Thomas will be back in White Sox, but Ordonez might not

CHICAGO -- Frank Thomas is returning to the Chicago White Sox, but Magglio Ordonez appears to be headed elsewhere.

While Thomas exercised his $8 million option Thursday, Ordonez filed for free agency, and general manager Ken Williams said he is not optimistic about being able to re-sign the right fielder.

"Hearing everything second- and third- and in some cases fourth-hand, I think I have to wait until there is direct dialogue," Williams said. "From what I've heard, it doesn't give me any reason to have any optimism."

The four-time All-Star played only 52 games this year, his fewest since he was a late-season callup in 1997. He missed 36 games after injuring his left knee in a May 19 collision with second baseman Willie Harris, then went on the disabled list for good July 22 with bone marrow edema.

The White Sox thought he was beginning his rehab in September only to learn that he had a second knee surgery. Though Ordonez's new agent, Scott Boras, has said he'll be fully recovered by December, Williams hasn't gotten any update on Ordonez's prognosis.

"From what I understand from news accounts is we will not hear anything or get any more information regarding his health status until serious negotiations begin," Williams said. "I'll just wait like the other 29 clubs to see how this thing progresses."

But Williams sounded as though he's resigned to losing Ordonez.

"From where I thought we were at one point this season, where I thought we were close to signing him to multiyear deal to where we are now and all the uncertainty, yes I'm very disappointed because Magglio has been a part of the White Sox family for a long time," Williams said. "We have watched him grow up as a baseball player and a family man, and there's some strong sentiment for the man -- not just the baseball player."

Ordonez is a career .307 hitter with 187 homers and 703 RBI. He had four straight seasons with 30-plus homers and 100-plus RBI from 1999-2002.

If Ordonez does leave, at least the White Sox have plenty of outfielders. Carl Everett exercised his $4 million option Thursday, and has promised to be in better shape than he was this year.

The White Sox also exercised a $2.5 million option on closer Shingo Takatsu and declined their $1 million option on catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. Alomar will get a $50,000 buyout.

"We don't have to worry about Carl Everett," Williams said. "He had begun (getting in shape) before the season ended and we expect him to return to type of production he had just one year ago. He just was derailed from a couple of little things."