Bobby Jenks is no stranger to proving people wrong.
He proved his estranged parents wrong by showing he could amount to something. He proved the Los Angeles Angels wrong when they basically gave him away, deeming him an off-the-field explosion waiting to happen.
And for the first couple of days during the winter meetings, with concerns possibly originating from his own team, it looked like the White Sox closer had to prove some people around baseball wrong.
According to a New York Mets source, the Sox approached the Mets about a possible trade involving Jenks, which instantly raised a red flag: Even with Jenks entering his first year of arbitration eligibility, why would the Sox be looking to deal an elite closer heading into his prime unless something was wrong with him?
Add to that the fact that Jenks' velocity has lost a few ticks each season since he took the South Side by storm in 2005, and -- wham -- the barrel-chested Jenks suddenly was being labeled damaged goods.
Never fear. General manager Ken Williams sent a message to critics Tuesday while dispelling rumors that the Sox are looking to move the anchor of their bullpen.
''Everyone wants to come up with a reason why they believe we will listen to overtures,'' Ken Williams told the Sun-Times. ''Then all of a sudden, I'm shopping someone. If I didn't listen, that would be a sign of incompetence.''
Williams contends he was approached by representatives of several teams about Jenks and agreed to listen. Another team rumored to be asking about Jenks was the Milwaukee Brewers, who are in the market for a closer.
''[Jenks] doesn't throw 100 mph anymore, so what?'' Williams said. ''The short story is Bobby Jenks is one of the best closers in the game.
''I'll never deny that there hasn't been one player in eight years that I said, 'I won't listen to you about him.' Carlos Quentin almost won the MVP this year, and if someone calls, I'll listen. If someone wants to do something stupid, I'll let them.''
The Sox will begin grooming right-hander Jhonny Nunez, whom they acquired from the New York Yankees in the Nick Swisher deal, for a possible closer role, but he might be a few years away -- about the time Jenks is a free agent.
''We like [Nunez],'' Williams said. ''He can factor into the mix at some point this season.''
Pitching coach Don Cooper said he hasn't lost sleep over Jenks' velocity dipping.
''What's not to like about this guy?'' Cooper said. ''If someone out there is trying to cut down my guy, stop right there. He's become a pitcher. He's not out there trying to win Kewpie dolls.
''The strikeouts are down because no one wants to be 0-2 against him and let Bobby have them by the [throat].''
But even with all the love going out to Jenks, manager Ozzie Guillen offered a warning.
''I worry about Bobby being in shape for spring training,'' Guillen said. ''But worry about his velocity? No, because Bobby can still pitch. Sometimes he was not 97 or 98, but he still got people out. He was not consistent, but I worry about him maintaining his shape. Not for me, not for the club, but for him.
''I always talk to him and say, 'If you take care of yourself, you're going to be a rich man.'''
And sooner than later. The Sox have a record of avoiding arbitration hearings, choosing instead to negotiate extensions with their players.
Talks with Jenks will begin soon.
''Bobby,'' Williams said, ''he's our guy.''
Photo: Brian Kersey, AP / Bobby Jenks' velocity has dipped each year since 2005, but the Sox insist they're still in love with him. ;
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