Williams spars with Japanese media

INDIANAPOLIS - When White Sox general manager Kenny Williams emerged from his meeting with Chicago reporters Wednesday, he looked at the dozens of Japanese reporters that awaited him in the hallway.

"This should be fun," Williams said, knowing the Japanese contingent wanted to ask about free-agent outfielder-DH Hideki Matsui.

Actually, Williams did have fun.

"Are you trying to ask me a question?" he said when a reporter asked an indirect question about Matsui. "Would you like to ask me a question? I haven't talked to (agent) Arn Tellem since the general managers meetings (in November). Matsui is a great player, and any team would be better off by having him.

"We like to do business very quietly and very efficiently. When the rumors start to fly like this, it's not efficient and generally does not lead toward any sort of a deal - I will not disrespect anyone by calling or making contact until I'm serious. When I'm serious about something, things will very quickly one way or another."

Matsui's people are so confident his legs are healthy enough for him to play the outfield that he'll work out for clubs in California. Expect the Sox to take a look.

Too much talk: Kenny Williams seemed peeved that news about his team's interest in free-agent reliever J.J. Putz made it to the media. The Cubs also have interest.

"We're working through it," Williams said. "It's a process. We thought we had something going on, but as I told you guys many times before, when things become public, to a large degree, the entire game changes, and most times, you're not going to get a deal. Something we thought we might be a little closer on becomes public, and now, it's not so close."

Just be Carlos: Carlos Quentin may move from left field to right next season. Kenny Williams was asked about his confidence level in Quentin.

"Tremendous," he said. "When Carlos is healthy, focused on not trying to do too much, trying to be just a hitter, a good, solid hitter, not a power hitter, a good solid hitter, then he's one of the best around. It's good to hear he's healthy. We've seen what he can do, and we need him to do it."

Quentin had an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of .779 this year after putting up an OPS of .965 in 2008. He hit 21 homers and drove in 56 with an on-base of .323 in 2009.