When it comes to HBPs, Guillen plays hardball

The debate started last year, when Royals starting pitcher Zack Greinke appeared to use Carlos Quentin as target practice.

After being hit by a Greinke pitch for the second time early last season, Quentin took a step or two toward the mound before collecting himself and running to first base.

No Kansas City batter was hit by a White Sox pitcher in retaliation, and the numbers say not much has changed this season.

Heading into Thursday night's game against the Twins, the Sox were hit by pitches 56 times, the most in the American League. Conversely, White Sox pitchers hit opposing batters 24 times, tying them with the Athletics for the fewest in the AL.

"Send that to major-league baseball," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "Every time we hit somebody they blame me, like I'm hitting people."

The debate continued after Twins starter Glen Perkins hit Quentin twice Wednesday night, in the fourth and fifth innings. In the second inning, Quentin put the Sox in front with a 2-run homer.

Both benches were warned after Perkins' second plunking, and there were no further incidents.

"If I see (an opposing pitcher) throw at somebody and I think it was on purpose, they will get hit," Guillen said. "I guarantee it. Then, I'll take my responsibility with fines and whatever MLB wants to do."

With that being said, Guillen acknowledged that Quentin stands right on top of the plate. He was hit again Thursday, raising his league-high total to 17, but it was on the left foot and Quentin barely moved. The same thing happened to Gordon Beckham later in the game.

Juan Pierre also stands close to the plate and often declines to get out of the way of inside pitches. He's second in the AL with 15 HBP.

Still, it sure looked like Perkins was aiming for Quentin the second time Wednesday.

"He's the only one who knows," Guillen said. "But being in this game so long, first base open, a lefty (A.J. Pierzynski) behind (Quentin), he got his (butt) kicked, go hit the guy. I told my players, 'If you have any problems about somebody hitting you and you don't like it, go get it and we're behind you.'"