Chicago White Sox Going for It All Right Now

Recent moves by Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams have been very bold to say the least. What Williams is doing is showing his team and everyone around that he believes they can win this year.

In a tough economy, Williams has been feasting on the financial problems that other teams are experiencing.

After trading for Jake Peavy at the deadline for a group of prospects, he has now taken on the rest of Alex Rios' seven-year, $69.835 million contract that was signed in April 2008.

Both of these moves are being questioned, but both could potentially pay huge dividends coming down the stretch.

Although expensive, Rios should fill in nicely in the starting center field slot in Chicago. With the talent he has, Chicago is hoping plugging him into a pennant chase will bring back the Rios that earned a huge payday after hitting .297 with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs in 2007.

The White Sox are also hoping that the Jake Peavy trade turns out well. Some questioned the move because Chicago gave up some top prospects for a pitcher that is on the disabled list with a huge contract.

Peavy is expected back around late August, just in time to help Chicago make the final push to win the AL Central.

Both of these moves showed that GM Kenny Williams was not afraid to take chances, and with no one pulling away in the AL Central, they both could prove to be intelligent moves.

Entering play on Monday, Chicago was only three games behind the Detroit Tigers for the AL Central lead. With these moves, I would pick them as the favorite to take the crown.

In a time when most franchises are worried about money over victories, I respect and appreciate Kenny Williams taking some chances for White Sox fans.