Figgins out of Sox' range

Shortly after saying he's in the hunt for ''that ideal leadoff guy,'' general manager Ken Williams shot down speculation that speedy free agent Chone Figgins is on the White Sox' radar.

Discussing his tight finances this offseason, Williams was specifically asked Monday during Day 1 of the general managers meetings about Figgins and said: ''We don't have that kind of money. Sometimes the minor [free-agent deals] are the major ones, in my mind. How many Novembers have you heard that line?''

Along those lines, sources said talks between the Sox and incumbent leadoff hitter Scott Podsednik have heated up in recent days.

Podsednik, 33, showed some of his 2005 form last season, hitting .304 and scoring 75 runs in 132 games. Earlier in the offseason, Williams indicated the Sox were willing to part ways with Podsednik, but that stance, sources said, has changed.

Chris De Luca