"General manager Ken Williams swung hard and missed 2½ years ago when he pursued free agent Torii Hunter.

But as difficult as it was for Williams to digest that Hunter went on to consummate a five-year, $90 million contract with the Angels at a Del Taco fast food restaurant in Southern California, his appetite for a run-producing center fielder has been satisfied by the re-emergence of Alex Rios — who gave several White Sox followers an upset stomach after watching him struggle for the final seven weeks of 2009.

Rios' renaissance — a .317 batting average, 15 doubles, 13 home runs, 31 RBIs and 19 stolen bases — is reminiscent of his 2007-08 seasons, when he averaged 45 doubles, 20 home runs, 82 RBIs and 25 stolen bases with Toronto.

Since May 21, Rios hasn't gone more than one game without at least getting one hit, and his batting average has remained above the .300 mark since May 22.

And for all the criticism that Williams received for taking a risk by claiming Rios on waivers last August and assuming nearly $62 million in salary through 2014, the Sox so far are getting more for their money with Rios, 29, than they might have with Hunter, who is enjoying his third consecutive productive year with Angels but will turn 35 on July 18.

Hunter is a nine-time Gold Glove Award recipient, but Rios has been very dependable in center field for the Sox after playing most of his 5½ seasons in Toronto in right field."