Chicago White Sox's 2005 roster fading from sight

Notice anything different about the Indians on Wednesday night?

Notice that Juan Uribe wasn't in Cleveland's lineup? Notice he wasn't on the bench?

A productive player well known for his popular presence in the clubhouse, Uribe's playing days might be over.

Designated for assignment by the Indians on Aug. 1, Uribe was not traded, and he didn't report to the minor leagues. Officially released by Cleveland on Aug. 6, Uribe is still waiting by the phone for another shot.

What a shame, given his outgoing personality, defensive versatility, knack of clutch hits and winning nature. In 16 years in the majors, Uribe played on six teams that made it to the playoffs.

While there still is a slim chance Uribe gets picked up by a team this season, his career appears to be over at age 37.

Uribe's first trip to the postseason came in 2005, and his stellar play at shortstop helped the Chicago White Sox win their first World Series in 88 years.

Thanks to a 5-run rally in the ninth inning Wednesday night - highlighted by Adam Eaton's first career grand slam - the Sox defeated the Indians 10-7 at Progressive Field.

It was a win that would give a contending team an additional boost of confidence, but the sad fact of the matter for the White Sox is they're going to miss the playoffs for the eighth straight season, and they've won just one playoff game since sweeping the Astros in the World Series.

With Uribe out of the game, Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski is the lone member of the Sox's championship team still playing in the majors.

Current Dodgers starter Brandon McCarthy was with White Sox in 2005, but he was edged off the playoff roster by Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez, which turned out to be a wise move.

Now 39 and nearing the end of a difficult year with Atlanta, Pierzynski is expected to retire at the end of the season.

That would wrap up the playing careers for the entire 2005 team, and that would be yet another sign that it's time for the modern-day Sox to put away the patching tape and do a full-blown rebuilding project.

General manager Rick Hahn strongly suggested such a plan in late July, and vice president Kenny Williams is either going to be on board or he will be free to pursue other opportunities.

It's time.