Sox claim Ramirez, but there are still hurdles to clear

After a rough week filled with off-field issues, White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen was happy to talk about Manny Ramirez on Friday.

"At least we'll be talking about Manny and not about Ozzie," Guillen said. "That will be great for me, believe me."

So let's talk about Manny. Or not.

Even though a source confirmed the Sox claimed Ramirez off waivers from the Dodgers on Friday and have until Tuesday to complete a deal, the 38-year-old slugger is still property of Los Angeles.

White Sox general manager Kenny Williams remains mindful of the heavy fine that accompanies tampering charges from the commissioner's office, so he spoke in general terms.

"It will be an interesting weekend, in more ways than one," Williams said. "All of it is a moot point if ... it's somewhat of a gamble if you are willing to step out there like we sometimes are. Like we often are, in the situation we are in. In a two- or three-day period, you can find yourself further back and wonder whether or not you've done the right thing.

"But in being consistent with who we've tried to be the last 10 years, we don't want to go to bed at night thinking what if. We want to put all of our chips in and see how we come out."

Here are some of the Ramirez variables the White Sox are dealing with:

• While the Sox have claimed the 12-time all-star, the Dodgers are still contending for the wild-card spot in the National League.

If L.A. feels it has a legitimate shot to make the playoffs, it can simply pull Ramirez back.

"I don't know when I'll ever be comfortable anymore in saying we are out of it because of what has happened this year," Williams said, referring to early June when the White Sox were 91/2 games out of first place. They have since gone 46-25, the best record in the majors.

"You've seen it in recent years with Houston, Colorado the one year. So you have to be careful of declaring yourself out of it."

• The Sox likely want to trade for Ramirez and have the Dodgers absorb some of the roughly $4 million on his salary.

Friday night's game against the Yankees was sold out, but the White Sox are worried about all of the empty seats at U.S. Cellular Field this season and are watching the bottom line.

• A deal might be reached, but Ramirez could trigger the no-trade clause in his contract.

That's not likely, and Ramirez has reportedly told friends he would accept a trade to the Sox.

Interestingly, Ramirez was not in Los Angeles' lineup Friday night against the Rockies. But manager Joe Torre said it was only because he didn't want Ramirez facing Colorado ace Ubaldo Jimenez.

As for Guillen, he said he'd welcome Ramirez if he does indeed join the White Sox.

"I really don't care," Guillen said. "Either way, I don't. I don't because I think our ballclub is good. Can Manny help? Yes he can, there's no doubt about it."

Should he join the Sox, Ramirez would likely be the full-time designated hitter, not the left fielder.

"Manny only plays left field and I've got a good one playing right now," Guillen said. "I'm not going to take any at-bats or any playing time from Juan Pierre to give Manny. Manny's going to be DHing. I don't know. I might get in trouble talking about Manny. I'm talking about Manny like he's here. I don't know if he's here or not. We'll see what happens."