Middle of lineup hopes for bounceback in 2008

To get back to a competitive level in 2008, the White Sox are expected to make multiple moves in the off-season.

General manager Kenny Williams won't have to mess with the middle of the lineup.

Jermaine Dye just signed a two-year, $22 million extension, with a club option for 2010.

Paul Konerko also is under contract through 2010, and Jim Thome is signed through next year, with a club option for '09.

"It's big, because the middle of your lineup kind of sets the stage. They set everything up, and fortunately we have that group coming back,'' Thome said.

"I think you look at the track record, hopefully we will all bounce back.''

After combining for 121 home runs and 342 RBI last season, Dye, Konerko and Thome have 70 homers and 198 RBI with 35 games to go.

It has been a disappointing follow-up to 2006, but Thome believes the talent still is there.

"I think that's something, pride-wise, you want to do,'' said Thome, who has 21 home runs this season and 493 for his career. "Whether it's a subpar year, mediocre year or OK year, you always want to go home and say, 'I'm going to get better.'æ''

Change in plans: In the wake of Thursday's rainout, the White Sox are altering their starting rotation for today. Jon Garland is scheduled to start Game 1, and he will face Boston's Josh Beckett. John Danks starts for the White Sox in Game 2 and will oppose Curt Schilling.

Danks would have started Thursday's game.

"With the weather (for Friday), we might get Game 1 in and not Game 2,'' pitching coach Don Cooper said. "If there's no Game 2, we'll leave it as is and let (Mark) Buehrle go.''

Buehrle is scheduled to start for the White Sox on Saturday, so Danks would be skipped if Game 2 is rained out.

Ticket information: The White Sox announced that fans with tickets and parking for Thursday night's game can use them for Game 1 today. Or they can be exchanged for upper-level tickets for any remaining home game (subject to availability).