Wells

TORONTO -- David Wells plans to retire if his $10 million option for next season isn't guaranteed by the White Sox -- or any other team.

Struggling Chicago, on course to fall from first to last in the AL Central, is trying to trade the left-hander, the Chicago Tribune reported Wednesday.

"If my option is not picked up, I'm going to retire," Wells said before the White Sox played Toronto, the team that traded him. "I'll be done. That's it."

Wells, 38, is making $9.25 million this season and his contract has a $10 million team option for next year.

The pitcher and Chicago general manager Ken Williams did not comment for the Tribune story, which cited sources who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Williams and Wells' agent, Gregg Clifton, did not immediately return telephone messages left by The Associated Press seeking comment Wednesday.

The Tribune said Williams already had informed Wells the White Sox were looking to deal him, and that Wells replied he was ready to leave. Baseball's deadline for trades without waivers is July 31.

"Maybe I'll go to Montreal," Wells said Wednesday.

Wells, 3-5 with a 4.54 ERA, allowed a career-high 13 hits and eight runs in 5 1/3 innings as the White Sox fell to 0-8 on their road trip.

Toronto dealt Wells after he said Toronto fans "stink." While walking around Toronto on Tuesday, Wells said fans heckled him.

Chicago sent pitcher Mike Sirotka to Toronto in the Wells trade. Sirotka was found to have arm problems, the Blue Jays asked for the deal to be altered or rescinded, and commissioner Bud Selig upheld the trade.

Sirotka is out for the season following surgery.

Chicago acquired Wells because of his success in the postseason, but the White Sox began Wednesday with a 14-28 record and a seven-game losing streak.

"If my option is not picked up, I'm going to retire," Wells said. "I'll be done. That's it."

Wells went on his weekly radio show earlier this season and criticized teammate Frank Thomas for not playing hurt. Those comments were made before Thomas had season-ending surgery for a torn triceps.