Kenny Williams interview

[southsider2k5]

http://www.facebook.com/notes/chicago-whit...ms/227534098046

 

Even with three stories soon to be up on whitesox.com, focused on Kenny Williams' Winter Meetings thoughts, there are still a few more nuggets of information from the White Sox general manager to be shared. So, here they are.

 

CLOSING TIME

Bobby Jenks is not being actively shopped, according to Williams, who has not had one present offseason trade talk concerning the burly right-hander to date. This assessment doesn't mean Williams won't listen to offers for Jenks at the Winter Meetings. In fact, Williams expects Jenks to be a topic of conversation at Indianapolis.

 

"He's one of the game's better closers and people need closers," Williams said. "But so do we."

 

A more in-depth look at the Jenks' dynamic and the White Sox bullpen will be on the site today.

 

RUMOR MILL CHURNING

Williams claimed to not have even heard the recent rumor concerning a three-way trade involving the White Sox, Padres and Angels, a rumor termed as preliminary discussions for sending Adrian Gonzalez to the White Sox, Paul Konerko to the Angels and a plethora of prospects to the Padres. The Angels were never involved in such a deal, but check out the following by-play with Williams as representative of possible Gonzalez interest. Well, it just might show interest, as of course, nothing was said directly.

 

I asked Williams if he had talked to Jake Peavy during this offseason, trying to get a gauge on Peavy's fire and preparedness for his first full season in Chicago. Williams told me that the two had spoken, with Williams needing to ask Peavy about a player from another team to whom he had interest.

 

"He's already pumped up," said Williams of Peavy.

 

When I asked Williams if that player he asked Peavy about was Gonzalez, he responded with a quick "No comment."

 

Now, Williams could have just been throwing out a standard response when a media member asks him about a specific player. He might have been asking Peavy about catcher Henry Blanco, who played in San Diego last year and has drawn the White Sox interest. Williams has been known to seek out his veterans to get a feel for how a particular trade target would fit on the roster and the clubhouse, much more so than his talent.

 

Most White Sox fans surveyed would list Gonzalez as a perfect fit, and remember Williams never shies away from inquiring about top talent. He even asked about Johan Santana before the Twins traded him to the Mets.

 

"If you're good, I've asked about you," said Williams with a laugh.

 

WAIT AND SEE

Don't expect talks to begin any time soon in extending catcher A.J. Pierzynski or first baseman Paul Konerko, whose multi-year deals expire after 2010.

 

"Way too early," Williams said. "I've got to look at so much focus on 2010. That's something I can't focus on."

 

ALL ABOUT ANDRUW

 

The expediency with which Andruw Jones signed with the White Sox, not to mention the $500,000 as the agreed upon salary, with incentives that could add on another $1 million, proves Jones truly wants to play for the White Sox.

 

"He's been a great player for a long time and has gotten derailed doing some things that really isn't his game," said Williams of Jones. "But he and Ozzie have a great rapport.

 

"Andruw knows he's coming here in a backup role. It's always a key, when talking about a player who has amassed the numbers and accomplishments he has amassed, to be accepting of his role.

 

"But he really, really wanted to be here," Williams said. "He wanted to be a part of what we are trying to do. That combination, the player and the dollars, it makes sense for us."

 

Williams also knows that he has a player who could be something special if he returns to past form. As for not pursuing Jones prior to the 2008 season, after fellow center field aces Torii Hunter, Aaron Rowand and even Kosuke Fukudome wound up with different teams, Williams explained how the two-year, $36 million deal Jones eventually signed with the Dodgers didn't even factor into the White Sox lack of interest.

 

"I didn't make one phone call to Scott Boras," said Williams of talking with Jones' representative in the 2007 offseason. "And that's not because we didn't like the player. It simply was because we had our sights set on a different target."

 

Guillen already has talked to his friend about coming to Glendale in the best possible physical condition.

 

"Ozzie has advised Andruw that it's in his best interest to show up in shape," Williams said. "But the good thing about Andruw is he knows who Ozzie is and what he is about and didn't shy away from the challenge."

 

NAME GAME

Remember the names Daniel Hudson, Lucas Harrell, Jhonny Nunez, Jon Link, Sergio Santos and Randy Williams. If the White Sox don't add a veteran reliever, these young hurlers will fill out the final two spots in the White Sox bullpen.

[Kenny Hates Prospects]

From MLBTR:

Williams said he never heard of last month's rumor about three-way trade talks for Adrian Gonzalez involving the White Sox, Padres, and Angels. The rumor came from a source with no track record, and was quickly shot down, so it was never published on MLBTR. That doesn't mean we should rule out the possiblity of the White Sox being interest in Gonzalez, though.

Ouch.

[hogan873]

One has to wonder what will happen if Jones returns to form (or even close to what he used to be). I doubt they are counting on it, but if another OFer isn't signed or acquired, and we go into spring training with Rios, Quentin, and a AAA guy (Danks), that leaves quite the door open for Jones. Regardless, having that type of player available off the bench will make a good team better.

[macsandz]

http://www.facebook.com/notes/chicago-whit...ms/227534098046

 

Cool. Thanks for posting this.

[chetkincaid]

One has to wonder what will happen if Jones returns to form (or even close to what he used to be). I doubt they are counting on it, but if another OFer isn't signed or acquired, and we go into spring training with Rios, Quentin, and a AAA guy (Danks), that leaves quite the door open for Jones. Regardless, having that type of player available off the bench will make a good team better.

 

 

Good point, but then who bats leadoff? Beckham? I'd rather not put that much pressure on the kid just yet.

 

 

Go Steelmen...

[macsandz]

From MLBTR:

 

Ouch.

 

No track record doesn't mean wrong. Those guys defended their source over and over. Guys like Cowley attacked them because a couple part-time bloggers broke a story that he didn't.

Of course Kenny is gonna deny it, but Gonzalez is exactly the kind of move Kenny would try and make.

[ThunderBolt]

Not sure if we should really count Randy Williams amongst the young "hurlers" at this point.

[Chisoxfn]

And if you read between the lines there are a lot of hints that the Sox have talked to the Pads about Gonzalez.

 

On top of that, you know damn well that the Angels would be interested in listening to any deal that got Matthews Jr out of town.

 

 

[macsandz]

One has to wonder what will happen if Jones returns to form (or even close to what he used to be). I doubt they are counting on it, but if another OFer isn't signed or acquired, and we go into spring training with Rios, Quentin, and a AAA guy (Danks), that leaves quite the door open for Jones. Regardless, having that type of player available off the bench will make a good team better.

 

Jordan Danks is a quality OF, but he just isn't ready to face MLB pitching, IMO. The guy should at least play a bit of AAA first. If KW could sign Crisp, then D2 could age a bit on the farm.

[ThunderBolt]

I like how this offseason is shaping up. We seem to have a solid plan and KW always has good follow through.

[macsandz]

And if you read between the lines there are a lot of hints that the Sox have talked to the Pads about Gonzalez.

 

On top of that, you know damn well that the Angels would be interested in listening to any deal that got Matthews Jr out of town.

 

No doubt Kenny is chasing him. The Pads should move him and stockpile prospects. He's got a very enticing contract that would make the trade a system-gut of the Sox

pursue it. Seriously, the Pads are probably asking for Floyd, Hudson and Flowers or something like that.

[Chisoxfn]

No doubt Kenny is chasing him. The Pads should move him and stockpile prospects. He's got a very enticing contract that would make the trade a system-gut of the Sox

pursue it. Seriously, the Pads are probably asking for Floyd, Hudson and Flowers or something like that.

Thats where I draw the line. I refuse to give up Floyd. Outside of Peavy, he is the clubs best starter. I do think Danks could over-take him though and I believe Buehrle is our 4th best starter, although his leadership, experience and contract make him our #2. But he's a damn good #2 and a ridiculously awesome #4.

[macsandz]

I like how this offseason is shaping up. We seem to have a solid plan and KW always has good follow through.

 

In spite of a lot of things, it's great to have KW as a GM. I'd hate to be the Tigers or Cubs fans. Hendry/Dombrowski have crippled their teams with terrible contracts.

[macsandz]

Thats where I draw the line. I refuse to give up Floyd. Outside of Peavy, he is the clubs best starter. I do think Danks could over-take him though and I believe Buehrle is our 4th best starter, although his leadership, experience and contract make him our #2. But he's a damn good #2 and a ridiculously awesome #4.

 

John Danks, Hudson, Flowers, Morel for Gonzalez?

 

I'd do it.

[ThunderBolt]

If we trade Danks and Hudson who is our 5th starter? Hynick? Torres? Ely? I don't think we'd pursue anyone big on the free agent market.

Edited December 2, 2009 by Thunderbolt

[Jordan4life_2007]

John Danks, Hudson, Flowers, Morel for Gonzalez?

 

I'd do it.

 

KW wouldn't. That's all that matters (thank the good lord).

[Reddy]

John Danks, Hudson, Flowers, Morel for Gonzalez?

 

I'd do it.

Ugh, to me Danks is untouchable. I think his ceiling is much higher than Floyd's.

[Princess Dye]

If we wait til we can move Mitchell........... could send Hudson, Flowers, Mitchell. Then yr giving up a young guy that still K's a lot......and two mysterious players.

 

I would bet the problem we're running into....is other teams arent valuing Flowers enough yet. Hopefully the Sox did a good enough job of getting word out on his improving catching skills.

[elrockinMT]

Thats where I draw the line. I refuse to give up Floyd. Outside of Peavy, he is the clubs best starter. I do think Danks could over-take him though and I believe Buehrle is our 4th best starter, although his leadership, experience and contract make him our #2. But he's a damn good #2 and a ridiculously awesome #4.

 

Agreed. I think our pitching is set and will be our strong point. You don't weaken yourself in one critical area just to make a trade.

[Harry Chappas]

Of course Kenny is gonna deny it,

 

No comment does not equal denial if anything it is an agreement.

 

[southsider2k5]

Ugh, to me Danks is untouchable. I think his ceiling is much higher than Floyd's.

 

Until Danks signs a cheap extension into his free agent years, Floyd is more untouchable to me.

[Ranger]

John Danks, Hudson, Flowers, Morel for Gonzalez?

 

I'd do it.

 

I may be willing to do that if it were Jordan Danks.

[gatnom]

I may be willing to do that if it were Jordan Danks.

 

Only may?

[SoxAce]

Ugh, to me Danks is untouchable. I think his ceiling is much higher than Floyd's.

 

Agreed. Danks upside IMO is much higher than Floyds though I know Jason and some other big Floyd fans will disagree.

[qwerty]

I hope i don't have to remind people the track record mlb trade rumors started off with. It used to be one of the least reliable places around. Tim dierkes does not have much, if any, room to talk.