Dec. 07--Chicago White Sox executive vice president Kenny Williams began the winter meetings Sunday addressing rumors of his own possible movement.
Reports stated that the Toronto Blue Jays have expressed interest in Williams to replace president and chief executive officer Paul Beeston. Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal tweeted that the Sox were "balking" at giving Williams permission to interview and that Williams had considered resigning.
Williams said by email Sunday morning that he was not granted permission for an interview and that the issue was "not new," suggesting reports of the interest were belated.
"That ship has sailed," he said.
Addressing possible resignation, Williams did say he weighed his options at the time, though considerations of contractual violations likely would have played a factor.
"Given the set of circumstances, I considered all my options," Williams said.
He declined further comment, citing his desire to focus on Sox business at the meetings.
"I'm here at the Winter Meetings and working hard to help the White Sox," he said.
A Sox spokesman said the team could not comment on the reports.
Williams has spent two seasons as the Sox executive vice president after spending 12 seasons as the club's general manager.
