Wells

CHICAGO -- David Wells doesn't want to be traded. And until Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams tells him he's going somewhere, he's not going to worry about the rumors swirling around him.

"Until it happens, then there's really nothing to talk about," Wells said Tuesday before Chicago's game against the Toronto Blue Jays.

"There's really nothing to say about it. It's happened before and if it does happen, you deal with it then. But until then, there's really nothing to say."

The White Sox traded for Wells in the offseason, hoping he'd be the ace they lacked last year when they were swept in the first round of the playoffs after winning the AL Central title. But when the White Sox got off to a horrible start, they put Wells -- and his $9.25 million salary -- on the trading block.

But no team rushed to make a deal. In addition to his big salary, Wells has struggled this season. He's 3-5 with a 4.54 ERA, and allowed a career-high 13 hits and eight runs in 5 1/3 innings in his last outing before skipping Monday night's start with a strained groin.

"Some people want to write you off, let 'em," the 38-year-old said. "But to me, I've still got a lot of life in me and I feel pretty good. I'm not worried about what people say or do, I just have to go out and do my job."

Wells did some light throwing Tuesday, and said his groin feels much better. He'll throw on the side Wednesday, but said he intends to pitch Saturday against Detroit, his next scheduled start.

Though the White Sox were 19-29 and 13 games out of first going into Tuesday night's game, they were on a season-high five-game winning streak. That could lessen the urgency to trade Wells and break up the team.

"I would think you're correct in assuming that as long as we're winning, it gives Kenny a chance to be a little patient and see how long we can go with it," manager Jerry Manuel said.

Wells said he met with Williams after the White Sox returned home, and they had a good conversation.

"He just said we're going to ride this out, we'll just wait and see," Wells said. "It was very good, pleasant. He's not saying I'm going to leave tomorrow or something like this and that. Just, basically, if it does happen, we'll prepare you for it."

Williams has declined to comment on the trade rumors, saying he's not going to discuss potential moves until they happen.

Asked if he told Williams that he doesn't want to be traded, Wells said he doesn't think he has to say anything.

"I think he can tell by looking at me that I do want to stay," he said. "They traded for me, so I don't know why they wouldn't want to keep me. But I understand the game of baseball and the way it goes. If a team is out of it, it's basically a gun for hire.

"But like I said, I'm not worrying about it because it's not happening. It's just rumors and we'll just deal with it day to day."

Wells also said that if he is traded, he won't insist that his new team pick up his option for next year. His contract currently has a $10 million team option for next season.

"If it was to happen and they'd pick it up, fine. If they don't, that means I get to go home earlier," he said. "... I've got a great family, I could go hang out with my kids, take them to some ballgames and then I can turn into one of those hecklers someday."