Desert Notes

[Chisox73]

Notes: Sox favor carrying extra pitchers
Guillen wants club to remain hungry; Hermanson back on track
By Scott Merkin / MLB.com
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Catcher A.J. Pierzynski takes part in Saturday's workout in Tucson, Ariz. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Don Cooper always will fall on the side of White Sox pitchers if given the option between carrying an extra fielder or 11 or 12 pitchers.

But the White Sox pitching coach believes taking an unusually high total of 12 pitchers to Chicago, a possibility discussed previously by both general manager Ken Williams and manager Ozzie Guillen, will best serve the franchise's repeat purpose in 2006.

"The strength of our team last year was the pitching staff, and keeping those guys healthy can't be understated," Cooper said after watching his pitchers throw Saturday. "What became even more of a strength for us was when we made the playoffs was our depth. We didn't even have to activate McCarthy.

"Carrying the 12th pitcher gives you a chance to keep things in order and keep people in the bullpen in the spots you really want to see them. Having the extra pitcher is another good way of keeping the pitching staff healthy."

Cooper pointed out that having a 12th pitcher allows the White Sox to give a frequently used reliever an extra day or two of rest. That scenario also could mean taking a starter out after six innings in certain instances and letting the bullpen protect the lead a little longer.

Twelve pitchers is a possibility because of the versatility of utility man Rob Mackowiak, who can play in both the outfield and the infield. Of course, with workhorses such as Mark Buehrle, Jose Contreras, Jon Garland, Javier Vazquez and Freddy Garcia in the rotation, that extra arm almost seems to be a wasted roster spot.

"I don't like it," said Buehrle with a wry smile. "I want to be out there as much as I can every five days. I don't know what they are talking about, whether it's 11 or 12 pitchers. Whatever they will do I know is right for the team."

"It gives us more maneuverability," Cooper added. "I would rather have 12."

Left is all right? Despite the desire to carry an extra man in the bullpen, Cooper said Saturday there's no guarantee one of the two remaining relief spots will be filled by a left-hander to join Neal Cotts. With eight lefties battling, though, Cooper would like to think that at least one will step up and earn a job.

"You would like to think there will be a couple of three or four who will jump up and say, 'You really have to give me a look. I'm throwing the ball well and getting guys out,'" Cooper said. "But we aren't going to pin ourselves in a corner, saying we must take a lefty.

"We are going to be taking the 11 or 12 or whatever number we are set on, the 12 best who can get people out. We won't take a lefty for the sake of having a lefty if he's not showing us anything."

Cooper envisions the second lefty as more of a situational to one inning sort of reliever, who could appear in 60 to 70 games.

[B]Welcome back: Guillen admitted to holding a little bit back from his first speech to the pitchers and catchers prior to Saturday's workout, saving his best baseball oratory for when the full team is together Thursday. But even after winning the World Series in 2005 and capturing 16 of their final 17 games, Guillen's message was one of improvement.

"You win the World Series the year before and all of a sudden you say, 'Hopefully, we're going to have a better team,'" Guillen said. "That sounds silly. How are you going to be better when you won the World Series?

"But I feel a lot better this year. We have six starters. Last year we didn't. We didn't have a few guys in the bullpen. Last year, we had a lot of ,'If, if, if.'

"I just told them that the World Series is over," Guillen added. "We're the 2006 Chicago White Sox, not the 2005."

After winning the championship, Guillen also pointed out that his group no longer has the luxury of flying under the radar and being underestimated. They have to keep the same edge, while every other team tries to knock them off their lofty perch.

"We have six or seven guys who weren't here last year and they are hungry too," Guillen said. "We are still hungry. That's why we build this team to stay hungry."

Back on track: By the end of the 2005 season, Dustin Hermanson had gone from a virtually automatic closer with 34 saves to a father who could barely pick up his young daughter because of severe back pain. An offseason of extensive physical therapy, focused on strengthening his back, has returned the right-hander to Tucson 10 pounds lighter and ready for future late-inning responsibilities.

"It's time to get busy for this year now," said Hermanson, who was in physical therapy three days per week, for two hours per day. "I feel good. I feel healthy."

Staying put: Offseason rumors of a trade involving Contreras shouldn't bother the tough right-hander, according to Guillen. The White Sox manager also mentioned Contreras' name has not come up in any recent conversations with Williams, despite his trade value never being higher.

"Yeah, but I don't think we need that much," Guillen said. "We need him more than we need something else."

Third to first: Garcia's arrival date still was uncertain after his car was stolen, with Guillen planning to call his friend Saturday night in Miami. Guillen wants Garcia in camp as soon as possible, with his departure to Florida coming soon to train with Team Venezuela of the World Baseball Classic. ... Jim Thome impressed Guillen with the few swings the manager witnessed Saturday, especially with his ability to hit the ball the opposite way. ... Position players such as Joe Crede, Scott Podsednik and Brian Anderson have joined Thome in reporting early to Tucson. ... Dale Torborg, the White Sox Minor League conditioning coordinator, passed out shirts to commemorate his December TNA Pay Per View Wrestling appearance with catcher A.J. Pierzynski in Florida. Torborg and Pierzynski are pictured with Bobby "The Brain" Heenan on the front of the shirt, under the word "Basebrawl."

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[Chisox73]

Notes: Garcia prepared for WBC
Sox working with WBC coaches on pitchers' workload
By Scott Merkin / MLB.com
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060219&content_id=1315415&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws

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Chicago's Jim Thome warms up during Sunday's workout in Tucson, Ariz. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Freddy Garcia reported Sunday to White Sox Spring Training, two days after the rest of his pitching and catching brethren.
Garcia will be leaving Arizona as Cactus League action begins on March 1, returning to Florida to train with Team Venezuela for the World Baseball Classic. But the right-hander seemed more concerned about the valuables stolen from his sport utility vehicle last week than falling behind on his preparation for 2006.

"I'll be all right," said a relaxed Garcia. "I've been working out a lot in Venezuela. I started early this offseason.

"I've been working really hard to get ready to pitch. I don't worry about anything. I'm feeling good and I want to pitch."

When asked how his offseason training changed with the addition of the WBC, Garcia mentioned that he already had thrown four bullpens before arriving in Tucson. When questioned as to how many he throws in normal preparation, without the WBC's presence, Garcia laughed and quickly added, "One."

Somewhat contrary to manager Ozzie Guillen's comments on the national pressure placed upon Venezuelan players to participate in the WBC, Garcia stated that he is looking forward to representing his country. He will be moving from one of the best pitching staffs in all of baseball with the White Sox, to a top-notch Venezuelan staff, including the Cubs' Carlos Zambrano, Minnesota's Johan Santana and the Angels' Francisco Rodriguez.

Garcia also believes that the best team in the WBC, emerging from a group including Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and the United States, to name a few, will center on pitching. The pitchers are almost always ahead of the hitters during the spring.

On Sunday, though, Garcia's focus was more on the $80,000 to $100,000 of personal possessions stolen with his car outside a restaurant in Aventura, an upscale area near Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Getting ready for another strong season on the mound did not seem to be a cause for concern.

"Everything was in there," said Garcia of his car. "My passport, my visa, everything. I had to go get a new passport, but I can still go anywhere with my ID.

"If people are going to steal your car, it could be anywhere," Garcia added.

A little help: Pitching coach Don Cooper already has talked to the pitching coaches for Venezuela and Puerto Rico in regard to Garcia and Javier Vazquez's workload, according to Guillen's comments on Sunday. The White Sox have a distinct advantage where Garcia is concerned, as Venezuelan pitching coach Roberto Espinoza also serves as the pitching coach for Advanced Rookie League Bristol in the White Sox system.

"He's known Freddy for a long time," said Guillen of Espinoza. "I told him when Freddy pitches, I want him to be careful.

"When you play for your own country, you don't care. You want to start and finish the game, but they have a couple of rules to protect the players."

Guillen hopes to schedule a "B" game for Garcia and Vazquez to work against hitters before they leave Arizona. Garcia threw 249 innings in 2005, between the regular season and the playoffs, while Vazquez threw 215 2/3 innings for the Diamondbacks.

"Hopefully, they leave ready to pitch and they come back ready to pitch," Guillen said. "They're two veteran players and they know what they need to do to get ready."

Taking a punch: The Guillen-Alex Rodriguez saga continued to simmer over the weekend, when Yankees owner George Steinbrenner told the White Sox manager to "shut it up" on Saturday.

"I like Ozzie Guillen as a manager, but I don't like him when he pops off like that," Steinbrenner added.

Guillen agreed with Steinbrenner's assessment, despite issuing a public apology to Rodriguez and the Yankees on Friday, stating that the Yankees owner had to protect his player. Guillen also mentioned that he plans to call Rodriguez at the right time.

As for other individuals getting involved in the controversy, Guillen had a typically raw and direct message. Leave the situation between himself and Rodriguez.

"Third parties stay away from this because I didn't try to hurt the kid," said Guillen, of referring to Rodriguez as a hypocrite in a Sports Illustrated article over his waffling in deciding what country to play for in the WBC. "I tried to help him and I [messed] up.

"I apologized once, and if somebody wants to open his mouth, he's going to see the real Ozzie because it's nobody's business. But when Mr. Steinbrenner said that, he was right. I'll take that. If somebody else says something, I will say what I have to say."

Slip-sliding away: White Sox pitchers went through sliding drills on Sunday, with all of the hurlers following the instructions of baserunning coach Tim Raines through two or three rotations. Jose Contreras was limited to one slide.

After stumbling and falling awkwardly into the protective mat on his first attempt, Guillen walked over and waved off any more chances for the affable hurler.

"Worst slide ever," said Raines with a laugh at Contreras' attempt.

"Wow. I don't worry about that because he's never going to get on base," Guillen added. "It's something we're going to work on. I don't want anybody to get hurt. I know it's not a regular routine for the pitchers, but I want them to get ready for when we play National League teams."

Third to first: Left-handers Paulino Reynoso, Armando Almanza and Javier Lopez were singled out by Guillen for the way they threw the ball on Sunday. Guillen plans to use the left-handers in game situations during Cactus League action to help make a final roster decision. ... Jermaine Dye joined Jim Thome, Joe Crede, Scott Podsednik and Brian Anderson as early position-player arrivals. Their early work is a signal to Guillen of the hunger he wants from his players in 2006.

[I]Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[Chisox73]

Notes: Team goals drive Buehrle
Garcia lone absentee; Baines, Raines swap titles
By Scott Merkin / MLB.com
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060217&content_id=1314267&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws

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Mark Buehrle worked a career-high 260 innings last season. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)

TUCSON -- Mark Buehrle had no second thoughts about taking his name out of consideration to pitch for the United States in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

His first and only concern is helping the White Sox win their second straight World Series title and putting himself in the best position possible to help the team achieve that goal. That focus meant deferring to the team and passing on the inaugural international competition.

"If we didn't pitch a month longer in the season, I probably would have played," said Buehrle on Friday, as pitchers and catchers reported for the White Sox.

"But throwing so many innings in the season, and the 20 or 30 more in the playoffs, I thought I had to give respect to my team and the fans," Buehrle added. "If I did go out there and get hurt, it could kind of ruin our chances of repeating."

Buehrle actually amassed 236 2/3 innings during the regular season and 23 1/3 as part of the team's first World Series title drive since 1917, giving the left-hander a career-high 260 for the season. It was this American League-leading total, coupled with Buehrle icing his throwing arm after leaving Game 2 of the World Series, which led to rumors of arm soreness concerning the staff's left-handed ace.

Those rumors made it to print during the World Series and once again after the season ended. Those rumors were briefly put to rest by Jon Garland at SoxFest in January, when he pointed out that all starters have some level of residual soreness by the end of a given season, and that Buehrle had no problems. Buehrle gave a more definitive answer Friday.

"I keep hearing stuff that my arm is hurt and I'm injured," Buehrle said. "I don't know where this is coming from, but I feel fine."

It was a busy offseason for Buehrle, who got married and went on a honeymoon to Antigua in the midst of a high demand for public appearances. He also took a couple of months off from throwing, giving his arm a break.

Innings totals topping 221 over the past five years, as Buehrle has accomplished, would concern some organizations and pitchers. It's not the case for Buehrle and the White Sox. His pitching style is more conducive to producing 14-to-18 victories per season, as opposed to any sort of arm trouble.

"I'm not really a power pitcher," said Buehrle, who needs 15 victories to reach 100 for his career and is looking for his sixth straight season of at least 14 wins. "I just go out there and finesse, hit my spots. I think that's a lot less wear and tear on your arm."

Coaching realignment: Harold Baines and Tim Raines will switch places for the 2006 season, with Raines now serving as bench coach and Baines moving over to coach first base. Manager Ozzie Guillen made the decision, explaining that Raines can discuss more with the hitters about the little nuances of the game while sitting in the dugout.

"When we are hitting, Tim Raines is at first base and doesn't have time to communicate with players during the game," Guillen said. "That's why I moved him over there.

"I think Harold wants to be on the field. I think Harold should be on the field."

Baines was a frequent contributor strategically as bench coach in 2005, according to Guillen. But Guillen feels he will be just as valuable at first base.

"Harold helped me win a world championship, and I think he will help me again to win a world championship," Guillen said.

Explained absences: Closer Bobby Jenks drew quite a bit of notice during the postseason for making his 100-mph fastball disappear behind opposing hitters' swings. During the offseason, it was Jenks' absence himself that drew notice.

The young right-hander backed out of SoxFest, after committing to attend, and did the same Tuesday night for an autograph signing at the Auto Show in Chicago. There were good reasons, though, to explain both situations.

Jenks attended his uncle's funeral, causing him to miss SoxFest. He was unable to get to the Auto Show after his Suburban was rear-ended in an auto accident in Seattle. His daughter was in the car, but came away unscathed. The car's entire side panel was crushed.

"It was one of those things that was bad timing and unfortunate," Jenks said. "I apologize to the people, and I will make it up to them somehow by attending other shows. But there are just some things out of your hands sometimes."

Family first: The final word on Guillen's absence from Monday's White House visit was delivered by the outspoken manager himself. He meant no disrespect to George Bush, but instead opted to stay on vacation with his family in the Dominican Republic when they could not join him in Washington, D.C.

"My kids are more important than anything in my life," Guillen said. "To my kids, it was like a dream to go back to the White House. We went there before.

"To me, my kids see their dad next to the President as the winning manager, it was a big deal for me and a big deal for my family. That part of my life, I'm not going to enjoy without my family."

Upon returning to his office at the Kino Sports Complex on Friday, Guillen received a snow globe of Washington, D.C. from the team's trip. He also had a picture of the jersey presentation to President Bush, with a snapshot of Guillen's face covering the face of Jermaine Dye.

Guillen took the jokes in good stride. But he objected to the assertion that his decision simply was a show of support for Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

"Let's put it this way. I've seen Mr. Bush more times than I've ever seen Chavez," Guillen said. "I've seen Chavez twice in my life and I've seen Mr. Bush for quite a while.

"I remember when I was playing, [President Bush] was sitting there and watching every time we went to Texas. I never went to the White House in Venezuela and I did in the United States. People try to get politics involved in this thing. I'm not a politics man. I didn't go to the White House because my family couldn't go."

Third to first: Freddy Garcia stands as the lone late arrival to White Sox camp and will not be in attendance Saturday, after his car was stolen in Miami. Garcia's personal papers, including his passport, were in the car. ... Buehrle, who is an avid hunter but does not hunt quail, said he would be more than happy to go hunting with Vice President Dick Cheney. "Accidents happen," said Buehrle of the Vice President's hunting mishap. "I've never seen anything like that, but I've heard stories about people dying or shooting somebody." ... General manager Ken Williams listed the battle for the second left-handed reliever slot, with no less than eight candidates, as the most intriguing contest to watch during Spring Training.

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[Chisox73]

Notes: McCarthy sets aside new pitch
Crede at full strength in the cage; visa delays Uribe
By Scott Merkin / MLB.com
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060221&content_id=1317970&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws

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Brandon McCarthy wants to focus on being ready to pitch out of the 'pen. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Brandon McCarthy had thoughts of tacking on a fourth pitch to his repertoire this spring.

But when balancing the addition of a cut fastball against the understanding of his new role, the lanky right-hander decided three was a magic number where his variety of offerings are concerned.

"We were tinkering with the cutter for a little bit, but we kind of shut that down," McCarthy said. "Especially out of the bullpen -- you rarely need three different pitches out of the bullpen, let alone four.

"There's no reason to start working on a fourth right now when I have to work on a whole new role. At some point, I might ease that in. For right now, I'm going to stay with what I have."

The 22-year-old already features the basic fastball and curve, along with what some insiders consider one of the best changeups in the American League -- even with less than one year of Major League experience. Instead of adding the cutter, McCarthy said that he plans to develop a two-seam fastball.

McCarthy gave his brief work with the cutter mixed reviews. He mentioned that it's tough for him to get a lot of movement on his pitches, and that he would sometimes drop his arm slot or do "something unnatural with it" to cheat and see the pitch move more when throwing the cutter.

It was a problem with McCarthy's arm slot that was corrected around the All-Star break in 2005, leading to his 3-1 record and 1.69 ERA over the season's final month. As some sort of hybrid starter-reliever combination for 2006, McCarthy doesn't want to mess with success as he refines his latest role.

"If I work a fourth pitch in, I'm either throwing more pitches or taking away from the others," said McCarthy, who pointed out that he usually likes to throw 10 pitches with each selection during a 30-pitch bullpen session. "Right now, until I'm at a place to ease it in, I'll stay away from it."

Guardian manager: Manager Ozzie Guillen left very little room for misinterpretation Tuesday when asked about McCarthy adjusting from a career as a starter to a part-time reliever.

"That's his problem to handle," said Guillen of McCarthy. "He has to be prepared to perform every day."

Don't think for a second, though, that Guillen simply is going to move McCarthy to the bullpen without making more than a few calls to see how he's enjoying the new environment. This is the same manager who gave Neal Cotts the room to become one of the steadier left-handed relievers in the game, after protecting the former starter during his first season out of the bullpen two years ago.

The White Sox followed the same plan with former hurler Jon Adkins. The cautious approach won't differ where McCarthy is concerned.

"We did it with [Mark] Buehrle and Jonny [Garland], too," Guillen said. "We don't want to hurt [McCarthy]. We have to take care of the kid, and we are good about that."

Back to form: When Joe Crede came off the 15-day disabled list on Sept. 10 last season, recovering from a fracture to the tip of the middle finger on his throwing hand, the White Sox third baseman was a little worried as to how his balky back would respond to the inactivity. Crede hit .379 in September, two herniated discs and all, and was the team's most valuable player in the field from start to finish during the playoffs.

After a few days of hitting in Arizona, Crede reports the same solid results for his back.

"I've gone through a bunch of sessions out here already and everything feels good," Crede said. "I'm ready to go. I felt healthy and strong at the end of last year, and I feel the same way now."

Overextended visa: Juan Uribe is expected to be the only individual missing from Spring Training when position players officially report to camp on Wednesday. Uribe has a problem with his travel visa, an issue Guillen initially questioned, before checking with other members of the organization for confirmation.

Guillen did appreciate Uribe calling him directly on Monday to deliver the news.

"Before, players would make agents call people," Guillen said. "I don't want to be cocky, but that's the confidence we have in this club. It's a good thing when Uribe calls me or [third base coach] Joey [Cora]."

Trying to get a phony excuse by Guillen for tardiness won't work, basically because he's heard or used them all before. Guillen talked about wanting to stay in Venezuela and go to the country's famous bullfight before leaving for Spring Training one time as a player, and using the visa problem as the reason.

Full house: Having the whole team together Wednesday and able to work out as a unit will be a refreshing change, according to Guillen.

"Yeah, I think it's time to go to the full squad," said Guillen, who once again stated how impressed he was by the numerous early position player arrivals. "I think it's easier for us when we are all here. Sometimes the same drills get a little tired.

"[Wednesday] is a big day and hopefully everyone shows up ready to go," Guillen added.

Championship regrets: Former White Sox outfielder Magglio Ordonez appears to be healthy and hoping for an extremely productive season with the Tigers. His only pain comes from the regret of leaving Chicago one year before the World Series celebration.

"I was watching those games in Venezuela," Ordonez told reporters in Florida. "It's hard to see all your teammates win the World Series, and you spent all your career [there] and you left one year early. It's something that you don't control. I didn't know they were going to win the World Series."

Ordonez admitted to not watching the whole clinching game of the World Series. He expressed his happiness for Paul Konerko, who has listed Ordonez as his most talented teammate ever, Mark Buehrle and all the people in the front office. Of course, it was Ordonez who chose to leave the White Sox, signing a lucrative five-year deal with the Tigers as a free agent.

"It kind of was weird not having someone like him around, but it's the game of baseball," Crede said of Ordonez's absence. "You can't expect someone to stay in the same organization for their whole career. You just don't see it.

"Magglio is a great guy and it would have been neat to have him, but it's the game of baseball. We dealt with the change and made the adjustment and were able to win the World Series."

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[Chisox73]

Notes: Podsednik reaffirms good health
Thome to hit third; Gonzalez rumor shot down
By Scott Merkin / MLB.com
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060222&content_id=1319612&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws

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Scott Podsednik says his health is the same as it was going into 2005. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)

TUCSON, Ariz. -- How healthy does White Sox leadoff man Scott Podsednik currently feel, after offseason surgery to repair two hernias that hampered his late-in-the-season ability to steal bases?

To reinforce comments Wednesday that he is now 100 percent, Podsednik laid down a challenge to a group of reporters who were interviewing him in the White Sox clubhouse at the Kino Sports Complex.

"Anybody who wants to put the cameras down and the mics down and mark off 60 yards, I'm ready," said Podsednik with a smile, drawing a laugh from the assembled media. The fleet-footed Podsednik received no takers on his offer.

Podsednik swiped 52 of his team-high 59 stolen bases from April through July. He picked up three stolen bases in August and four in September. In fact, Podsednik had just five stolen bases after Aug. 6. The problem was listed as a left adductor strain, but Podsednik said at SoxFest that he knew it was something more at the time. The malady wasn't fully diagnosed until after the season.

It was Podsednik's power stroke that drew attention during the playoffs, with the left-handed hitting speedster launching his first home run of the season in the opening playoff game against Boston and adding a thrilling walk-off shot to beat Houston in Game 2 of the World Series. But it's his ability to get on base and cause trouble on the basepaths that proved most effective for the White Sox.

His addition to the South Siders' lineup, and their ensuing success, also reinforced the importance of productive leadoff hitters to a successful attack. Podsednik wants to follow the same plan in 2006.

"If your leadoff guy is getting on base at the top of the order, it kickstarts any lineup," Podsednik said. "I take pride in trying to get my team going. That's my job. Everyone has a role here and my role is to kickstart this offense.

"I'm feeling great, feeling strong. At this point, if you lined up the 2005 Scott Podsednik with the 2006 Scott Podsednik, they would be neck and neck."

Lined up for power: When Jim Thome was healthy enough to hit 42 home runs and drive in 105 runs for the Phillies in 2004, 459 of his 508 at-bats came from the cleanup position. That particular spot in the order won't belong to Thome -- for the most part -- with the White Sox in 2006, but his approach certainly won't change.

According to manager Ozzie Guillen, Thome will hit third in the order in front of Paul Konerko. Guillen wants to take advantage of Thome's high on-base percentage in the three-hole, and he wants to alternate left-handed and right-handed hitters at the top of the order.

"Having him over there will give Paulie the chance to drive in more runs," Guillen said of Thome.

Thome had 272 at-bats hitting third for the Phillies in 2003, while he had 220 in the cleanup spot during that same season. His high level of production was almost even between the two locations, with 19 home runs hitting third and 22 hitting fourth. The powerful veteran certainly seemed unfazed by Guillen's planned switch.

"Like I said, I just want to stay healthy and be in a good lineup like this and do the best I can to help out," Thome said. "I don't care where I hit, as long as I'm in that lineup.

"I've hit anywhere from three, four or five, and early on, I hit sixth, seventh and eighth. At this stage and looking at our club, that's Ozzie's decision. I'll try to do the best I can and produce in whatever role."

High and tight: Live batting practice started with a thud for Joe Crede, as he was grazed by a Freddy Garcia offering early on in his first at-bat. Crede laughed it off afterwards, showing no visible signs of pain. He also suspected a little foul play involved with the inside pitch.

"The ball got away from Freddy, but I think A.J. [Pierzynski] might have been behind that," said Crede with a broad smile. "It wasn't bad."

Rumor control: A story in Sunday's Periodico El Nuevo Dia de Puerto Rico claimed the White Sox were one of a small group of teams that had expressed interest in free agent outfielder Juan Gonzalez. On Wednesday, a source in the White Sox organization said the team was not interested in the slugger with 434 career home runs, who had exactly one at-bat with Cleveland in 2005 because of a hamstring injury, but stated in the article that he's in the best physical condition of his life.

More to come: All of the remaining position players were in camp Wednesday afternoon for the team's report date, aside from Konerko, Joe Borchard, Ben Grieve and Juan Uribe. Konerko told a team spokesman that he planned to report late Wednesday and would join the team for Thursday's physicals, the first full-team workout and a media session to follow. A throng of television cameras were left to film Wednesday's workout, instead of Konerko's arrival.

Guillen had no real update on Uribe and his visa problem. The manager's only hope was that Uribe took care of the issue by Friday, or else he would not be able to join the team until after the weekend on Monday.

When asked about his message to the White Sox charges at a team meeting Thursday morning, Guillen reiterated a point he has stressed since SoxFest. The 2005 championship celebration officially is over.

"We won't carry that for the rest of the year," Guillen said of 2005. "Now, it's time to concentrate on 2006. I told the guys it's a brand new game. They know the way I am and what I want."


Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[Chisox73]

Notes: Playing it right from the start
Williams, Thomas clear the air with phone call
By Owen Perkins / Special to MLB.com
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060227&content_id=1325230&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/images/2006/02/27/lZgLL9Nc.jpg
Brandon McCarthy knows he wasn't at his best Monday during an intrasquad game. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Opening Day is still more than a month away, but the White Sox got their first taste of game action Monday, playing a loose intrasquad game that nevertheless put the Sox style of play into sharp focus.

Manager Ozzie Guillen was in midseason form, emphasizing situational hitting, pushing his players, and even risking an intrasquad ejection when he jokingly called the umpire a "liar" for calling a pitch a ball.

"Today, I started playing the game the right way," Guillen said. "That's the way we're going to play. We had three situations to move the guy over, and we did it three times. A couple guys stole bases. We played the infield in when situations came up."

Guillen acknowledged that many people discount intrasquad games, when pitchers are sharply focused on a particular fundamental rather than the entire situation, and some hitters bat every inning to ensure getting enough at-bats before heading for a workout while another player takes their place.

But Guillen enjoyed the opportunity to see a squad full of "go-getters" committed to taking the game seriously from the start.

"I don't care about the hits," said Guillen. "Just play the game right. This is the way to do it from the first day of Spring Training."

That first sampling of spring competition gave Guillen the chance to stress the team values that would enable the club to move forward in 2006, and he made no bones about letting go of the lingering taste of the team's championship champagne.

"It's a great feeling out there when it's the end of October and you're still playing," Guillen said. "We still have the taste in our mouth of how good it was.

"But our World Series party was over Feb. 18. You already got paid for that. You got a ring. 2005 is the past. Nice past, we cannot live in the past. We have to take it day by day. Today is a good example. I went out there and told the guys, 'Make sure you move the guy over; make sure you do this.' It's our job to get better. I guarantee every time we take the field it's going to be the 2006 Chicago White Sox, not 2005."

[B]Hurt's retort: General manager Ken Williams and former Sox slugger Frank Thomas spoke on the phone Sunday night after a pair of sharp "point-counterpoint" comments made about each other through news outlets. Thomas told reporters at the A's Spring Training facility that the conversation was lengthy and heated and that he considered the matter closed.

Published comments from Thomas sparked the public feuding, and Williams finally responded Sunday after taking offense at the Big Hurt's comments. On Monday, Thomas called Williams' published comments "childish" and "a bunch of noise," adding, "As far as love lost, there was not much love there, anyway," as MLB.com's Mychael Urban reported Monday.

"The bottom line is [that] I had a wonderful time in Chicago, and I don't see it necessary to tear that down on the way out the door," Thomas concluded.

In the swing: Jim Thome had a good outing in his first game situations since a Minor League rehab assignment in Class A Clearwater last August. Squaring off against Mark Buehrle, Thome went 1-for-2 with a pair of hard-hit balls in Monday's intrasquad game.

"I've been out half the year, so today was a big day for me, getting out there, just seeing the pitching," Thome said. "The two balls I hit were good passes. For me, that's where I look. What kind of passes, how I feel in the box. Being out half the year, I was really happy with the first day, for sure."

Start me up: Buehrle and Brandon McCarthy got the starts in Monday's intrasquad affair, and both were satisfied with what they accomplished in their initial outings.

"It was kind of rough," admitted McCarthy of his 50-pitch outing, yielding seven hits and three runs in two innings. "It's a starting point. I was trying to be a little too fine with everything. Mechanically, I'm not where I need to be. That's expected right now. Now, we know what we have to work on. In a couple weeks I certainly wouldn't be happy with a performance like that."

Buehrle was considerably more efficient, getting through four innings on 41 pitches while giving up seven hits and two runs, with Guillen and pitching coach Don Cooper often extending his innings beyond three outs so that he could get more pitches in.

"I'm used to getting three outs an inning, not six or seven," said Buehrle. "They're hacking at the first pitch. Five pitches and you got three outs already. You'd like to get deeper in counts and try to work on your stuff. But overall I'm pretty happy.

"I think I'll be ready for Opening Day," Buehrle added. "I could go right now."

Owen Perkins is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[PopTop]

Eric, I hear Contreras and Garland are the first two pitchers in the ST opener on Wednesday. Any idea who the relievers might be to follow them?

[Chisox73]

That is correct Willie.After that,there's a good chance that guys like Javier Lopez,Lance Broadway,and maybe Corwin Malone coming in.

I'd like to see the former Astro Tim Redding come in and see what he brings to the table.

1st game is tomorrow afternoon.:thumbsup:

[PopTop]

Gracias.

[PopTop]

A friend is saying Charles Haeger and Arnie Muñoz along with Lopez today. Might be in addition to Broadway and Malone :notme:

[Chisox73]

A friend is saying Charles Haeger and Arnie Muñoz along with Lopez today. Might be in addition to Broadway and Malone :notme:
He's right,It will be Haeger,Lopez,and Munoz to round out the pitching.

[Chisox73]

Notes: Guillen hopes Hurt can 'move on'
Podsednik to rest sore shoulder; club signs 16
By Scott Merkin / MLB.com
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060228&content_id=1328532&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/images/2006/02/28/MmhHJUQS.jpg
Scott Podsednik will not play in the spring opener because of a sore shoulder. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)

TUCSON, Ariz. -- If Ozzie Guillen bumps into Frank Thomas during Cactus League contests against Oakland on March 7 in Tucson or March 13 in Phoenix, he will have no problem talking with the former White Sox designated hitter. As far as Guillen is concerned, this past weekend's histrionics are limited to Thomas and general manager Ken Williams, with no third party needed.

With Thomas scheduled to play in only Minor League and B Games during Cactus League action, it's unlikely their paths will cross. Until then, Guillen had one more piece of friendly advice for Thomas on Tuesday, in case the war of words really didn't come to an end during a heated conversation with Williams on Sunday night.

"As a friend, Frank better shut the [heck] up because he's going to put himself in a big position where he's going to be embarrassed," said Guillen of Thomas. "Move on and get the home runs you need to hit the Hall of Fame and be on the first ballot.

"When you are that good, you don't need to talk that way about anybody or anything. Frank is the greatest player to wear this uniform. Leave with that image."

Guillen speaks from experience. When the All-Star shortstop left the organization after the 1997 season, he didn't exactly go quietly. But Guillen pointed out Tuesday that he got the bad feelings he had off of his chest one time and moved on to his final three years with Baltimore, Atlanta and Tampa Bay.

Thomas first mentioned his displeasure with the lack of respect shown to him by the White Sox back at the Winter Meetings, followed by a return visit at a late January press conference to announce his signing with the A's. His question-and-answer session with The Daily Southtown on Sunday apparently was the last straw for Williams, who referred to Thomas as "an idiot" and "selfish" during his six-minute speech Sunday to beat reporters.

It was a shot at White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf that really seemed to set off Williams. That same line of criticism from Thomas also bothered Guillen.

"I have a little problem with him, of course," Guillen said. "When you talk about Jerry Reinsdorf, you talk about one of the best guys I've ever met in the game.

"To me, Kenny had enough from Frank. That's my opinion, and I'm not getting on Frank's case. I think Kenny did it the right way. He put his point across to show how we dealt with this problem for a long time. It's not just a one-day deal. This deal has been since whatever."

A perceived insult of Alex Rodriguez in a Sports Illustrated article caused Guillen to issue a pre-Spring Training apology. Guillen knows to throw the first punch means you usually have to take the counter.

With that boxing reference in mind, Guillen is pushing for Thomas to stay in his neutral corner and focus on his own career.

"When you leave a team, after 16 years, obviously you are going to come up once and say stuff about your team," Guillen said. "OK, you already said it. Move on. You are not part of us anymore. We don't worry about you. Just move on and don't worry about the White Sox.

"Go out and play your game, put your numbers that you want to put, be a Hall of Famer. I respect that, but when you keep plugging in and plugging in and plugging in, all of a sudden people get tired."

Opening Day, of sorts: A familiar lineup will be on the field for the White Sox for Wednesday afternoon's Cactus League debut against Colorado at Tucson Electric Park. Scott Podsednik will sit out with a slightly sore shoulder due to swinging and throwing so much in the first week, and Chris Widger will start at catcher so A.J. Pierzynski can catch Javier Vazquez in Thursday's split-squad action at Hi Corbett.

Rob Mackowiak gets the start in left field and will lead off. He's followed by Juan Uribe, Jim Thome, Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye, Tadahito Iguchi, Joe Crede, Widger and Brian Anderson. With 40 career stolen bases and a single-season high of 13 in 2004, Mackowiak joked that he was the logical replacement for the fleet-footed Podsednik.

"I was messing with Scott about it, how I might take the leadoff role from him," Mackowiak said with a laugh. "But I'm looking forward to getting out there and getting my feet wet against other teams."

Jose Contreras will start Wednesday, followed by Jon Garland, knuckleballer Charles Haeger, Javier Lopez and Arnie Munoz. Freddy Garcia and Javier Vazquez start Thursday's games and then leave that night for World Baseball Classic workouts.

Be aggressive: The White Sox spent close to 45 minutes during Tuesday's workouts focusing on the nuances of aggressiveness on the basepaths. It was a session led by Nate Oliver, the club's Minor League baserunning/bunting instructor, but featured frequent contributions by Guillen.

"[The main] thing I was trying to stress is we are not a selfish team," Guillen said. "We are here to help each other and score the most runs we can.

"We will make mistakes on the basepaths because we are going to be aggressive. That's the team I want to have from the first day of Spring Training. Make sure you move the guy over and make sure you play the team game."

Guillen said that every player will have the green light to run during Cactus League games, from Podsednik to Konerko. The idea is to see what each player offers on the basepaths during games that don't count against the official standings.

"If something happens on the basepaths, then the games will be over quicker and I'll be out of there as quick as I can," said Guillen with a smile, referring to a desire for fast-paced Spring Training contests.

Third to first: Orlando Hernandez is scheduled to throw for Arizona in Saturday's contest, followed by Terry Mulholland. Brandon McCarthy will start for the White Sox. ... The team came to terms with 16 players on one-year contracts. Those players are Jeff Bajenaru, Neal Cotts, Haeger, Bobby Jenks, McCarthy, Munoz, Paulino Reynoso, Sean Tracey, Rusty Tucker, Chris Stewart, Ross Gload, Pedro Lopez, Casey Rogowski, Anderson, Joe Borchard and Jerry Owens. The White Sox have no remaining unsigned players in camp.

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[Chisox73]

Notes: Buehrle already on the mark
Bajenaru in the bullpen mix; Contreras sharp in debut
By Scott Merkin / MLB.com
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060301&content_id=1329886&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/images/2006/03/01/sbdSMJE7.jpg
Mark Buehrle is just 15 wins shy of 100 after five seasons as a starter. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Mark Buehrle doesn't pitch in his first official 2006 Cactus League game until Friday, when he opposes Arizona at Tucson Electric Park. But judging by Buehrle's reaction days after his Monday effort as part of the team's intrasquad game, the left-handed ace won't need much work in order to get into prime form.

"[Monday] was one of those days where everything seemed like it was working," Buehrle said. "This year is the first year I felt this ready, this early. It was the first intrasquad game and I feel like I'm ready."

Buehrle has a history of getting himself prepared quickly. There is no mystery to Buehrle's plan, using location and movement in place of a 95-96 mph fastball. The plan clearly has paid huge dividends, with Buehrle entering the season only 15 victories short of 100 for his career. He has been a full-time starter for the past five seasons, winning 16, 19, 14, 16 and 16 games, respectively.

With Buehrle's ability to step on the mound one or two times in Spring Training and be close to the pitcher on display Opening Day, it stands to reason that the left-hander does extensive offseason work in order to pre-prepare for Tucson. Nothing could be further from the truth, said a grinning Buehrle.

"No, I really don't do anything in the offseason to get ready," Buehrle said. "I play catch a couple of times, and other than that, other than working out-wise, I use this time down here to get ready.

"It's one of those things where everyone laughs that I don't do much throwing in the offseason because a lot of guys are throwing for a couple of months. I play catch a couple of times and I feel like I'm ready to come down here."

Monday's effort covered 41 pitches and some innings went by so quickly that Buehrle stayed on the mound for an extra out or two. The left-hander understands he still has to work on little things involved in actual game situations, but he's very encouraged by the earliest possible results.

"I have four or five games to throw, where I can work on holding guys on base and worrying about getting out of innings," Buehrle said. "I didn't have to worry about that in [Monday's] situation.

"As far as my stuff, I feel like I'm ready," Buehrle added.

Don't forget about me: With all the focus being placed on the eight left-handed relievers fighting for one bullpen spot, right-hander Jeff Bajenaru gets his first chance Thursday to make a case for the White Sox keeping 12 pitchers. Bajenaru will follow Freddy Garcia at Tucson Electric Park, while Tim Redding, another right-hander with a solid chance to make the team, pitches at Hi Corbett Field on Thursday against the Rockies.

Bajenaru, who turns 28 on March 21, has been absolutely dominant as a closer for Triple-A Charlotte and Double-A Birmingham over the past two seasons, positing 41 combined saves and a 1.41 ERA overall. Bajenaru thoroughly enjoys the pressure situations of closing, but he understands that job isn't currently open with the White Sox.

His goal simply is to take advantage of whatever opportunity afforded him.

"Spring Training is not always the true tell of the season, but you have to prove yourself because they are looking," Bajenaru said. "Last year was my first year in a big league camp and you always think you have a shot.

"But in the back of your mind you can see what they are looking at. This year, you look around and you see it's between a few guys here and there."

While Bajenaru realizes he's in the mix, he's not spending nights at home trying to figure out the various roster permutations.

"There's nothing you can do about it," said Bajenaru, who has a 9.24 ERA over 13 Major League appearances. "It's the hardest thing about this game. You can't do anything more than pitch, but I would pitch in whatever role they wanted."

For openers: Ozzie Guillen was pleased that the Jose Contreras who opened Cactus League play Wednesday against Colorado looked much like the Jose Contreras from the second half of the 2005 season. Contreras walked 48 and struck out 72 over 101 1/3 innings before the All-Star break, but walked only 27 and struck out 82 over 103 1/3 after the Midsummer Classic.

Contreras also walked 14 and allowed 26 hits and 18 earned runs in 23 innings last spring.

"Last year in Spring Training, he couldn't find the strike zone," Guillen said of Contreras. "He struggled to get there. And he came out of the gate the way he left. He threw strikes and worked fast. I was happy with what I saw today."

Third to first: According to some local weather reports, there had been no rain in Tucson for the past 131 days and 136 of the last 137 days. It rained Wednesday for the White Sox Cactus League opener. ... Garcia and Javier Vazquez are scheduled to leave for World Baseball Classic competition following their first spring starts Thursday.

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[Chisox73]

Notes: Owens taking after Podsednik
Buehrle battles wind, command; Cooper preaches control
By Scott Merkin / MLB.com
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060303&content_id=1332762&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/images/2006/01/06/qHzgeDwZ.jpg
Jerry Owens will likely start '06 with Triple-A Charlotte, barring an exceptional spring. (Ed Andrieski/AP)

TUCSON, Ariz. -- The starting White Sox outfield of Jermaine Dye, Jerry Owens and Scott Podsednik, featured in Friday's 13-6 Cactus League loss to Arizona, was one many envisioned for the 2006 regular season after starting center fielder Aaron Rowand was traded away to the Phillies in late November.

Owens can match anyone on the White Sox roster where speed is concerned, a fleet-footed trait that has been on display during the first four games of Spring Training. The Southern League batting champion from 2005 also seemed to be the perfect lineup complement to Podsednik, showing off his exceptional bat control hitting behind the All-Star leadoff hitter in the lineup's two slot.

Instead, it looks as if Owens will be starting the year with Triple-A Charlotte, barring an exceptional showing in Arizona, serving as Podsednik's understudy from a different time zone. But in the interim, Owens is watching the more finished leadoff product as much as possible, in preparation for his big break.

It's a process that actually began for Owens last season.

"I told Scott the other day that when I was in Birmingham last year, when their games were on television, I always paid close attention any time he was up to bat," said Owens with a smile. "I'm always watching Scott.

"We are the same type of player, and he's very successful at what he does. So, I try to pick up little things here and there. I pick his brain all the time about what he's doing."

Hitting sixth for the White Sox on Friday at Tucson Electric Park, Owens looked more like the prototypical leadoff hitter when he dropped down a bunt in his first at-bat. Arizona starting pitcher Brandon Webb grabbed Owens' attempt in front of the mound and threw him out at first by one step, but it's a move that would have made Podsednik proud.

Owens talked earlier in the day about watching Podsednik's feet when he lays down a bunt, and studies how Podsednik stays aggressive but remains patient at the same time from the top spot in the lineup. Talk of his specific role even sounds like Podsednik, in that Owens' primary focus is to get on base at all costs.

"If I hit a home run, it's almost a detriment to my game, because then I think I can do it all the time. But I know I can't," said Owens, who hit .331 for Birmingham last year, with 173 hits and 38 stolen bases. He was 3-for-18 with four stolen bases as part of White Sox Spring Training in 2005.

"I let the bigger guys behind me worry about the long ball," Owens added. "As a leadoff hitter, our job is to get on base so these guys can knock us in. Put the ball in play, get on base and start something up as an igniter."

One of those days: With winds gusting well past 20 mph, Friday's game was a typical offensive showdown in March in Arizona. Nonetheless, Mark Buehrle wasn't about to pin his rough two innings of work on the climate, as the left-hander was touched up for three runs on five hits. Three of those hits went for extra bases.

"They were all hit pretty good," said Buehrle with a laugh. "You could have been playing anywhere. But the two good things were I got my work in, and JD [Jermaine Dye] got his conditioning in during the game. He won't have to do any running after the game."

Buehrle sarcastically referred to three hard-hit drives Dye had to track down in right field, with Dye helping out the left-hander by throwing out two runners trying to stretch doubles into triples. It was just two days ago when Buehrle talked about feeling ready, stuff-wise, after simply pitching in Monday's intrasquad game.

Friday's outcome showed Buehrle there's still some work to be done, with the issue in his first Spring Training start being one of location. But in manager Ozzie Guillen's opinion, Buehrle's attitude about Friday's game says more about the pitcher than any of his raw statistics.

"That's why I love Buehrle," Guillen said. "Buehrle is Buehrle, and this kid knows what to do. When you have people like that on your ballclub ..."

"Obviously, you want to go out there and get guys out and get your confidence up," Buehrle said. "I was trying a little bit too hard. [Pitching coach Don Cooper] even said it looked like I was trying to overthrow a little bit, throw the ball harder than I usually do. I have to throw first-pitch strikes, going out there attacking hitters. And I think I threw one first-pitch strike."

In the zone: Pitching coach Don Cooper made it clear Friday that one bad relief outing has not cost any pitcher a chance to earn the final one or two spots on the staff. Jeff Bajenaru, Sean Tracey and Armando Almanza, who all struggled their first time out, still are squarely in the mix -- if they continue to throw strikes.

"Those guys will get plenty of more opportunities if they throw it over," Cooper said. "If they don't throw it over, we simply can't use them. We can't be suspect leaving here with, 'Will you or won't you throw it over?'

"All of those guys need to come at people, make them swing the bat, be aggressive, be confident and attack. That's the best way to make an impression. Yesterday, it didn't happen, and nothing happened to jump up and show us anything. But again, we haven't made any decisions."

Third to first: Tim Redding will be moved up from Sunday's game against Arizona to Saturday's game against Arizona. Cooper wanted to get the right-hander back in action, after he threw just six pitches and yielded a home run, during his short outing Thursday against Colorado. "I wanted to get him right back out there," Cooper said. ... The White Sox will play a "B" game Sunday morning. Corwin Malone, Agustin Montero, Bajenaru, Bobby Jenks and Neal Cotts are scheduled to pitch. ... Cliff Politte (two home runs) and Dustin Hermanson combined to give up three home runs over two relief innings in their spring debuts Friday. "The guys pitching poorly are the guys on the team. I don't worry about them," Guillen said. ... Guillen praised left-handers Javier Lopez and Ray Liotta for their 3 1/3 combined shutout innings Friday, with Lopez fanning two.

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[Chisox73]

Notes: Konerko play provides relief
Guillen not happy with way team is losing in dropping to 0-5
By Scott Merkin / MLB.com
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060304&content_id=1334167&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/images/2006/03/04/L49CRvAy.jpg
Ozzie Guillen and A.J. Pierzynski wait for Tim Redding, who came in to pitch 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)

TUCSON, Ariz. -- It was such a bad afternoon for the White Sox on Saturday against Arizona that a strange play involving Paul Konerko's jersey served as the highlight of the 13-2 loss.

In the sixth inning, Arizona's Matt Morgan hit a chopper off of Charles Haeger toward Konerko at first, but the ball hit Konerko just to the right of his buttons and actually rolled into his jersey top.

Konerko grabbed for the ball, thinking he had trapped it against his chest. By the time Konerko realized the ball was inside, Morgan had been credited with an infield hit.

"That happened to me in the playoffs for Venezuela. I just tried to get naked, take my clothes off and get the ball out," said White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, drawing a big laugh from the media. "At least we had one highlight.

"We made the people laugh and the people in Chicago enjoyed something. Maybe people will forget how bad we played."

But Guillen certainly remembered. His team has lost all five of its Cactus League contests, by a combined total of 49-12. The White Sox offense has started to get going over the past two games, but the defense struggled again Saturday with three more errors.

The most disturbing trend for Guillen is that pitchers on the proverbial roster bubble are not taking the greatest advantage of the opportunities afforded to them. Chad Bentz, who threw the ball well in his first appearance Thursday against Colorado, walked three and gave up four runs in one-third of an inning against the Diamondbacks. Jeff Bajenaru and Rusty Tucker also were touched for one run apiece, with six pitchers combining for eight walks.

Guillen certainly isn't panicking, and most of the veterans are poking fun at their own ineptitude. After all, the White Sox finished 14-18 last year in Arizona and have the World Series celebratory banner outside their complex near Tucson Electric Park to prove the 2005 season turned out to their liking.

Nonetheless, Guillen would like to see a slightly better brand of baseball.

"I don't mind losing and winning," Guillen said. "We played poorly offensively, defensively and pitching. There are ways you lose, and we are losing the ugly way. It's boring to watch them play. I haven't even had time to manage yet.

"Walking people and getting behind the hitters, it's not the way I want this team to look," Guillen added.

One of a kind: Following Konerko's exit from Saturday's game, the affable captain presented a detailed description, with his jersey used as evidence, as to what happened on the bad-hop single.

"My first reaction is I stopped it, and it's on my body but on the outside of my shirt," said Konerko with a smile. "You are grabbing for it to flip it, but by the time I grabbed it a couple of times, then I realized it's inside my shirt and too late. Only I could pull that off."

Konerko's two singles and a line drive out to left were overshadowed by the quirky play, certain to make almost every highlight reel around the country. Although hitters have only been in camp a little over one week, Konerko called Saturday his "most productive day of the spring" from start to finish.

"I was swinging the bat and doing what I wanted to do, as far as swinging at the right pitches, with the right plan and with the right swing," Konerko said. "Today, I was working on something, using Spring Training. During the first few games, I was up there taking stupid swings."

As far as the team's struggles are concerned, Konerko pointed out that there's plenty of time for this group to come together. The final spring won-loss record is absolutely immaterial.

"You just want to play the game right," Konerko said. "If it does matter in the wins, I would like to see them in the last week. At least you get in the [right] mode that way."

Weight and see: Just as people who gain weight have to get used to moving around with a different body type, White Sox reliever Dustin Hermanson is trying to find a groove as a pitcher who is 10 pounds lighter than at the end of the 2005 season.

"I really have to get used to my body again," said Hermanson, after giving up a home run in his one relief inning Friday. "Thank God I have Spring Training to do that."

Hermanson lost the weight as part of the plan to help relieve the back problem that limited his work down the stretch of the 2005 season. The one-time White Sox closer, who saved 34 games last year, claims he can pick up his baby out of her crib once again, so things definitely have changed for the better.

He also singled out his split-finger as a pitch that wouldn't work for him Friday. That particular pitch wasn't part of his repertoire until 2005, and is one that he doesn't even throw until arriving at Spring Training.

"With split-fingers, you kind of want to save those bullets," Hermanson said. "But my fastball is not on, so my split is off. First, you have to get your fastball, and then everything else comes off of that."

Change in venue: Brandon McCarthy wasn't as sharp as he wanted to be Saturday, walking two and allowing one earned run in 2 2/3 innings, before reaching his pitch limit. As the White Sox starter against Arizona, though, his approach didn't change from any other start last season.

With his work coming primarily out of the bullpen in 2006, that plan will be altered somewhat near the end of Spring Training.

"I'll start working out of the stretch a little more as we go," McCarthy said. "For right now, I'm just going to focus on getting myself to where I'm ready to pitch -- worry about command and mechanics.

"I'm going to start changing up the routine just a little bit at the end, so it's a little smoother transition. They are still going to be cautious with me in the bullpen, giving me a decent amount of time to warm up, and I'll do my part to shrink that down."

Third to first: Jim Thome just missed his first two home runs in Cactus League action with two long fly balls to left. "Jimmy is right there," Konerko said. "He's just getting underneath, and that won't last long." ... Ex-South Sider Esteban Loaiza made an appearance in the White Sox clubhouse during Saturday's game. Loaiza, who signed a three-year deal with Oakland, is pitching for Team Mexico, training in Tucson for the World Baseball Classic. ... The White Sox held an open tryout camp Saturday, which included former Royals outfielder Mark Quinn.

Up next: The Diamondbacks play host to the White Sox on Sunday at 2:05 p.m. CT, in the fourth game already this spring between the two teams. Jose Contreras makes his second spring start, while Dustin Nippert gets the call for Arizona.

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[Luckyluciano]

ChiSox73... Since it seems like you follow this team if you could please keep me updated on Chris Widgers situation.. I am assuming he will be the back up again this year. But you never know being 34 and with much younger talent out there stranger things have happened. I was a avid follower last year because of him with my MLB package, but tough to follow up on spring training!!

GL this year with the Soxs!!:banana:

[Chisox73]

ChiSox73... Since it seems like you follow this team if you could please keep me updated on Chris Widgers situation.. I am assuming he will be the back up again this year. But you never know being 34 and with much younger talent out there stranger things have happened. I was a avid follower last year because of him with my MLB package, but tough to follow up on spring training!!

GL this year with the Soxs!!:banana:

Thanks Lucky,and welcome to the site.:wave1:

As for Widger,no worries here.He's penciled in as Pierzynski's backup again this year.

Basically the only roster spot up for grabs is a bullpen position,primarily a lefty in middle inning relief.

[Chisox73]

Notes: Logan, Phillips might get looks
Green prospects draw attention with bullpen spot available
By Scott Merkin / MLB.com
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060305&content_id=1336189&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws

http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/images/2006/03/05/QDO9S36P.jpg
Jose Contreras, who struck out five in three innings of work Sunday, said he hopes to have his new slider ready by Opening Day. (Charles Rex Arbogast/AP)

TUCSON, Ariz. -- The short personal bio of Boone Logan can be found on Page 369 of the 2006 White Sox Media Guide, back with the rest of the organization's Minor Leaguers.

On Sunday morning, the 6-foot-5 left-hander gave himself an opportunity to move up 100 pages or so for next year. During a 'B' game on the back fields of the Kino Sports Complex, Logan pitched 1 1/3 perfect innings. That effort was made even more impressive by the fact that he struck out Rob Mackowiak looking and Jim Thome swinging, finishing with three strikeouts in four batters faced.

With the eight White Sox left-handed relievers competing for one or two bullpen spots having combined for an 0-2 record and 8.18 ERA entering Sunday's game, the team was not ruling out Logan getting a shot at the Major League opening. It's clearly a long shot, with the 21-year-old Texas native never really having pitched above Great Falls in the Advanced Rookie Pioneer League.

But it's certainly not an option that is completely out of the question. Pitching coach Don Cooper said a few Minor Leaguers could be joining the White Sox in Tempe against Anaheim on Wednesday, including Logan and fellow left-hander Heath Phillips, who also struck out three in his two scoreless innings Sunday morning.

"We can see what they look like and give them a little experience," Cooper said of the young hurlers temporarily joining the White Sox. "Yeah, we've been impressed with all of those kids."

"Because you are somewhat protected in this role, there's an opportunity for one of the young guys to step up," added White Sox general manager Ken Williams, who termed Logan's effort Sunday as "interesting." "A lot of things have to be taken into consideration. We will not take a young kid just because of our need. We'll wait and let them get more seasoned."

Logan was a 20th-round selection in the 2002 First-Year Player Draft and had fairly uninspiring numbers during his first two seasons at Great Falls, when he split time between the starting rotation and the bullpen. After dropping down his arm angle to more of a three-quarters slot, Logan's ERA fell to 3.31 in 21 games for Great Falls in 2005, with 29 strikeouts and four walks in 35 1/3 innings. Logan also appeared in four games for Class A Winston-Salem.

Sunday's effort featured Logan in command of three pitches, including a 3-2 slider to fan Mackowiak. While his trip to the Major League side of camp is more about future experience, a couple of strong efforts could put his name into the open competition.

"He threw a lot of strikes, which is the main thing as a young kid," Mackowiak said of Logan. "Make sure you pound the zone and get ahead of the hitters."

"Hey, everything is up for grabs," Cooper added. "Nobody is jumping up, so we will look in-house here, down below."

Time for a change: Manager Ozzie Guillen certainly is far removed from any sort of panic mode, even after his team lost for a sixth straight time to start Cactus League play. It's not as if a poor Spring Training record hurts the defending World Series champion's regular-season seeding.

But Guillen plans on having a team meeting Monday morning, with the message being that the 2006 season truly begins with the White Sox contest at Hi Corbett Field on Monday afternoon.

"I expect all the players to get some fire," Guillen said. "It's not easy to fire up when you don't have hits. But I'm going to tell the guys to pick it up a notch and play the way we should be playing and get it from there.

"We are going to start Monday and take it all the way to the end of the season," Guillen added. "It's not easy to turn it on in one minute, so I expect to see better games."

Guillen added that it's hard to get a true reading on what players are ready or not ready, having only played Arizona and Colorado in the first six games. But he's certainly ready to see a team other than the Diamondbacks, after four games in five days.

"If we keep playing against Arizona, they might be undefeated all year," Guillen added with a smile.

Pitching in: Jose Contreras and Bobby Jenks proved Sunday that pitching definitely is ahead of hitting early on in Spring Training. They also exhibited a high level of confidence that wasn't really present in either hurler last Spring Training. Serving as central figures during a franchise's first World Series championship in 88 years has a way of increasing a pitcher's bravado.

"After the World Series, it gave me a lot of confidence," said Contreras, through a translator, after striking out five Diamondbacks while allowing one run on five hits through three innings. "I haven't felt as mentally and physically strong as I do right now. I feel real good."

"This is the best I've ever felt in any spring," added Jenks, who threw one hitless inning. "I don't know if it has to do with my workouts this winter or the new program here where I stay strong but flexible. But putting it all together has something to do with it."

Jenks arrived at 7 a.m. MT Sunday and jumped in the hot tub to loosen up, as he was originally scheduled to pitch in the 'B' game. But Cooper moved him back to the main field, where Jenks mainly tried to establish his fastball. His velocity ranged between 95 to 97 mph, according to the White Sox closer.

"That's really good for me this early," Jenks said.

Contreras continued working on throwing strikes via his three-quarters arm angle, as well as his slider. His goal is to develop the slider and have it ready to go on Opening Day, along with his tantalizing forkball.

[B]Third to first:[B] Paul Konerko emerged from the White Sox clubhouse prior to Sunday's game with his jersey buttons taped down the middle, after a ground ball bounced inside his jersey during Saturday's contest. ... Andy Gonzalez and Donny Lucy led the 'B' game offense with two hits apiece. ... Neal Cotts and Corwin Malone threw two scoreless innings apiece during the 'B' game.

[B]Up next:[B] The White Sox travel to Hi Corbett Field for their third game this spring against Colorado. Jon Garland gets the start, with Dustin Hermanson and Cliff Politte also scheduled to pitch in the 2:05 p.m. CT contest.

Scott Merkin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

[Luckyluciano]

Thanks Lucky,and welcome to the site.:wave1:

As for Widger,no worries here.He's penciled in as Pierzynski's backup again this year.

Basically the only roster spot up for grabs is a bullpen position,primarily a lefty in middle inning relief.


Thanks CHISOX...

Looks like he is having a solid spring..

G AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB CS OBP SLG AVG
C Widger CWS C 5 9 3 4 1 0 2 2 11 3 2 0 1 .583 1.222 .444