Will Sox center fielder Rios play like an all-star again?

The White Sox got a look at bad Alex Rios last year.

In 41 games with the Sox after being claimed off waivers from Toronto in early August, Rios was a hollow shell of the five-tool, two-time all-star he was during five-plus seasons with the Blue Jays.

"I had too many things on my mind, and I was worried about too many things," Rios said early in spring training.

Rios looked like a distracted player and his numbers with the White Sox (.199, 3 home runs, 19 RBI, .229 on-base percentage) were not good at all.

"This is a new year," Rios said.

And there are still some questions to be answered.

Is Rios going to play like he did in, say, 2007? That season Rio hit .297 with 24 HR, 85 RBI, 17 SB, and a .354 OBP, and that is the $59.7 million question, which just happens to be the amount the White Sox owe Rios over the next five seasons.

The 29-year-old center fielder is an athletic marvel equipped with a track record chalked with success, but he clearly put too much pressure on himself after joining the White Sox.

"He thought he had to be the savior," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "I told him, 'You're not the man; you don't have to be the man.' And he's going to be with us from the start of spring training on, so he's going to be a lot more comfortable."

How is Rios doing in spring training? Good, upgraded to great if you compare his game to last year's abbreviated stint with the White Sox.

Through Monday's Cactus League play, the 29-year-old Rios was batting .316 (6-for-19) with 2 doubles, 2 home runs, 4 RBI and a team-best .737 slugging percentage.

Can he carry that momentum into the season? Another difficult question. The 6-foot-5, 205-pounder hits out of a low crouch and is more susceptible to slumps because his timing has to be so precise. That's the reason Rios set a Blue Jays record last June with seven straight strikeouts.

When he's on, watch out. Guillen said he doesn't need Rios to be the savior, but the right-hander can carry the White Sox when he's in a groove.

How's the defense? Believe it or not, Rios could become the first Sox outfielder to win a Gold Glove since Ken Berry did it 40 years ago.

During most of his time in Toronto, Rios played right field while three-time Gold Glove winner Vernon Wells played center.

Rios was used in right and center after joining the Sox last season, but he's going to be the full-time man in the middle this year. Since 2004, Rios has the fourth-highest assist total (55) in baseball.

How will he fare at the Cell? White Sox fans are as rough as they come, but they love players that maximize their potential.

They cut Rios some slack for awhile last year before letting the newcomer have it over the final few weeks. Rios never faced that kind of pressure or scrutiny in hockey-obsessed Toronto, so now he should know what to expect.

Who else can play center field? Juan Pierre has experience at the position and can slide over from left field if Rios needs a break.

Andruw Jones is no longer the great defensive center fielder he once was, but he has shed some weight, seems interested again, and insists he can still play in the middle.

Any sleepers? There is currently no roster spot for Alejandro De Aza, but the 25-year-old-outfielder is opening some eyes in the Cactus League after being claimed off waivers from the Florida Marlins last October.

De Aza is likely to open the season at Class AAA Charlotte, and along with Jordan Danks he gives the Sox some outfield depth.

<p class="factboxheadblack">AL's best</p>

<p class="News">Where we rank the top center fielders:</p>

<p class="News">1. Torii Hunter, Angels</p>

<p class="News">2. Grady Sizemore, Indians</p>

<p class="News">3. Curtis Granderson, Yankees</p>

<p class="News">9. ALEX RIOS, WHITE SOX</p>