Levine: Williams Is Content But Keeps Eye On CEO Job
By Bruce Levine-
SAN DIEGO (CBS) -- White Sox executive vice president Kenny Williams has been clear about the fact that he wants to be the first African-American CEO of a Major League Baseball team. That said, the accomplished Williams also still confesses his loyalty to the man who hired him 20 years ago -- White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf.
"I like where I am," Williams said Monday from the Winter Meetings in light of recent reports that the Blue Jays have expressed interest in him for a job promotion. "Jerry Reinsdorf took a chance on me at an early time in my career. I would like to think it has been mutually satisfactory. That loyalty is never going to be lost by me. Just because someone is interested, it is not a forgone conclusion that you get up and go."
Toronto hasn't formally asked permission to speak to Williams. The Blue Jays have made inquires into interviewing Williams through third parties. With the important Winter Meetings underway and the next week being crucial into building the 2015 White Sox, Reinsdorf has told Williams that this isn't the time for him to leave the White Sox.
But does that mean there's a disconnect between the two friends?
"There is no change," Williams said. "There was a bit of a misunderstanding in terms of whether permission was granted (to talk to Toronto), denied, delayed or whatever. He quickly explained that to me (Monday) morning. I understand his position."
Williams may not like the position Reinsdorf has taken, but with the team in the midst of adding big pieces to the club for 2015, Williams knows his role along with general manager Rick Hahn and Reinsdorf is crucial to bringing a winner back to the south side of Chicago.
"I am very flattered by the interest," admitted Williams, who added he didn't consider it a fluid situation.
"If I am told at some point in time that this is what I need to focus on, that this is the time to start talking about or entertaining this particular thing (Toronto), then that's when I'll do it. It is hard enough running one ball club. Now you're going to pay attention in the least bit to what someone else is doing? Not to that level."
As always, Williams will be loyal and respect the White Sox and Reinsdorf, but the message is clear that he wants to move upward in the baseball front office chain, and in Chicago, there's nowhere to go with Reinsdorf filling the chairman's role.
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score and CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.