By Mark GonzalesNearly three dozen Japanese media members waited for White Sox general manager Ken Williams after meeting with Chicago-area reporters for nearly 15 minutes.
And Williams reiterated that the Sox hadn't made serious steps toward trying to acquire free agent Hideki Matsui, despite repeated inquiries.
"We haven't had enough substantial conversation with his representatives or himself to even think there's a real possibility right now," Williams said. "More has been written about him right now than is probably comfortable with the way we like to do business. We like to do business quietly and efficiently."
Photo: Hideki Matsui waves the key to the city during a New York parade celebrating the Yankees' World Series victory. (Julie Jacobson/AP)
When asked if Williams or a Sox representative would attend one of Matsui's workouts next week in Southern California, Williams asked for the location and deadpanned that he might need a vacation.
The Japanese journalist replied, "I think you know where."
Laughter ensued, but Williams continued to quell the perception the Sox were moving closer to Matsui.
"We don't have any money," Williams said. "We're close to our budget right now, and that really inhibits right now what we can do in terms of the free agent market. So we have to get creative, and we've done that before."
Williams said he hasn't spoken to agent Arn Tellem since the general managers' meetings in Chicago last month, but Tellem and Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf have a strong friendship.
Williams, however, seemed more disappointed over the scrutiny of their interest in improving their bullpen. He wouldn't say the player they were interested in, but it is believed to be free agent J.J. Putz, who is recovering from right elbow surgery.
"We thought we had something going on," Williams said. "But as I've told you guys many times before: When things become public, to a large degree, the entire game changes and more times than not, you're not going to get a deal.
"Something we thought we were going to be closer on becomes public, and now it's not so close."
Nevertheless, the Cubs are one of the teams that will watch Putz throw Friday in Phoenix. Several teams have seen Putz throw off flat ground. Putz will be shut down until next month, when he throws off a mound for the first time since undergoing surgery.
About a dozen teams have expressed interest in Putz. A source said Putz wasn't ready to make a decision soon unless an offer overwhelmed him.
The Japanese journalist replied, "I think you know where."
Laughter ensued, but Williams continued to quell the perception the Sox were moving closer to Matsui.
"We don't have any money," Williams said. "We're close to our budget right now, and that really inhibits right now what we can do in terms of the free agent market. So we have to get creative, and we've done that before."
Williams said he hasn't spoken to agent Arn Tellem since the general managers' meetings in Chicago last month, but Tellem and Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf have a strong friendship.
Williams, however, seemed more disappointed over the scrutiny of their interest in improving their bullpen. He wouldn't say the player they were interested in, but it is believed to be free agent J.J. Putz, who is recovering from right elbow surgery.
"We thought we had something going on," Williams said. "But as I've told you guys many times before: When things become public, to a large degree, the entire game changes and more times than not, you're not going to get a deal.
"Something we thought we were going to be closer on becomes public, and now it's not so close."
Nevertheless, the Cubs are one of the teams that will watch Putz throw Friday in Phoenix. Several teams have seen Putz throw off flat ground. Putz will be shut down until next month, when he throws off a mound for the first time since undergoing surgery.
About a dozen teams have expressed interest in Putz. A source said Putz wasn't ready to make a decision soon unless an offer overwhelmed him.
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So Kenny says the Sox are tapped out? No resources for new talent? Well kiss off the 2010 season because the offense will be even worse than it was in 2009 and the starting pitchers will not have adequate relief. Just roll over and play dead, Kenny. Thanks a lot.