Joe Christensen of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that free agent OF Torii Hunter had an 8pm meeting scheduled with White Sox General Manager Kenny Williams. The meeting was setup to discuss future plans of the team, not to negotiate a contract as teams outside of the Twins can’t negotiate with Hunter until midnight.

Christensen also notes that the White Sox signed both OF Jermaine Dye and SP Mark Buehrle to contract extensions during the season to keep them off the free-agent market. However, Chicago may need to trade someone else in order to make room for Torii Hunter’s contract if they attempt to sign him. Christensen suggests that Jon Garland could be the player that is moved if the team intends to sign Hunter.

Garland, 28, is due $12 milllion in the 2008 season and is in the final year of a three-year, $29 million contract. He went 10-13 on the season, with a 4.23 ERA and played a very important role in the White Sox’s championship season in 2005. During the 2005 season, Garland went 18-10 with a 3.50 ERA and managed to come up big in the postseason, going 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA in the postseason, including a complete game four hitter in the League Championship series against the Angels.

I don’t expect Garland to be back with the White Sox this upcoming season, nor does he. As tough as it is trying to work out deals with Kenny Williams, Garland would be a welcomed addition on this staff.