Kenny still believes in Sox

Big news from U.S. Cellular Field this afternoon _ there is no news. That's not exactly true, but Ozzie didn't get fired, the coaching staff is still in place and the White Sox' 25 players are all present and accounted for. Before the Sox took batting practice in preparation for tonight's game against the Angels, Kenny Williams called a meeting that lasted a shade under 30 minutes. What was said behind closed doors? Wasn't invited, but here is the gist. (Look for more details later on-line and in the Daily Herald): *It sounds like Kenny did most of the talking, and he asked his players if they had any questions about their status. Nobody raised their hand. *Kenny said Ozzie is not going anywhere. And as far as their "strained" relationship, Kenny said nothing has changed since he hired Ozzie back in November of 2003. Do the two argue? Without a doubt, but that's the way it's been dating back to when they were teammates with the Sox from 1986-88. Kenny even pointed out how he argued with Ozzie at a restaurant near O'Hare before hiring him as manager. *As for "blowing up" the roster, Kenny said he hasn't made one call to another team about a trade. He has received some, including from Texas on A.J. Pierzynski, and said thanks but no thanks. Kenny, and Ozzie, still think the Sox have the talent and time to get back in contention. *One of Kenny's messages to the players? He told them to "lighten up" and have some fun. *Neither Kenny nor Ozzie could believe the White Sox (16-22) have the same record they did at this time last season. They obviously both believe this club is much better. If things don’t turn around in the next couple of weeks, Williams’ next meeting isn’t going to be so positive. Here are tonight's lineups: Sox Pierre -- LF Nix -- 3B Jones -- RF Konerko -- 1B Rios -- CF Pierzynski -- C Quentin -- DH Ramirez -- SS Beckham -- 2B Danks -- LHP Angels Aybar -- SS Kendrick -- 2B Abreu -- RF Hunter -- CF Morales -- 1B Matsui -- DH Rivera -- LF Napoli -- C Wood -- 3B Saunders -- LHP