White Sox GM: We're not dealing Jenks
Despite the trade rumors and the occasional back and forth over the off-season concerning conditioning and other topics, White Sox general manager Kenny Williams said Friday his relationship with Bobby Jenks is fine and his closer isn't actively being peddled.
"He said what he had to say, we said what we had to say in regards to that, and it really hasn't been thought in our minds since then," Williams said. "We believe in an open dialogue. Nothing that has been said publicly isn't something that's been said behind closed doors.
"We address things to the player right between the eyes. And we also expect them to deal with us accordingly. The fact that some of it has gotten out to the media, that doesn't bother us."
Williams said he hasn't had any conversations with other teams in regards to trading Jenks, but "that doesn't mean I wouldn't. We value him here."
Yet ...
"All our players know this: If the right opportunity presents itself, then we'll travel down that road." he said. "I'm really surprised at everyone that this has continued on.
"Here's what we care about: that he understands what we feel and that it's in his best interests how we feel and what we feel. Once we get to spring training we're all on the same page. We've always been on the same page with Bobby."
Other topics Williams addressed:
• The top of the batting order: "It's undetermined right now. It's December."
• On looking for a leadoff man: "We won't forfeit the spot in the order, we'll probably put someone in the order. Somebody will be there."
• On the 2010 budget: "We're always trying to find wiggle room. It probably annoys Jerry (Reinsdorf) to all ends. Over the years we've been in this place before and we've figured out creative ways to try to make the team better and we'll continue to do that."