Reinsdorf nixes Blue Jays' overture to Williams
The winter meetings opened in San Diego on Monday, a time when player movement - either real or rumored - rules the week.
For the White Sox, executive vice president Kenny Williams is the big name in the news. Williams told reporters Monday he was contacted by the Toronto Blue Jays about replacing Paul Beeston as president and chief operating officer.
The Sox declined to let Williams interview witH the Jays.
"From what I understood, I talked to (White Sox chairman) Jerry (Reinsdorf), he just felt it was not the right time," Williams said. "He did tell me he did not deny permission, but he did not grant it at this particular time either, because we have White Sox work to do. I completely understand that and support that."
Reinsdorf is also at the winter meetings, and he issued this statement on the matter: "This is not the right time for the White Sox to even consider granting permission like this as our focus is on putting our team together for 2015."
As a player, Williams was drafted by the Sox in the third round in 1982 and was an outfielder on the team from 1986-88.
Williams returned in 1992 and was a scout for the White Sox before taking over minor-league operations in '95.
In 2001, Williams was promoted to general manager, and he was bumped up to executive VP in 2012. Staying with the Sox is not the worst thing in his world.
"We have a management team that I think works, Williams said. "And someone just asked me about my level of optimism, and my level of optimism for this team going into next year, particularly if we can accomplish a couple of things, is sky high, not to mention the fact that I've been with this organization almost all of my adult life."
At some point in the near future, don't be surprised if Williams bolts the White Sox for a bigger title.
"Are there other challenges in the game that I certainly am interested in? Yeah," Williams said. "I think one of the things that is lost in this is that there hasn't been an African American CEO in major-league baseball. So, why would I not at least listen, even if I am happy with my job and my family situation and everything else, and love Chicago? It's part of my responsibility in being in this game and the position I hold to at least flush out the possibilities."
Full plate:
The White Sox claimed Rob Brantly off waivers from the Marlins Monday, giving them five catchers on the 40-man roster.
Brantly played in 98 games with Miami in 2012-13 and batted .235 with 4 home runs and 26 RBI. He spent last season with Class AAA New Orleans and batted .255 with 4 homers and 37 RBI in 101 games.
With Tyler Flowers, Adrian Nieto, Josh Phegley and Kevan Smith also on the 40-man, a trade is almost guaranteed.
"Everything is a prelude to a possible move," Sox general manager Rick Hahn told reporters. "No matter what else we were talking about, we would have put in a claim on Brantly. You have a left-handed-hitting catcher who is major-league ready and provides us depth at a premium position. That's an asset."