But the one name that has been popping up time and time again during the last few seasons -- Los Angeles Angels speedster Chone Figgins -- has been heard again in the last two weeks.

According to a major-league scout, the Angels are the latest team to express interest in acquiring Sox outfielder Jermaine Dye, now that the Mark Teixeira ship has set sail for the New York Yankees. Unlike the talks with the Cincinnati Reds about Dye that stalled during the winter meetings, the Sox and Angels have a fit.

The Sox covet speed, and Williams told the Sun-Times in June that Figgins was ''interesting.'' The Angels want a power bat to offer protection for Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter.

The problem is the Angels have a surplus of outfielders in Guerrero, Hunter, Gary Matthews and Juan Rivera, but they could convert someone to first base, as well as platoon Guerrero and Matthews in the designated hitter spot.

Dye totaled 137 home runs and 378 RBI in the last four seasons -- the most of any American League outfielder during that span.

Figgins -- who can play third base, second base and the outfield -- would give Williams a legitimate leadoff hitter, having averaged more than 47 stolen bases in the last four seasons. Because of his versatility, he could fill a hole at second or move into left field, allowing Carlos Quentin to move to his more natural position of right field.

According to the scout, the Angels aren't thrilled about what's left on the free-agent outfield market and don't want to be pawns in the ongoing negotiations for slugger Manny Ramirez. Dye and Hunter are good friends, and the Angels aren't one of the teams on Dye's no-trade list.