According to Joe Cowley of the Sun-Times, White Sox GM Kenny Williams plans to meet with Torii Hunter next week. They can’t talk contract terms, but Williams will work to convince Torii that the South Side is the place to be. Apparently Hunter told a friend he was receptive to the Sox.
It seems that five years and $75MM is the minimum Hunter will accept, and the Sox seem prepared to do that. It’s a huge commitment for a guy coming off a career year. Plus, Hunter doesn’t contribute an above-average OBP, something the White Sox need. Aaron Rowand is the alternative if the Sox can’t sign Hunter. Though both are Type A free agents, Chicago’s #8 overall pick is protected.
Cowley adds that the possibility of signing David Eckstein has caused the White Sox to hold off on Juan Uribe’s $5MM option. However Cowley’s source says the Sox will pick it up and use Uribe at second or third base if necessary. November 7th is the deadline for Uribe’s option.
