It's been a little over a week now since the White Sox claimed the World Series championship. With the long 162-game season over, baseball's second season has now begun: free agency.

The White Sox waited a long 88 years between World Series and I would love to see them win back-to-back titles. However, the team is going to need some work, and free agency, along with some trades, will allow this to happen.

The Sox have some glaring issues with free agency, most notably the contract, or lack thereof, of Paul Konerko. Konerko proved to be a key asset to the team not only at first base, but also at bat. What baseball fan won't remember Konerko's grand slam in game two of the World Series after Jermaine Dye was mysteriously hit by a pitch (which clearly went off his bat, not his hand)?

Konerko boosted his stock all season and has negotiating power over the Sox. As Konerko's agent is quick to point out, Kenny Williams (the White Sox general manager) had all year to negotiate a contract extension. Williams' new, yet somewhat controversial stance is to not negotiate extensions in the middle of the season.

This makes me beg to ask the question, 'How is it Ozzie Guillen got a three-year extension in May'?

In my opinion, I believe the Sox were wrong in not trying to re-sign Konerko to a multi-year deal, especially when he was putting up the numbers in the season. By not doing so, Konerko now has the opportunity to test the free-agent waters.

There are a lot of teams who might be appealing to Konerko, whose off-season home is in Arizona. The prime choice might be the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Contenders every year, the Angels are willing to shell out the money as well as move key players like Darin Erstad and Steve Finley to accommodate Konerko. With players like Vladimir Guerrero, Erstad, Orlando Cabrera and Chone Figgins, the Angels would have a nice mix of veterans and young players that could possibly push them into the World Series.

But who wants to see the Angels in the World Series? They can't even decide what geographic location they represent.

If in fact Konerko were to go to the Angels or another team, a nice replacement might be Jim Thome of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Thome is left-handed power hitter who would conveniently fill in at first base. Thome is a native of the Chicago-area and still has family there. He also is disgruntled with the National League. One rumored trade destination has been Cleveland. However, with the Indians building a complete team, and probably a playoff contender for years to come, a player like Thome may not crack the starting line-up.

Another area the White Sox need to firm up on in the middle relief. I have a suggestion most people probably wouldn't agree with.

I propose the White Sox moving Bobby Jenks from closer to middle relief, Orlando 'El Duque' Hernandez from the starting rotation to middle relief, and bring up young stud Brandon McCarthy to the number 5 slot in the starting rotation.

To fill in the closer position, the Sox would have a couple possibilities. One option is to sign Trevor Hoffmann from the San Diego Padres. It's become apparent the Padres are not going to give him the contract he is looking for. Another possibility is Phillies' closer Billy Wagner. Wagner has voiced his displeasure with his situation in Philadelphia and has said he is looking for a new team.

An average White Sox fan might ask, 'Why are you trying to mess with the closer position when Bobby Jenks is the closer'?

Well, here's my answer.

Bobby Jenks spent two-thirds of the season in AA ball. It wasn't until Dustin Hermanson re-injured his back that Jenks was called up. Though successful, Jenks can be a shaky pitcher. Being able to hand the ball over to Jenks for two or three innings might prevent the starters from throwing too many innings and throwing out their arms.

Putting a closer like Hoffmann or Wagner in the position would truly solidify the White Sox pitching staff.

What's most important for the White Sox, though, is to get Ozzie Guillen and the whole coaching staff to come back. If the opportunity arose, most players on the White Sox would have given the MVP to Guillen. Not really a popular choice at the time of his hiring, Guillen has turned into a celebrity and the savior of the White Sox organization.

The players call him 'a players' manager' because of his forthrightness and his ability to manipulate plays to favor his teams. His ability to control the game from the bench has proven to be the key to the White Sox.

Doubt me?

Who has the World Series trophy?

Kenny Williams is in an unenviable position right now. Hopefully he'll make the correct moves to make this team another championship team and will lead the White Sox to another World Series. Or, as I like to think of it, another year the White Sox can gloat to the Cubs fans.