South Side Sox, a Chicago White Sox community

"I never saw Joe Jackson, he was a little before my time," Reinsdorf said by phone following Thomas' retirement from baseball. "I started following baseball in 1945 and the only right-handed hitter I've seen since then that I would put in the same class as Frank is [Cardinals' slugger] Albert Pujols. I can't imagine he doesn't get into the Hall of Fame right away." As for Thomas' legacy as a slugger never suspected of steroid use, Reinsdorf added, "He should have won a third MVP," referring to 2000, when Thomas was edged out in the balloting by Jason Giambi, who later admitted to using performance-enhancing drugs that season.

Chuck Garfien's infuriatingly permalink-free SoxDrawer has posted an equally infuriating unembedable video interview with White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf. Congratulations on earning the link, CSN, too bad it won't be useful to anyone once Garfien chooses to post something new. It's well worth your click, even if what Reinsdorf has to say makes you dread the upcoming season.

White Sox general manager Ken Williams is discussing a new contract with club owner Jerry Reinsdorf, SI.com has learned. Williams is said to be amenable to an extension, and people familiar with the talks expect a new deal to be consummated fairly soon. In an exceptional ode to privacy, Williams' contractual situation appears to be such a secret that it remains unknown when his current contract ends, though it's not believed to be expiring after this season. The extension is thought to be for multiple years. "I have never commented on my contract status. We have never announced any terms or length of any of my deals and most people around here have respected my desires to keep such things private,'' Williams said in an e-mail, declining once again to confirm any negotiation.

"I think we're going to win the division,'' said a very cheerful Reinsdorf, even before Joe Crede hit his second game-winning homer in five days. "After that, who knows? The goal is to get in (the playoffs) and take your chances. "I think this team can compete. You never know about injuries and all that, but I like the club.''

Unable to find a team to take over their current lease at TEP, Jerry is throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks. One thing has, at least temporarily, had some staying power; a year-round, nationally sanctioned youth baseball tournament.