Odds & Ends: Lackey, Sheffield, Luis Gonzalez

Links for Thursday…

• Scot Gregor of the Daily Herald learned that while White Sox GM Ken Williams seeks a leadoff hitter, he does not have interest in Juan Pierre or Gary Matthews Jr.
• In an article yesterday, MLB.com's Lyle Spencer said all is quiet on the John Lackey extension front.  Angels GM Tony Reagins said Lackey's initial Opening Day deadline was never a factor for the team.
• Murray Chass says Gary Sheffield's clubhouse presence is a positive.
• Luis Gonzalez, a free agent, hopes to play in 2009.  But when he retires, he'll do so as a Diamondback according to MLB.com's Steve Gilbert.
• MLB.com's Joe Frisaro wrote in praise of Florida starter Josh Johnson.
• MLB.com's Corey Brock says the Padres introduced Tom Garfinkel as the new president and chief operating officer in charge of non-baseball operations.
• I wrote about Blue Jays starter David Purcey over at RotoAuthority.