White Sox general manager Ken Williams finally broke his silence Sunday morning and fired back after the latest shot from departed slugger Frank Thomas.

Ozzie Guillen already has apologized for criticizing Alex Rodriguez, but George Steinbrenner felt inclined to defend his star in a way only he could.

Since Jose Contreras is only signed through 2006 and declined a contract extension during the off-season, speculation remains that Contreras is a prime trade candidate.

Ozzie Guillen opened spring training by apologizing to Alex Rodriguez for comments the Chicago White Sox manager made in which he criticized the Yankees star for waffling on his choice of countries for the World Baseball Classic.

The Brewers are sidestepping negotiations on a long-term contract for Carlos Lee, apparently figuring it makes more sense to replace him than to consider a long-term deal at market value, which would be somewhere north of $10 million a year.

White Sox general manager Ken Williams shot down Internet reports that the team was on the verge of trading pitcher Jose Contreras and right fielder Jermaine Dye to Philadelphia for All-Star right fielder Bobby Abreu and pitching prospect Gavin Floyd.

Hot Internet trade rumor du jour has Pat Gillick sending Bobby Abreu and Gavin Floyd to the defending World Series champion White Sox for veteran outfielder Jermaine Dye and righthanded workhorse Jose Contreras.