Critics sure to pound South Siders

In the wake of the Cubs signing outfielder Kosuke Fukudome late Tuesday night, the White Sox are probably in line for another round of criticism.

Along with falling short in their bids to sign free-agent center fielder Torii Hunter, who went to the Los Angeles Angels, or acquire third baseman Miguel Cabrera in a trade (he went to the rival Detroit Tigers last week), the Sox did make a run at signing the 30-year-old Fukudome, a standout outfielder with the Chunichi Dragons in the Japanese Central League.

But all along, the White Sox figured to fall short if the bidding intensified. That is exactly what happened, as the cross-town Cubs decided to pay more than the Sox and San Diego Padres. The San Francisco Giants were also rumored to be an interested party.

Earlier Tuesday, White Sox general manager Kenny Williams declined to respond to an e-mail in regards to Fukudome.

Stung by negative media coverage over the Cabrera trade during baseball's winter meetings, Williams told Chicago reporters he would only talk when the Sox made a move.

So, what's the next move?

Still searching for a center fielder, the Sox have an interest in free-agent Aaron Rowand, a key piece from their 2005 World Series championship team.

Rowand, who is coming off the best season (.309, 27 home runs, 89 RBI) of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies, is reportedly seeking a five-year contract.

He might get it from the Giants, but the White Sox don't want to go more than four years.

On the trade front, the Sox are still waiting for the Boston Red Sox to make a move on Minnesota Twins ace Johan Santana. If a deal falls apart, the Red Sox are expected to trade center fielder Coco Crisp, who would also fill the White Sox' hole in the leadoff spot.