Fans Flock to Weekend SoxFest

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jan 25, 2010 4:00PM

Like their North Side counterparts did last weekend, the White Sox held their annual fan convention at the Palmer House this weekend, giving fans the chance to hear from some of their favorite players like Bobby Jenks and Carlos Quentin as well as some old timers and team management ahead of Spring Training and the 2010 season. They also had their first chance to meet and hear from some of the team's new additions, like Juan Pierre and Jake Peavy. While the Cubs and their new owners had big plans to unveil to their faithful, it was more business as usual for the South Siders. Discussions revolved around the GM Kenny Williams' roster moves and how manager Ozzie Guillen's vision for the team will impact the team's chances in 2010.

Williams and Guillen are often the main attraction at SoxFest thanks to their outspoken natures, and once again it was those two who made headlines over the weekend for their public disagreement over whether the team should bring back Jim Thome. Thome, an Illinois native and popular player who played DH for 3 1/2 years, was traded mid-season to the L.A. Dodgers. Now a free agent, many want to see him return -- including Williams apparently. While early in the weekend he seemed to back Guillen's vision for a roster that offered maximum versatility, Williams also suggested the team needed Thome's left handed power. Guillen plans to employ a DH-by-committee in 2010, saying, "I don't want a DH just to be a DH. I want a guy to help me different ways." Guillen also expressed concerns that a reduced roll may not suit Thome. Williams appears ready to defer to his manager on the decision, we may know as soon as today. If the Sox do want to bring back Thome, they may need to act quickly -- before the Twins sign him.