Guillen wants nothing to do with hairy issue

Almost to man, the White Sox insisted Manny Ramirez wouldn't be a distraction after the 12-time all-star joined the roster Tuesday on a waiver claim from the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ramirez has helped the offense while stepping in as the full-time designated hitter. Returning to Fenway Park on Saturday, the 38-year-old Ramirez was a combined 3-for-8 as the Sox swept Boston in the day-night doubleheader.

But Ramirez's hair continues to be an issue.

Fully aware of White Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf's strict policy on personal appearance, Ramirez supposedly had his flowing dreadlocks shortened before Saturday's opener.

But when he took the field, Ramirez's hair still appeared to be the same length, and Sox manager Ozzie Guillen had to deal with yet another round of questions. Guillen reportedly heard from both Reinsdorf and general manager Kenny Williams about Ramirez's appearance.

"I talked to Manny about helping us do that," Guillen told reporters. "But the last thing I worry about right now is Manny's hair. I don't. I can't. I said a long time ago, it's not my department.

"We talked to him and gave him the message. I don't want to get involved with something - I don't want to say (something) I can't control."

Guillen has been in the middle of one off-field controversy after another this season, and now he's dealing with Manny being Manny again. Ramirez reportedly wore a short T-shirt before taking batting practice Saturday, and Guillen had to step in. Ramirez changed into a longer shirt.

As for the hair, it looks like Reinsdorf is on his own.

"I don't think Manny has any problems," Guillen said. "I don't know why people create (problems). I don't let the cat run away, because when you put him back in the cage, it's going to be hard.

"Manny is a great guy. I only have Manny for one or two days. I've known him for a long time. He just wants to play the game and doesn't want to be bothered."

Beckham's back: After getting hit by a pitch on the right hand Monday at Cleveland and missing the next two games, Gordon Beckham was back in the White Sox' lineup for both games Saturday.

Beckham had a big RBI double in Game 1 and was 2-for-7 with a walk and 1 RBI in the doubleheader.

"It loosened up well during the game, so I was very fortunate," Beckham said of his hand, which still was badly swollen Wednesday. "I was kind of shocked at how good it felt during the game after how it felt early this morning and yesterday."