Former White Sox pitcher Esteban Loaiza was sentenced to 36 months in prison earlier today after pleading guilty to felony cocaine possession with intent to distribute.  Loaiza, who was facing a potential life sentence, was arrested last year after he was caught trying to move more than $500,000 in cocaine from a house located near a school.  He was initially stopped by police during a routine stop for a minor traffic violation, but a search of the car led to the discovery of a “sophisticated aftermarket compartment used to conceal contraband.”  A subsequent search of a home he had been renting, mere “steps away from an area preschool”, found roughly 20 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of $500,000.  Following his release from prison, he will be deported to his native Mexico.

Loaiza, the second winningest pitcher from Mexico, had two stints with the White Sox.  He scored All Star nods in both 2003 and 2004 and finished his career with the team in a brief stint in 2008.  He earned over $40 million during his career, making the need to participate in this type of scheme baffling.  He made an unannounced appearance at Sox Fest just prior to his arrest last year.