Sox finalize contract for reliever Linebrink

White Sox general manager Kenny Williams on Wednesday said it took him "two seconds'' to get over the sting of free-agent center fielder Torii Hunter signing with the Los Angeles Angels last week.

Yes, the Sox had some interest in Hunter, a phenomenal two-way talent, but they still are confident they'll be able to sign -- or trade for -- a quality center fielder and/or left fielder before spring training.

"You go into this knowing full well your greatest dreams are very rarely realized,'' Williams said. "We are still actively out there, and never stopped looking for upgrades in the outfield.''

On Wednesday, Williams filled an equally pressing need, signing free-agent relief pitcher Scott Linebrink to a four-year, $19 million contract.

The Sox also requested waivers on infielder Alex Cintron and outfielder Scott Podsednik for the purpose of granting their unconditional releases.

The 31-year-old Linebrink receives receive $4 million in 2008, $4.5 million in 2009, $5 million in 2010 and $5.5 million in 2011.

Linebrink, a right-hander, was a combined 5-6 (3.71 ERA) with the San Diego Padres and the Milwaukee Brewers this season. Over eight major-league seasons, he is 30-16 with a 3.21 ERA.

Williams thought he had a trade in place for Linebrink midway through the 2007 season, but the Brewers emerged with the setup man after sending three pitching prospects to the Padres.

Linebrink was so-so with the Brewers (2-3, 3.55 ERA), but Williams made a few trips to Milwaukee to watch him in person.

"This guy has been on my radar for about the last 2½ years,'' Williams said. "He goes in as that right-handed setup guy to get to Bobby Jenks. The only blip in the last few years that he's had has come in Milwaukee. He still has that plus fastball; he has sink.

"When he's good, when he has his stuff on, he can pitch anywhere against anybody. He's got two good breaking balls, a curveball and a slider, and a plus split.''

Linebrink's best season came in 2005, when he was 8-1 with a 1.83 ERA and 26 holds for the Padres.