White Sox: Ken Williams Losing Influence on the Organization?
By Matt Manetti
The White Sox are in full rebuild mode. And it has Rick Hahn’s fingerprints all over it. This begs the question has Ken Williams lost his influence on this organization?
Since the beginning of this season we’ve heard the same narrative from Chicago White Sox general manager Rick Hahn. The organization is trying build something long term, not just focusing on the 2017 season. This is a complete 180 from the MO of his boss, executive vice president Ken Williams. Williams wanted to win now. Often times sacrificing the future in order to be competitive in any given season.
Now, that has completely changed begging the question if Williams is losing his influence within the organization. Last season there was a reported rift in the front office. Hahn wanted to rebuild, Williams wanted to win now. If you’re keeping score at home it seems that Hahn won that battle. In all his year’s as general manager, rebuilding was never in Williams’ vocabulary.
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The organization has really changed its tune and is showing this is now Hahn’s team. He is credited with recent offseason trades and the reported signing of Luis Robert. And he has been the face of the franchise. All the reports are getting quotes from Hahn and he’s the one appearing on television. But Williams has been silent. I can’t remember the last time I read a quote or saw an interview with him.
One could argue this has been a long time coming. No one really knew his role when he stepped aside as GM for a promotion. Was he in charge of baseball operations or was he just another figure head?
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What we do know is this team is in much better hands now. Jerry Reinsdorf seems to have come to his senses and the White Sox have a bright future. As for Williams, who knows what the plan is for him. Reinsdorf is known for being very loyal to his guys. So it’s not likely he will give him a pink slip. My guess is Williams will always be there but his influence over the roster and direction of this team will continue to diminish. It certainly seems that way now. And I think White Sox fans are more than okay with that.