Yes, yes: It’s true. According to ESPN Chicago, there is interest from both sides, and they’ve had preliminary talks.

All things told, this could be a nice fit for both sides. Even though his 2009 campaign puttered out in the last two months, Dye was sneakily productive on the South Side during his five-year tenure. But at 35 and with a declining glove and bat, he may struggle to be a solid everyday player again.

But with Kosuke Fukudome, new Cub Marlon Byrd and Alfonso Soriano already in the outfield, the team would bring him in as a backup outfielder and first baseman. If that’s the case, the Cubs won’t have to throw him too much cash, and Dye would be nice option off the bench in either role. And if Fukudome were to go in a funk or Soriano were to pull a hamstring — both certainly well within the realm of possibility — Dye could step in, and it wouldn’t be too far of a dropoff at either position.

The ESPN Chicago report also says he’s tight with Derrek Lee, so maybe they can grab some ice cream together after games or something. That’s probably the biggest perk for either side here, no?

Kenny Williams spoke with reporters today, and some things have become much clearer. To wit:

+ Even though Jermaine Dye officially became a free agent today, Mark Teahen will play third base instead of right field for the White Sox. Gordon Beckham will move to second base to fill the void left by Chris Getz. Fair enough. Rick Morrissey writes today that Beckham should slide to shortstop, and Ramirez should go back to second. On the surface, I agree. I’d like to see Beckham at shortstop, his natural position. But according to UZR, Ramirez was a better shortstop this year than he was as a second baseman in 2008. Ozzie Guillen likes him at shortstop. Beckham is a good enough player to adapt to second. He’ll likely be fine there.

+ Scott Podsednik wants too much money, and will likely not be back with the White Sox. Of course this was how this one was going to end: the Sox got Pods on the cheap last season, and he overperformed. He wants more money now, which he’s entitled to based on last year. But the Sox have limited funds going forward, and they’re not about to give a guy like Scott Podsednik a couple million for another year of service.

+ So where does this leave the Sox with Chone Figgins? Well, if the Sox do acquire him, Teahen might not be a lock at third base, as Figgins could play there. Or, Figgins could float to center, which would move Alex Rios to left and Carlos Quentin to right. And, if Johnny Damon is really in the loop for the Sox, Teahen would obviously stay at third, and Damon fills in for Figgins in the outfield scenario.

If there has been one criticism of Kenny Williams and the White Sox this offseason, it’s that they have yet to make a big-name splash. It’s sort of silly logic; you don’t need to sign some “name” player every offseason in order to compete.

But fans will think that regardless. So, have the Sox finally shored up some of their fans’ silly concerns? Perhaps. They’ve made an offer to former Yankee Bobby Abreu.

Ex-Yankee Bobby Abreu was offered a one-year deal worth $8 million from the White Sox, the Daily News has learned. Abreu made $16 million as the Bombers’ starting right fielder last season. He anticipated being able to sign a three-year deal as a free agent this offseason but has mostly received only one-year offers.

Abreu is clearly on the decline defensive-wise, but he did go for .296 /.371/.471 last season, and he knocked in 100 RBIs. That’s not too shabby. But where does he play? Jermaine Dye is in right field; Carlos Quentin is in left; There is already a battle for center field between Jerry Owens, Dewayne Wise and Brian Anderson.

I would assume it would be center, but is Kenny still looking to trade Dye? Bleacher Report is saying Quentin might be dealt in a monster deal to Seattle.

Williams wouldn’t do this would he? Get rid of the White Sox’s best offensive talent of a season ago, one that isn’t getting paid too much right now?

I sure hope not.