Chicago White Sox Trade Rumors

Quentin says left foot is fine
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March 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"With the exception of some "general soreness," Carlos Quentin said he feels good. That was evident Saturday from the two home runs he hit off Carlos Silva in vaulting the White Sox to a 15-3 victory over the Cubs before 12,712 fans at HoHoKam Park. Quentin played in only 99 games last season because of plantar fasciitis in his left foot and admitted his recovery was slow until December when he was able to perform more explosive work. "(The foot) is no sorer than it would be if I was healthy three years ago," Quentin said. "It's fatigue. Soreness as in maybe my feet just ache. That's just from being in cleats. "It's not a thought in my head where I'm concerned about that specific location. ..."
Guillen a bit weary of Gonzalez rumors
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March 3
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The last time manager Ozzie Guillen looked in the clubhouse Tuesday, Gordon Beckham was still in a White Sox uniform and Paul Konerko was still the first baseman. And the rumor mill was spinning again with the ''Adrian Gonzalez to the Sox for a package anchored by Beckham'' speculation. ''Right now, I like the team we have,'' Guillen said. ''We have a general manager [in Ken Williams] who keeps things quiet, thank God. And when he makes deals, it's for a reason. But we plan to have Gordon for a long time. I don't see why people are still talking about it.'' The Sox had been interested in acquiring Gonzalez from the Padres even before Jake Peavy went public with his discussion about ..."
Peavy maintains White Sox sought his input during pursuit of Adrian Gonzalez
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March 2
Yahoo! Sports
 
"The White Sox were interested in trading for Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez this winter, and they asked Gonzalez's former teammate Jake Peavy for a recommendation, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Peavy gave it wholeheartedly. The Sox, however, backed off after determining they likely would have to give up second baseman Gordon Beckham, according to the Sun-Times report. The Sun-Times also reports Peavy first mentioned the Gonzalez link to the newspaper in January. He repeated it to CBSSports.com on Saturday, and confirmed it to a Chicago reporter Sunday."
News on Jenks, Ad. Gonzalez and the rotation
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March 1
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"There are no longer questions about Bobby Jenks' conditioning, after the White Sox closer showed up to camp 20 pounds lighter than last season. Now, there's the little matter of his arm. According to pitching coach Don Cooper, the right-hander is behind schedule from the rest of the hurlers in camp, but not enough for there to be any growing concern. "Because Bobby worked so hard on his conditioning, plus Bobby had another child, plus the weather in Chicago is bad,'' Cooper explained. "And he told me he had a little difficulty getting somebody to catch him. So he was just playing more catch than actually pitching off a mound. "But one thing I know about Bobby, every year if you look back, ..."
Sox after Padres slugger Gonzalez? Peavy all for it
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March 1
Chicago Tribune
 
"Persistent White Sox general manager Ken Williams succeeded in landing Jake Peavy last July, and he has embarked on some groundwork to land another All-Star player from San Diego. Sunday, Peavy confirmed that Williams had asked him last winter about Adrian Gonzalez, and Peavy gave Williams a ringing endorsement of the left-handed-hitting first baseman who would fortify the Sox's predominantly right-handed-hitting lineup. "Obviously, I said we need to get this guy," Peavy said. "This guy can blink his eyes and hit 40 home runs in our park." The price for Gonzalez, 27, could be higher than as it was for Peavy, who commanded four pitching prospects. Gonzalez won't become a free agent until ..."
Jake Peavy wants Adrian Gonzalez on the White Sox; could Gordon Beckham be trade bait?
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February 28
Yahoo! Sports
 
"White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy is lobbying general manager Ken Williams to acquire Peavy's former teammate Adrian Gonzalez, CBS Sports reports. "I want Adrian to be my teammate over here," Peavy is quoted as saying. According to the CBS report, Williams doesn't need much convincing."
Is Paul Konerko on his way out?
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February 27
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"At least Paul Konerko is consistent. The team captain made his first official visit to spring camp on Friday - the first day position players were expected in - and will handle this contract year the same way he handled it heading into free agency back in 2005. "My whole approach is to identify what I can control and can't control and know the difference of those two, and I think I do,'' Konerko said. "I've been down that road before and it's kind of simple from my end. I'm under contract. I can't do anything. I can't go anywhere. Talking about contract right now, the ball is in their court. Which is perfectly fine. I understand how the game is played. You just control what you can ..."
Buehrle might walk away 'in a couple years'
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February 25
Chicago Tribune
 
"White Sox's Mark Buehrle, went one-on-one with Comcast SportsNet's David Kaplan in Glendale and talked about his future. So does the 30-year-old pitcher think about retiring? "I got two years left on this contract. Everybody says I'm crazy, but as I sit here today I can see myself walking away pretty easy. My family is the biggest thing. I want to see my kids grow up. I don't want to have to be down here at spring training or during the season be out on the road somewhere and have my son and my daughter call me saying 'Daddy, I scored a goal or I got a hit today in a game.'I i want to be there for that."
Sox withdraw offer to Damon: Appears to be headed to Detroit
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February 20
Chicago Tribune
 
"Barring a last-minute change, outfielder Johnny Damon won't be a member of the White Sox when pitchers and catchers have their first formal workout Sunday. General manager Ken Williams, in a rare negotiating revelation, said Friday he withdrew the Sox's offer to Damon after stretching their dollars as creatively as they could past their payroll budget. "I went to (Chairman) Jerry Reinsdorf and asked for another special exemption," Williams said. "We tried to be creative, and I can truthfully say Johnny and (agent) Scott Boras showed a willingness in what we were trying to do. But the total dollars and cents didn't make sense." Williams didn't close the door on Damon, who appears destined ..."
Tigers, not White Sox, the better match for Johnny Damon
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February 19
Detroit News
 
"Ironically, it was Thursday's silence that suggested outfielder Johnny Damon and the Tigers might be moving closer to a deal that would bring Damon to Detroit. The Tigers were maintaining their no-comment posture with respect to a 36-year-old free agent and left-hand batter who could easily become manager Jim Leyland's choice as the team's new left-fielder, and just as likely, their answer at leadoff. Scott Boras, the agent for Damon, likewise was in solitude. He did not return a Detroit News phone call, which had been placed in an attempt to learn if Boras was having better luck discussing Damon's availability with the Chicago White Sox than with the Tigers. Boras has been public and ..."
White Sox still waiting on Damon decision
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February 19
Chicago Tribune
 
"There were no "Welcome Johnny Damon" signs in front of Camelback Ranch on Thursday, and no media access to players will be allowed Friday. It's business as usual for the White Sox, as they didn't seem waiting at the edge of their seats for a decision by the free-agent left-handed hitter. The lack of suspense seemed to indicate that the Sox believe they will fare nicely even if Damon signs with Detroit, which has a greater need for an established top-of-the-order hitter like Damon and reportedly is offering more money. Catcher A.J. Pierzynski said he saw Damon, a high school teammate, on Wednesday but didn't talk to him. "He's just got to make a decision," Pierzynski said Thursday ..."
Williams to address Damon...on Sunday
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February 18
Daily Herald
 
"Let's connect the dots on this one. In his first public comment on rumors linking free-agent outfielder Johnny Damon to the White Sox, general manager Kenny Williams on Thursday morning told the Daily Herald: "I will talk about this on Sunday." The Detroit Tigers, meanwhile, have already offered Damon a reported two-year, $14 million contract. And the Tigers have an empty locker waiting for Damon at the spring training camp in Lakeland, Fla. Sounds like he's going to be signing with Detroit in the next day or two. Williams has a history of ignoring media requests when he's on the verge of making a trade or signing a free agent."
As Tigers and other teams lobby for Johnny Damon, his wife likely will have final say
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February 18
Michigan Live
 
"Phil Coke sat in front of his locker after Tuesday morning's workout and shook his head thinking about Johnny Damon. His former teammate on the New York Yankees is mulling joining Coke and the rest of the Detroit Tigers. "I wish I had his number," Coke said. "I'd call and say, 'Hurry up and sign and get over here. Quit messing around. Let's go!' " Coke, a reliever for the Yankees who came to Detroit via trade, is unabashed in his admiration for the free-agent outfielder with two World Series rings and 2,425 hits. "I love Johnny," Coke said. "He's an amazing person on and off the field. He's a great player and clubhouse guy." So, he'd love to see Damon join the Tigers? "Yeah, absolutely," ..."
White Sox could be Damon front-runners
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February 18
MLB.com
 
"Monday's round of golf played in Orlando involving White Sox catcher A.J. Pierzynski, television play-by-play man Ken "Hawk" Harrelson and Johnny Damon certainly was not designed as a Chicago recruiting pitch for the talented outfielder. Instead, it was an outing for Dr. Phillips High School, where Pierzynski, Damon and Harrelson's son, Casey, who also took part, all once attended. Of course, the White Sox pursuit of the free-agent left-handed hitter was not an out-of-bounds topic over the 18 holes. "Certainly that came up," said Harrelson during a Wednesday appearance on the Waddle and Silvy Show on ESPN 1000 in Chicago. "That was not the purpose of the outing." Whatever was said to ..."
Sox closing in on Damon
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February 18
Chicago Tribune
 
"The White Sox have gained ground on the Tigers in the Johnny Damon sweepstakes nearly as quickly as the Twins did in surpassing the Tigers for last year's American League Central title. As a result, the Sox could enhance their chances for the 2010 division title if they can agree to terms with Damon. "I think we have a good shot to get him now,'' a team source said Wednesday night. As recently as Monday, the Sox were considered a long shot to acquire Damon, 36, who has a career .355 on-base percentage. But the Tigers, who were reported to be the favorite as early as last week because of the proximity of their Lakeland, Fla. spring training facility to Damon's Orlando home and a reported ..."
White Sox moving closer to landing Damon
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February 18
Chicago Tribune
 
"It looks like general manager Ken Williams is moving closer to completing that ''one move'' that he talked about last month at SoxFest. The Sox are gaining momentum toward landing left-handed free-agent hitter Johnny Damon, according to a team source. ''I think we got a good shot to get him now,'' the source said early Wednesday night. Landing Damon, 36, would give the Sox a more balanced lineup as well as enhance the profile they seek in getting away from a power-dependent team. Damon has a career .355 on-base percentage, and he batted .288 while tying his career high with 24 home runs and stealing 12 bases without getting caught in helping the New York Yankees win the World Series."
Report: White Sox express interest in Damon
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February 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"World Series star Johnny Damon may be close to signing a free agent contract, but it most likely will not be with the White Sox, who called at the 11th hour to see if he would be interested. Instead, Damon could be headed for the Sox's AL Central rival Detroit, which is believed to have offered the two-year deal that agent Scott Boras had been seeking. If reports are accurate, Damon could make as much as $14 million over two years, far less that he was seeking from the champion Yankees. The Braves were also involved, but, like the White Sox, were believed to be willing to go only one year because of budget restraints. Atlanta reportedly was willing to spend less than $5 million on the ..."
Sox after Damon?
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February 12
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Have the Sox thrown their name in the hat for Johnny Damon? Yes, according to one source. But just how serious are they pursuing the free agent outfielder? "It's more about doing due diligence than anything else,'' the source said. Several media outlets reported on Thursday afternoon that the Sox had entered the Damon sweepstakes late, joining the likes of Detroit and Tampa Bay. The asking price now is said to be near $7 million, which would take the Sox out of the equation."
Damon said to be close to a deal
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February 12
Boston Globe
 
"Various reports have the Tigers and White Sox bidding for Johnny Damon. The Braves also have an interest, but not for more than one year. Here is my question to you: If Johnny comes back to Fenway Park this season and you're in the stands, will you cheer him or boo him? Damon was savaged by the fans after he signed with the Yankees and it continued for the better part of four years. Having watched the Yankees take batting practice from the field, I'm here to tell you that some of the stuff people yelled at Damon was pretty crude."
Johnny Damon nearing decision
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February 11
ESPN.com
 
"The Johnny Damon Sweepstakes appeared to be nearing the finish line Thursday, as Damon tries to choose from several offers far less than the two-year, $20 million deal he and agent Scott Boras have been seeking. Two sources told ESPN.com that the Detroit Tigers have made the largest offer, amid speculation around the industry that that bid is in the range of one year, $7 million. There were indications the sides were still discussing a possible two-year deal. But even the Tigers' one-year offer appears to be the biggest offer on the table. The Atlanta Braves and Tampa Bay Rays have also remained in the bidding, with both teams talking about one-year contracts for fewer total dollars than ..."
Thome won't return to White Sox; Twins in mix to sign slugger
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January 26
Minneapolis Star Tribune
 
"White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen told reporters Monday that free-agent slugger Jim Thome won't return to the team this year, a decision that could clear the way for Thome to sign with the Twins. The Chicago Sun-Times reported the Rays and Tigers are also interested in Thome but called the Twins the favorite to sign him. Thome, 39, has hit 564 career home runs but hasn't played an inning defensively since 2007. Guillen is trying to keep the DH spot open to give additional at-bats to Andruw Jones, Mark Kotsay, Carlos Quentin and Paul Konerko. "To me, it was about at-bats," Guillen said in a conference call. "I don't want to go through a situation where Jim is not playing two or three days and ..."
Sox torn pondering Thome return
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January 24
Daily Southtown
 
"It's Ozzie Guillen's move. That was the message Saturday from White Sox general manager Ken Williams as the Sox continued to debate internally whether free-agent slugger Jim Thome - whom the Sox traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 31 - should be brought back. The Sun-Times reported Friday that Thome could return, despite Guillen being comfortable at this point with the idea of using a designated hitter-by-committee approach. Williams seemed in favor of bringing back Thome, who's very popular in the Sox clubhouse, but he didn't want to step on Guillen's toes. In a town-hall-type meeting with Sox fans, Williams let everyone know that Guillen has the final say on Thome. So does ..."
Could Paul Konerko and Derrek Lee be on their way out of Chicago?
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January 24
Cleveland Plain Dealer
 
"One handed the game ball from the final out of the 2005 World Series to White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. The other played a major role in beating the Cubs in '03 and was about the only hitter who wasn't overpowered in the '07 and '08 playoffs when Lou Piniella's teams extended the agony that had befallen Dusty Baker, among other predecessors. In many ways, Paul Konerko and Derrek Lee have been the glue holding together Chicago's two Major League Baseball teams for a combined 17 seasons. They are consummate pros and reliable run producers whose few fallow months can be traced to the injuries they have endured. Yet neither is signed beyond 2010, and there has not been a clamor from ..."
Thome return up to Ozzie
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January 24
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"It's Ozzie Guillen's move. That was the message Saturday from general manager Ken Williams as the White Sox continued to debate whether to bring back free-agent slugger Jim Thome, whom they traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 31. The Sun-Times reported Friday that Thome could return even though Guillen is comfortable with the idea of a designated hitter-by-committee entering camp next month. Williams seemed in favor of bringing back Thome, who's extremely popular in the clubhouse, but he didn't want to step on Guillen's toes. In a town-hall-type meeting with Sox fans, Williams let everyone know that Guillen had the final say on Thome. Does Guillen feel the pressure is on him? ''No, ..."
Could Konerko and Lee be on way out?
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January 24
Chicago Tribune
 columnist Phil Rogers
"One handed the game ball from the final out of the 2005 World Series to White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. The other played a major role in beating the Cubs in '03 and was about the only hitter who wasn't overpowered in the '07 and '08 playoffs when Lou Piniella's teams extended the agony that had befallen Dusty Baker, among other predecessors. In many ways, Paul Konerko and Derrek Lee have been the glue holding together Chicago's two Major League Baseball teams for a combined 17 seasons. They are consummate pros and reliable run producers whose few fallow months can be traced to the injuries they have endured. Yet neither is signed beyond 2010, and there has not been a clamor from ..."
Cubs possible home for ex-Red Gomes
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January 23
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"While popular speculation has focused on Jermaine Dye, the Cubs appear to be focused on free agent Jonny Gomes in their search for a fourth outfielder, according to a baseball source with knowledge of the Cubs' interest. Gomes, who hit 20 home runs in 281 at-bats for the Cincinnati Reds before being non-tendered last month, is one of at least five outfielders the Cubs are looking at. Gomes, though, comes with the advantages of relative youth (29), a willingness to sign a one-year deal to fill a backup role and a strong desire to play for the Cubs. ''Absolutely,'' Gomes said, confirming discussions. ''I'm a big fan of the game, a student of the game, and I follow a lot of history. I'm not ..."
Thome's return to Sox '50-50' in spite of Ozzie
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January 23
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The White Sox and Minnesota Twins are already in a battle, and pitchers and catchers are still a month away from reporting to spring training. A source close to Jim Thome's camp told the Sun-Times on Friday that the Sox are now rethinking the idea of life without the veteran slugger, despite manager Ozzie Guillen's wish to try a designated hitter-by-committee. Thome was traded from the Sox to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 31 and is now a free agent on the Twins' radar. On Thome rejoining the Sox, the source said, ''It's 50-50 now, which couldn't be said [Thursday]. Jim is just waiting to hear.'' Even Guillen all but confirmed the possibility of Thome's return after saying Thursday the ..."
Guillen doesn't envision Thome in Sox's plans
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January 22
Chicago Tribune
 
"White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen was eager Thursday to start spring training, even with the likelihood of not having Jim Thome as the designated hitter in what aims to be a more versatile lineup. ''Nobody is a bigger Jim Thome fan than me,'' Guillen said at U.S. Cellular Field. ''But in the meantime, (Thome's departure) gives this ballclub an opportunity to give more people more at-bats and to be flexible in different ways.'' Guillen said Mark Kotsay, Andruw Jones, Paul Konerko, Omar Vizquel and Carlos Quentin can serve as the DH. "To me, it's easier and we get more production with the team we have now that way,'' Guillen said. Guillen pointed put that only a few teams, such as the Red Sox ..."
Dye, Nady drawing interest from Cubs
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January 19
MLB.com
 
"The Cubs are looking at free agents Jermaine Dye and Xavier Nady as possible fourth outfielders. A high-placed team official confirmed that both Dye and Nady are on the team's radar. Dye, who turns 36 on Jan. 28, is coming off a season in which he belted 27 homers and 19 doubles for the Chicago White Sox while driving in 81. His average, however, dipped to .251. A career .274 hitter, Dye could play both corner-outfield spots as well as first base if needed. Nady, 31, missed most of last season after undergoing Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery in July. A career .280 hitter, he has played for San Diego, Pittsburgh and both New York teams, most recently with the Yankees. He was ..."
Cubs are looking into adding OF Jermaine Dye
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January 14
Chicago Tribune
 (scroll down)
"To Dye for? The Cubs are looking into former White Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye, sources confirmed Wednesday, but they can't promise Dye as much playing time as he's accustomed to getting. If Dye were to sign, he would platoon with Kosuke Fukudome in right field and back up Alfonso Soriano in left and Derrek Lee at first. He also could DH for interleague road games in Texas and Seattle and at U.S. Cellular Field. Dye, the 2005 World Series MVP with the White Sox, still has his home in Chicago but is seeking a starting job."
Chicago White Sox's J.J. Putz on schedule for spring training
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December 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"Having saved 76 games in two seasons in Seattle and rehabbing from elbow surgery, J.J. Putz probably could have signed on as closer for several teams. Instead, he chose the White Sox, who already have one of the American League's best saves men in Bobby Jenks. Putz signed with the Sox last week for $3 million, plus another $3 million in incentives based on games finished, although he would reach those, presumably, only if Jenks is injured or traded. "Anybody who has closed before really cherishes (that role)," Putz said in a conference call Wednesday. "It is, in my opinion, the best job in baseball, so obviously at some point I would like to be closer again, but given (the surgery) this ..."
White Sox might be done adding for 2010
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December 16
MLB.com
 
"Don't look for general manager Ken Williams to make one extra big splash by adding a full-time designated hitter to the White Sox attack during the next two months. Trading for Juan Pierre on Tuesday put the White Sox 40-man roster at 40, for starters. But even more important than this total is manager Ozzie Guillen believes he has viable in-house candidates to fill the DH spot in Andruw Jones, Mark Kotsay and Jayson Nix. "Ozzie and I have been speaking on that for quite a while, and we spoke on it again today," Williams said. "He would like to sit where we are right now. He likes the idea of having flexibility." That flexibility means not having a designated hitter who solely hits, as ..."
Dodgers trade outfielder Juan Pierre to the Chicago White Sox
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December 15
Los Angeles Times
 
"Juan Pierre will be an everyday player again. The Dodgers sent their No. 4 outfielder and $10 million in cash to the Chicago White Sox for two minor league players to be named. Signed to a five-year, $44-million contract prior to the 2007 season, Pierre is still owed $18.5 million over the final two years of his deal. "Juan always put the Dodgers first, even when it wasn't in his personal best interest," Dodgers General Manager Ned Colletti said in a statement released by the team. "In this day, that is a rare attribute. When he and I spoke at the end of the season, we agreed that if an opportunity presented itself in which his chance to play would be enhanced, we would pursue it and ..."
Dodgers trade Juan Pierre to the White Sox
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December 15
L.A. Daily News
 
"The Los Angeles Dodgers have traded Juan Pierre and cash to the Chicago White Sox for two players to be named. Pierre, 32, hit .308 (117-380) with 30 stolen bases, 57 runs and a .365 on-base percentage in 145 games with the Dodgers in 2009. He began the season as a reserve but proved to be a valuable asset when he was thrust into the starting lineup upon Manny Ramirez's 50-game drug suspension. Once Ramirez returned, Pierre became a reserve again. "Juan always put the Dodgers first, even when it wasn't in his personal best interest," Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said. "In this day, that is a rare attribute. When he and I spoke at the end of the season, we agreed that if an ..."
Sources: White Sox acquire OF Pierre
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December 15
ESPN.com
 
"The Chicago White Sox acquired outfielder Juan Pierre from the Los Angeles Dodgers for two minor-leaguers and cash, according to major league sources. Of the $18.5 million left on Pierre's contract, the White Sox will pay $3 million in 2010 and $5 million in 2011. Pierre will be Chicago's leadoff hitter and it likely means Scott Podsednik will not return to the South Side."
White Sox acquire Juan Pierre from Dodgers
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December 15
Chicago Tribune
 
"The White Sox have acquired leadoff hitter/outfielder Juan Pierre from the Dodgers for a pair of minor leaguers, thus ending Scott Podsednik's career on the South Side. Pierre, the 32-year-old former Cubs center fielder, is owed $18.5 million over the next two years, but the Dodgers will pay about half of that. The trade is expected to be announced this afternoon. Relegated to bench duty last spring, Pierre filled in for suspended Manny Ramirez and hit .308 in 145 games. He also stole 30 bases in 42 attempts."
Sox Outfield has lots of room for Pierre
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December 13
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The Los Angeles Dodgers have been handcuffed a good part of this offseason because of the well-publicized divorce involving owner Frank McCourt and the uncertainty of how it will play out. That's why the White Sox' interest in outfielder/leadoff man Juan Pierre was downplayed during last week's winter meetings. A major-league source, however, said the Dodgers' front office has been told it can move players if it means shedding salary. Guess who is supposed to make $18.5 million over the next two seasons? If the Sox land Pierre -- who is more than on the radar -- they would make sure the Dodgers are on the hook for a good portion of what Pierre is owed. In return, Los Angeles is rumored to ..."
Sox see Yankees outfielder as leadoff man
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December 11
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"White Sox general manager Ken Williams has said it before, and he said it again. ''We don't have any money,'' Williams said Wednesday during his meeting with the media. ''We're close to our budget right now, and that really inhibits what we can do in terms of the free-agent market. So we have to get creative, and we've done that before.'' Here's the latest example of Williams' creativity. According to a scout familiar with the situation, the Sox were one of two teams in the American League Central letting the New York Yankees know during the winter meetings this week that they covet outfielder Brett Gardner. The Kansas City Royals also were wondering what it would take to acquire the ..."
White Sox remain in pursuit of Matsui
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December 10
MLB.com
 
"Aside from the close to 40 members of the Japanese media waiting to talk to general manager Ken Williams at the Marriott on Wednesday, nothing has truly changed in regard to the White Sox pursuit of free agent Hideki Matsui since the start of the 2009 Winter Meetings. Make that, nothing has really changed in this particular pursuit since the General Managers' Meetings at the O'Hare Hilton in early November. That get-together marked the last time Williams and Arn Tellem, Matsui's representative, spoke about the World Series Most Valuable Player, according to Williams' comments made Wednesday afternoon. Don't take the lack of contact between Williams and Tellem as a drop in interest where ..."
Accelerated interest in Putz puts frown on Williams' face
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December 10
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"It doesn't take long for the flip to happen. The smile is gone and the usually articulate replies are reduced to one-word grunts. ''Busy day?'' Ken Williams was asked during his daily state of the White Sox address with the media. ''Yes,'' was the quick response. ''Busier than yesterday or are things going in a certain direction with anybody?'' was question two. ''Yes and yes ... '' was the response. Welcome to Day 3 of the Winter Meetings where Williams is all business, and business isn't going as planned. With the Sun-Times reporting Tuesday how serious the interest was in reliever J.J. Putz -- enough so that they had current Sox reliever Matt Thornton recruiting the pitcher he has a ..."
Chicago White Sox GM downplays Hideki Matsui rumors
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December 10
Chicago Tribune
 
"Ken Williams went from under the radar to the spotlight. After a 15-minute session with reporters Wednesday, more than two dozen Japanese reporters corralled the White Sox general manager to inquire about his alleged interest in free agent Hideki Matsui. "I never said we were pursuing him," Williams said. "I'm not going to say we're not because I don't know how the rest of the offseason is going to develop. But in recent times, I certainly haven't had any discussions in regards to him." Reporters then asked Williams if he planned to watch Matsui's workout next week in Southern California to show that he can play the outfield, a prerequisite for the Sox to fill their need for a left-handed ..."
Sox eyeing Putz for bullpen help
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December 9
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Matt Thornton doesn't start his offseason throwing program until December ends. Until then, nothing like passing the time by playing recruiter. According to the White Sox left-hander, the Sox are interested in adding free agent reliever J.J. Putz to the bullpen and it's Thornton's job to try and make the feeling mutual. ''There's no doubt that Kenny has interest in him,'' Thornton said on Tuesday. ''[Putz] has been asking me what I think about it, what I think about the Sox. I told him we expect to win. I tell that to anyone that asks me, we expect to win. We prepare to win and if we don't win, well, we're pissed. I told [Putz] that if you're a free agent you want to go to a winner.'' ..."
Hideki Matsui, Coco Crisp on Chicago White Sox radar
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December 9
Chicago Tribune
 
"The White Sox provided third baseman Mark Teahen a bigger comfort zone Tuesday by giving him a three-year, $14 million contract. Teahen and agent Jeff Berry returned the favor by back-loading the contract, and that may enable the Sox to afford a left-handed hitter of Hideki Matsui's caliber. "(Matsui is) a good player, but I don't know that we are there just yet," general manager Ken Williams said, alluding to manager Ozzie Guillen's desire to have a designated hitter who can play the outfield. Matsui, 35, was relegated to DH duties with the Yankees last season because he was recovering from knee surgery. He played left field from 2004-08, and the Sox tentatively plan to move Carlos ..."
White Sox interested in Matsui
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December 8
New York Daily News
 
"Could Godzilla be headed to the Windy City? The White Sox have emerged as a serious contender for Hideki Matsui, according to a source, while the Angels have confirmed their interest in the World Series MVP as well. The Yankees haven't ruled out the possibility of bringing Matsui back, Tuesday's trade for Curtis Granderson means that the Bombers can't bring back both Matsui and Johnny Damon. The Yankees are still hoping to re-sign Damon, who would serve as the primary DH while also playing some outfield - something Brian Cashman has said several times he won't consider with Matsui."
Clubs eyeing Putz
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December 8
Foxsports.com
 
"Free agent reliever J.J. Putz is drawing interest from a number of teams, including the Cubs, White Sox, Diamondbacks, Rangers, Nationals and Tigers, major league sources said late Monday night. Putz recently held a throwing session for scouts in Arizona. He is seeking to re-establish himself as a late-inning presence, after having surgery to remove a bone spur from his right (throwing) elbow earlier this year. Putz had a 5.22 ERA for the Mets this season and didn't pitch after June 4. He was an All-Star closer as recently as 2007 before averaging only 38 innings over the past two seasons because of injuries/"
Chicago White Sox mum on Roy Halladay, Hideki Matsui scenarios
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December 8
Chicago Tribune
 
"General manager Ken Williams offered a firm "no comment" Monday when asked if the White Sox were involved in the Roy Halladay sweepstakes. Williams also declined to get into particular names when asked about any interest the Sox would have in free agent Hideki Matsui, a left-handed hitter who fits the profile they're seeking. But manager Ozzie Guillen and Williams were more forthcoming in entertaining the probability that Carlos Quentin could move from left field to right field, with Alex Rios staying in center field. That scenario would give the Sox more options as they move closer toward filling their roster at the winter meetings. One case that seems to be narrowing is the return of ..."
Is the Alex Rios waiver claim tying Ken Williams hands?
Comment
December 8
Chicago Tribune
 
"Ken Williams admits he's working on being more patient. He denies, however, that the effort is related to the $60 million waiver claim he made in August on Alex Rios. Rios responded to Williams' aggressiveness -- or impulsiveness -- by hitting .199 over 41 games. J.P. Ricciardi was on his way out as the Toronto Blue Jays' general manager, but White Sox box scores had to brighten his final days in office. Four months after the Rios move, Williams was among the last general managers to arrive in Indianapolis for the winter meetings. He took his time driving from Chicago on Monday afternoon, a leisurely journey that apparently was not interrupted by many phone calls from player agents. ..."
Ex-Cubs, White Sox draw interest at winter meetings
Comment
December 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"Baltimore GM Andy MacPhail has interest in Kevin Gregg and Rich Harden, which comes as no surprise to those who have been following the former Cub president since his departure. Baltimore took Sammy Sosa off Jim Hendry's hands before Mac Phail got there, then MacPhail took Felix Pie, Corey Patterson and Rich Hill from the Cubs. But MacPhail won't do the same with Milton Bradley. Harden likely will end up in Seattle, near his Canadian roots. Former White Sox reliever Mike MacDougal is arbitration eligible in Washington, so he might be let go on Saturday, which is the date for tendering contracts. MacDougal was the Nationals closer but may not be worth the price. Former Cub Mark DeRosa is ..."
White Sox could be active at winter meetings
Comment
December 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"Manager Ozzie Guillen said no trades were imminent as the White Sox headed for the annual four-day winter meetings starting Monday. But then again, Guillen knows better than to assume that general manager Ken Williams will be idle. "I learned from the past," Guillen said Saturday night at the Easter Seals of Metropolitan Chicago Holiday Gala. "Every time I go back home, they make the trade the next day." As many executives and media members were checking out of their hotel in 2004, Williams pulled off one of his best deals, acquiring outfielder Scott Podsednik and reliever Luis Vizcaino from Milwaukee for slugger Carlos Lee. The deal gave the Sox a valuable leadoff hitter and a durable ..."