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.

It looks as if the White Sox have traded Josh Fields and Chris Getz to the Royals for Mark Teahen. (Though Joe Posnanski, as of five minutes ago, says this: “I’m told the Teahen for Fields/Getz trade may or may not get done - ain’t done yet. I don’t think nation holds breath.” It’s official now.)

I don’t know about you guys, but I’m pretty excited the Sox picked up Teahen’s career line of .269/.331/.419/.749, and what might work out to be $5+ million salary, now that’s he’s arbitration eligible. Ahem.

Anyway, let’s talk about the dearly departed first. Gone is Josh Fields, and I don’t think many will cry about that. He showed some flashes of power, but the guy could just never find any consistency at the plate and batted .222 in 79 games this past season. But the other guy that’s now a Royal, Getz? A bit sad to see him go. Sure, he was no worldbeater, but in his rookie season in 2009 for the White Sox, he wasn’t too bad. Would have been nice to see if he could have developed a bit more at second base.

As far as what this does to the Sox’ defense? There’s a bit of debate on that. Teahen might play right field and replace Jermaine Dye. Or, he might play third, which paves the way for Gordon Beckham to play second base. If Teahen plays right, does that mean Jayson Nix becomes the Sox’ second baseman? I just don’t know, bro.

Really, the Sox have basically just shuffled in a guy that can play a few more positions than Getz, and has essentially the same WAR he did last year. (Fangraphs has Teahan at .3 wins above replacement for 2009, and .2 for Getz.)

If the Sox just picked up someone they can throw in both the infield and the outfield, does that mean Chone Figgins is off their radar? Or is Teahen there to play right field and right field only, and Figgins is their target for third base? Is Johnny Damon in play?

Lots of questions here. But knowing Kenny Williams, this likely isn’t the only move he’ll pull this offseason.