Kenny Williams speaks
White Sox GM Kenny Williams met with the media for almost 30 minutes before Wednesday night's game vs. the Minnesota Twins.
Before “breaking down the tape” and analyzing what he said, here are some highlights of the talk:
*While he's disappointed with the 2009 season and still said the Sox are “underachievers,” KW said next year is looking bright for two reasons _ the starting rotation and the expected improvement of the defense.
*KW again refused to blame the White Sox' coaching staff for this season's ragged effort. He expects them all, including hitting coach Greg Walker, to be back next year.
*When asked about Bobby Jenks' future, KW said the closer is “still under contract.” He also said he's happy with Jenks' disappointing season.
During batting practice Tuesday, Jenks pulled his right calf muscle and is out for the rest of the year. Jenks is arbitration eligible at season's end.
*As for next year's budget, it should be lower.
In spring training, chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said the White Sox are losing some big sponsors in 2010.
KW said it's too early to tell how much money will be available for next year. He said all of the numbers are not in yet, and he also stressed the importance of season-ticket sales.
*Shortly after trading Jim Thome to the Dodgers, KW said adding a left-handed hitter with some pop this off-season was a priority.
He backed off that statement Wednesday, saying the game has changed to the point where hitting 30 home runs is going to mean something again.
KW said it's more important for the 2010 offense to have a collective on-base percentage of .350.
This season, the Sox have a .329 OBP.
*Does KW have any regrets about any moves he did or didn't make this season? Without a doubt, but he said he had similar feelings after the Sox won the World Series in 2005.
Let me get to the tape, and I'll be back with more later.
Defense is key, and next year will be interesting to see if the inconsistencies continue.
I do have a problem with keeping the same hitting coach when the issues are clear. The approach in RBI situations needs to change. The approach for facing new pitchers has to change. If these are not the problems that fall onto a hitting coach, what does?
Trav13
How can you say you love KW and then state that defense is the key. You are correct that defense, along with speed, is the key. Who got rid of Aaron Rowand in exchange for Jim Thome? It seems as though almost all of the moves he makes is a detriment to team defense. I honestly can't fathom what goes through his mind.