White Sox Quote of the Day: Ken Williams

A prevailing theme during this week's Winter Meetings at the Swan and Dolphin Resort on the Disney World grounds focused on the White Sox sitting on their pitching riches until the market played itself out. But Williams explained Thursday, in a discussion with the Chicago media after the Rule 5 Draft, how that sort of process doesn't fit the White Sox style of operating.

"I've been consistent with this, in that we're not going to try and make up a deal," Williams said. "Going back to as early as last season, we began to target a handful of organizations, a handful of players. We followed them during the year, and we know what we want. In a lot of cases, I've sent four or five scouts out to see these guys over a period of time.

"If we're able to fit those players that we believe can ultimately win a championship, while at the same time not sacrifice too much on the present, we'll go ahead and do that. It's a difficult task and a very limited pool that we're looking at.

"All the stars have to align in order for us to do something along that line," Williams added. "Otherwise, we take a step back and remain happy with the young arms we just got."

As Williams mentioned during Wednesday night's press conference, the White Sox are still open for business. Another trade involving one of the team's coveted starters could take place before Opening Day, with rumors of Jon Garland's impending departure to Houston giving a little zest to Thursday's closing morning of the Meetings.

One reporter used the word "arrogance" in a column to describe Williams' unwillingness to sign his own quality starters to long-term extensions, let alone jump into the market and start spending. Williams sees it as the best plan to keep his team successful.

"This is about preparing to go to battle now and making sure you have an equal opportunity with a chance to win, but enhancing your chances for the future," Williams said. "That's what it's about."

"Look at what people are spending now for mediocre pitching," Reinsdorf added. "You have to load up. You have to have six can't-miss pitchers for at least two of them to make it. At least two-thirds of these can't-miss pitchers will miss."