White Sox to promote Williams, Hahn

It was presented as an “exclusive” announcement by FOX Chicago on Thursday night during a break in the World Series, but the news comes as no surprise to White Sox fans.

Rick Hahn is being promoted from assistant general manager to general manager Friday at U.S. Cellular Field.

Kenny Williams, the Sox’ GM the past 12 seasons, is being elevated to president of baseball operations.

USA Today’s Bon Nightengale first reported the front office change on Sept. 20.

The move makes sense for the White Sox, considering Hahn has long been considered one of the top assistant GMs in baseball.

Hahn has advanced degrees from Harvard and Northwestern. Before joining the Sox, he spent two years working at the Steinberg, Moorad and Dunn sports agency.

As Williams’ assistant the past 12 years, Hahn has built a reputation for his skills in contract negotiations.

He is also credited with acquiring valuable White Sox players like Esteban Loaiza, Bobby Jenks and Carlos Quentin.

Last off-season, Hahn interviewed for the Angels’ GM job, and he was also on the Mets’ short list following the 2010 season. The 41-year-old Winnetka native has also been linked to GM openings with the Cardinals, Mariners and Pirates in past years.

Williams will always be remembered for assembling the roster for the 2005 World Series champion White Sox.

But 2008 was the only other season the Sox advanced to the postseason with Williams in the GM chair, so it’s as good of a time as any to let Hahn take a crack at putting the club together.

Look for Williams to remain active in trades and free-agent acquisitions, and look for him to get out in the community and work on solving the White Sox’ ongoing attendance woes.

Williams will also have more time to evaluate the minor-league system, which has been ranked as one of baseball’s worst the past few seasons.