox a resounding win in the four-game, two-ballpark series, which would gett the Sox back to .dddddddddddd00.?Maybe its the calm before the storm, maybe its not, Frazier said. Well see. Im just happy were on the roll were getting here. You can see it a little bit. You can see it in everybodys faces. Its a little more chipper, I guess you can say.Were ready to go. I think were going to get on a great, big roll here. I think its going to be an exciting time for the White Sox.If it seems as if weve seen this scenario play out before, thats because it has. After first baseman Adam LaRoche retired late in spring training upon being told he could no longer bring his son into the clubhouse, Sale accused White Sox executive Kenny Williams of lying to the team, saying, Somebody walked out of those doors the other day, and it was the wrong guy.With that controversy still lingering, the White Sox raced to a 23-10 start, and they hope this current post-controversy upturn can stretch as long as that start did.Seems like every time we have a little bit of a stir, things go right, Eaton said. Beginning of the season went really well for us. This little stir, its been a positive thing. When [Sale] comes back, Im sure he wont miss any step in his hop. Im sure hell be just fine.After attributing the White Soxs resilience to the presence of a few well-placed veterans on the roster, manager Robin Ventura said hes not expecting any resentment toward Sale from his teammates.Players always have their teammates back, Ventura said. Its no different in our clubhouse. I think its going to be fairly normal. Hes going to be prepared to pitch. Our guys are going to be prepared to play.Sale has finished in the top six in American League Cy Young voting in each of the past four seasons, and he is a leading contender for the award this season. Since the beginning of the 2012 season, Sale ranks third among all pitchers in strikeouts, and seventh in both wins and ERA.Here is what I know about Chris: Chris is a good kid, who has a good heart, who does a lot of things nobody sees, said pitching coach Don Cooper. Certainly on top of all of it, hes a quality pitcher, a high-level pitcher.Robin [Ventura] said he was one of the best in the league (but) Ill take it a step further. I think hes in the top 10 on the face of the Earth.Despite what appeared to be an act of utter petulance, Sale seems to remain high in the esteem of his teammates. Hes the ace, and that title extends all the way from the mound to the clubhouse, and beyond.Hes our teammate, Eaton said. Hes our guy. (Despite) all the things that are swirling around about his character and who he is as a player, hes my brother. I enjoy every second with him on the field and off the field.He cant be a better person. With that, Ill be excited to see him. Im sure hell be in the same form he has been the entire year. Hell go out there and produce, and be Chris Sale.The Associated Press contributed to this report. ' ' '