If the White Sox don't sign Chone Figgins, look for Hideki Matsui to be a possibility.
Already committed to $94 million next season, the Sox management group and owner Jerry Reinsdorf would have to get creative in order to bring in a high-profile free agent.
Lead-off man Chone Figgins would be a strong piece to the puzzle for the Sox in 2010.
Figgins' agent Sam Levinson told me that they will seek a four-year deal for Figgins that could max out at $45 million. Upwards of 12-14 teams are expected to bid on his services.
Figgins would fit in nicely at third base or left field for the Sox. He brings a dimension of on-base percentage, speed and run production.
If the Sox go without that upgrade, a left-handed power bat would be the prime objective.
Former Sox DH Jim Thome, Yankees' World Series hero Hideki Matsui and Texas third baseman/DH Hank Blaylock are all on a list for the White Sox.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman said Monday that Matsui is a DH as far as he's concerned. However, Japanese sources close to Matsui, told me that the player wants to remain an outfielder even after suffering through knee problems the last couple of seasons.
Matsui's line-drive power could be projected with a potentially big home-run season in the friendly confines of U.S. Cellular Field.
History tells you not to count Williams and the Sox out of any possible scenario.
Comments that include profanity, or personal attacks, or antisocial behavior such as "spamming" or "trolling," or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. We will take steps to block users who violate any of our terms of use. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Contributors
Bruce Levine
Bruce Levine is host of "Talkin' Baseball," heard Saturdays on ESPN 1000. Send comments, questions and feedback by clicking here.
For Bruce's latest audio visit the archive pages for 
