White Sox promote Hahn to GM, Williams to executive VP

Kenny Williams' 12-year run as the White Sox general manager comes to an end on Friday morning as he and assistant general manager Rick Hahn have both been promoted.
Already a senior vice president, Williams, 48, who in 2005 led the Sox to their first World Series title in 88 years, maintains his title and takes over as the head of the franchises baseball operations department.
Williams' promotion also affords the White Sox the ability to retain Hahn, 41, who has spent 12 seasons as the clubs assistant general manager.
Hahn, who has played a heavy role in contract negotiations since he joined the franchise in 2000, shortly after Williams was named general manager, was widely considered one of baseballs top general manager candidates. Both Sports Illustrated and Baseball America have identified Hahn as a top general manager candidate in the past three years and his name has been linked to several job openings over the past few seasons.
The moves arent unexpected, as a report surfaced in September that both men would be elevated to their new roles. Williams didnt deny the report but instead said he preferred the focus remained on the field, where the White Sox were in contention until the final week of the season.
Hahn, a Winnetka, Ill. native who has degrees from the University of Michigan, Harvard Law School and Northwesterns Kellogg Graduate School of Management, has a busy offseason ahead.
The franchise holds club options on Jake Peavy, Kevin Youkilis, Brett Myers and Gavin Floyd while veteran catcher A.J. Pierzynski is scheduled to become a free agent at the conclusion of the 2012 World Series. Two everyday position players -- Gordon Beckham and Alejandro De Aza -- are also arbitration eligible for the first time. The White Sox have committed already 72.25 million in salary to seven players on next seasons 25-man roster.
Only four general managers have held their posts longer than Williams: San Franciscos Brian Sabean, Colorados Dan ODowd, Oaklands Billy Beane and the New York Yankees Brian Cashman.
With 85 wins this season under newly hired manager Robin Ventura, the White Sox finished better than .500 for the ninth time in Williams' 12 campaigns. The club not only won the 2005 World Series with a four-game sweep of the Houston Astros, but also won a division title in 2008. Williams earned 1,014 victories as general manager.
Williams acquired 171 players in 72 trades involving the major league roster in 12 seasons, including three this season -- Youkilis, Myers and Francisco Liriano.