Chicago White Sox: The Top 5 Gift Ideas for Kenny Williams

The Chicago White Sox could use some Christmas cheer after a disappointing season in 2011.

The under-performing bunch wound up 16 games off the pace in the American League Central Division. Gone are manager Ozzie Guillen and long-time pitcher Mark Buehrle. Still on board is a cluster of hefty contracts.

GM Kenny Williams has some work to do to prepare his team for an uncertain 2012 season. What might be on his wish list over the holidays?

Here are some gift ideas for Williams as Christmas approaches.

5. A Guarantee on Chris Sale's Left Arm

Sale may be the man who takes over Buehrle's spot in the rotation. After being used in the bullpen for most of the last two seasons, the hard-throwing lefty is facing the prospect of more innings in 2012.

Williams could use another healthy season from Sale in 2012 to help solidify the rotation. He has enough to worry about as Jake Peavy enters the final year of his contract.

4. Batteries for Gordon Beckham's Bat

Beckham hasn't shown the knack with the bat that he flashed in his rookie campaign. The excitement fans took in Beckham's glove work at second base over the course of last season was promising. Now, let's hope that the 2012 model figures it out at the plate.

3. The Gift Receipt for Alex Rios

With lots of money tied up in under-achieving players, finding a way to return Rios would go a long way toward improving Chicago's station on and off the field.

Taking Rios to the return desk in Toronto cuts payroll by $12 million and frees up a spot in center for Alejandro De Aza.

2. A Working Big Donkey for the White Sox Nativity Scene

Here's hoping Adam Dunn is working his Big Donkey off preparing to rebound from a shameful performance in 2011.

I'm not going to demand a specific workout regimen, because this is a adult we're talking about. The offseason plan can include any mix of hitting gurus, fitness experts or sports psychologists. Whatever gets his head and bat right for a return on the massive investment made by the White Sox.

1. Yummy Cookies

Because, after all, it's Christmas.

Let trader Kenny scarf down some holiday confections, wash it down with a glass of milk, roll up his sleeves and get to work doing whatever it is he's been mandated to do with this team.

If he has to shed salary, get maximum return on a couple deals, but get them done.

If Jerry Reinsdorf wants to compete at the same time? Williams better have a long talk with Santa first.