Who will roam CF for Sox?
Let the bidding begin.
The White Sox are looking for a new center fielder, and free agent Torii Hunter can be signed as early as today.
A source with the White Sox confirmed that Hunter met with general manager Kenny Williams on Sunday night.
Considering Hunter turned down a three-year, $45 millon extension from the Minnesota Twins during the 2007 season -- the 32-year-old Gold Glover reportedly is seeking a five-year, $75 million deal -- let's just call Sunday's meeting "due diligence'' on the Sox' end.
And while we're at it, let's handicap the field of center fielders in the running to be starting for the White Sox next season.
Coco Crisp
Yes, he struggled in the postseason (.182) and lost his starting job to rookie Jacoby Ellsbury, but Covelli "Coco'' Crisp has been on the White Sox' radar since 2005, when he was batting .300 while igniting the Cleveland Indians' offense.
Crisp wound up losing his starting job to Grady Sizemore, and he's facing a similar situation in Boston.
Still, the 28-year-old Crisp would be a perfect fit with the Sox, who thrive on acquiring players with chips on their shoulders.
And, unlike Hunter, Crisp is affordable. He has a $4.75 million salary for 2008 and $5.75 million for '09. In 2010, Crisp has an $8 million club option ($500,000 buyout).
If the Sox really want him, they had better move fast. Assuming Hunter walks, the Twins are going to be looking for a center fielder, as are the Texas Rangers and several other teams.
Gregor's odds: 4-1
Bill Hall
Like Crisp, Hall has had several productive seasons. And, like Crisp, the 27-year-old outfielder has something to prove after batting .254 with the Milwaukee Brewers while missing three weeks with an ankle sprain.
Hall, the Brewers' MVP in 2006 after batting .270 with 35 home runs and 85 RBI, wouldn't come cheap in a trade, but he has a reasonable contract and would be a solid fit with the White Sox.
Gregor's odds: 5-1
Aaron Rowand
Like Hunter, Rowand is a free agent. But while he put up similar numbers (.309, 27 HR, 89 RBI) for the Philadelphia Phillies in 2007, Rowand's price figures to be much more reasonable.
As for fitting in, not a problem.
Rowand was immensely popular during his five-year stay (2001-05) with the Sox, and his competitive fire helped fuel the club's World Series run.
At the end of the 2007 season, Williams said he'd try to be "creative'' when it came to adding more payroll. With Rowand's willingness to return to the South Side, that would be possible.
Gregor's odds: 6-1
Torii Hunter
He is a great player -- both with the bat and the glove -- and he hits very well at U.S. Cellular Field. With Hunter in the lineup, there is little question the White Sox would be a better team.
But with the payroll already well beyond $100 million for 2008, the White Sox cannot afford Hunter unless they trade a starting pitcher such as Jon Garland or Jose Contreras for young players.
Even though the Sox are interested, Hunter is 32 and he likes running into walls. Risking $15 million a year for his services is highly unlikely on the Sox' end.
Gregor's odds: 15-1
Jerry Owens
He impressed the White Sox with his speed (32 bases in 40 attempts) and steady improvement this season.
Was his effort good enough to nail down the starting job in 2008? Not likely. Owens strikes out too much to be an effective leadoff hitter, and the Sox still have to wonder how he would do over a full major-league season.
At this point, Owens should win a reserve spot with the White Sox.
Gregor's odds: 16-1
Rest of the field
Free agent Corey Patterson would be an intriguing candidate, but Scott Boras is his agent. Next.
Mike Cameron would be an intriguing candidate, considering he broke in with the Sox in 1995. But Cameron has to sit out the first 25 games of next season after again testing positive for a "banned stimulant.''
Prospects Brian Anderson and Ryan Sweeney once were considered can't-miss talents. Now, it looks like they've both missed the boat.
Gregor's odds: 25-1