Chicago White Sox Wiretap

Thome Not Retuning To White Sox

Jim Thome won't be returning to the White Sox for the 2010 season, according to an ESPN.com report on Monday.

Manager Ozzie Guillen informed Thome that the team will not be offering him a chance to be included among the team's rotating cast of designated hitters.

GM Ken Williams gave Guillen the final call on the move, and Guillen decided he couldn't give Thome enough at-bats to justify bringing him back.

Via ESPN.com

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Guillen Says Thome May Not Like Reduced Role

White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen isn't sure that free-agent slugger Jim Thome would like a reduced role with the team.

"Maybe what I have in my mind isn't convenient for him," Guillen said.

Guillen doesn't want to use a full-time designated hitter during the 2010 season.

The manager planned to go to Miami on Sunday, but he pushed his travel plans back to Monday to try and settle on a decision regarding Thome.

Via Chicago Tribune

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Chicago Expecting Big Things From Jenks

The White Sox are expecting big things from closer Bobby Jenks this coming season.

Jenks went down with a strained right calf injury in September and Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen said that he needed to watch his weight and get himself in shape during the offseason.

"I've been working hard this winter, getting ready for this spring because it's going to be a big year," Jenks said. "It's taking it personally when it (criticism) is brought up first. That's when you take it personally. But all of that is brushed aside now, we've got baseball to focus on now, spring training and getting ready for the season.

"At the time, it was frustrating but now it's time for baseball. It's very important because if I go out there and try to focus on the game and that's in the back of my mind, I'm not going to be doing my job the best I can."

Chicago general manager Kenny Williams is very proud of his closer.

"I'm really proud of this guy," Williams said. "He looks the best I've ever seen him. He's sitting here and looking at me, and then Ozzie, right in the eye, addressing some of the issues head on, like a man. I'm proud of him.

"Sometimes you've got to push some buttons to ultimately get to that point. Before I could even get it out of my mouth, he said, 'I lost (weight) the right way and I'm strong.' I talked to him about his flexibility and he said, 'Yes, and I work on that as well.' We're in a good place with Bobby Jenks. Bobby Jenks is going to have a good year."

Via Daily Herald

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