The real South Side battle is internal
And the Ozzie Guillen-Kenny Williams war rages on.
Don’t be misled by a story in Tuesday’s Sun Times that suggested Guillen is preparing to high tail it to another team like the Florida Marlins because he’s worried about what happens when his contract expires after the 2012 season.
But you have to wonder about the latest rift between the White Sox’ manager and general manager, which is the real story on the South Side.
Before Monday’s game against the Cubs, I asked Williams about the possibility of bringing up Class AAA Charlotte hitting machine Dayan Viciedo to take some of the pressure off Paul Konerko.
“Ozzie likes the team that he’s running out there every day,” Williams said. “If it turns out he wants a little more offense and change up the mix a little bit, we know we can tap into (Viciedo) at moment’s notice.”
On the surface, Williams sounded like a GM that doesn’t just stick his manager with players he may or may not like.
That’s admirable, if you think about it, and a pretty simplistic way of running the ballclub.
But this is the White Sox, and nothing is ever easy.
When asked about Williams’ stance on Viciedo before Tuesday’s game, Ozzie worked himself into a quick lather.
“We cannot play with a 26-man roster, we can only play with 25,” Guillen said. “If that’s a message, we have to get rid of somebody here. If he wants to bring Viciedo, the door is open. I don’t have much to say about it. I know Viciedo’s been playing well. I know Viciedo’s been doing a terrific job.
“But in the meanwhile, who would Viciedo replace? We’d have to fire somebody, send somebody down. I don’t mind having Viciedo here at all, at all. My problem is, where am I going to play him because he’s got to play every day? If they want to bring Viciedo up, I’ve got the pen ready to put him down.”
OK, two things here.
First, it sure doesn’t sound like Williams and Guillen have sat down and discussed the Viciedo situation.
Second, Guillen knows what the underlying meaning of the move is — leadoff hitter Juan Pierre would be the odd man out.
In case you were unaware, Ozzie loves Pierre, warts, soft groundouts and all.
“You think Juan is our problem?” Guillen asked. “Juan has better numbers than a few people here. Why’s it Juan? Why can’t it be someone else? I can’t say anything about my players because I’m happy with what I’ve got. But like I say, if this kid (Viciedo) is coming, I’ll play him. I’ll find a way to play him.
“If Kenny wants it, it’s very welcome, but we have to make a move. I don’t have to make the move; he has to make the move. If he makes the move I’ll respect that, I always respect Kenny’s moves.”
Ozzie did take a parting shot at one of those players having a worse season than Pierre — designated hitter Adam Dunn.
If Viciedo does come up, he goes to right field and Carlos Quentin shifts from right to left. That would mean the Sox need a new leadoff man.
“I should put Dunn leadoff because he’s the one who gets on base the most,” Guillen said. “But instead of striking out four (times) he might strike out six. Come on guys; give me a break here.”
sgregor@dailyherald.com