The hot corner heats up: Fields, Crede set to jockey for position

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Josh Fields was an early arrival Sunday at the White Sox' training camp.

Fittingly, Fields' locker neighbor is Joe Crede.

Let the battle begin.

Crede has been the Sox' starting third baseman since 2003, but he missed most of last season after undergoing back surgery and is eligible for free agency at the end of the year.

Fields came up from Class AAA Charlotte to replace Crede in June and finished seventh in Rookie of the Year voting after batting .244 with 23 home runs and 67 RBI.

Even though White Sox general manager Kenny Williams said a trade is not imminent, Crede is likely to be moved if he shows he's healthy this spring.

Fields is looking forward to the competition, but he isn't overly worried about the eventual outcome.

"Both of us have to prepare as if we're going to be the starter, if not for the White Sox, someplace else,'' Fields said. "I'm young and kind of still naive and dumb. I just kind of come in hoping for the best. I know nothing's set in stone, so I can still be back in Charlotte. If that's the worst-case scenario I'm looking at, it's really not a bad situation.''

Back in business: Pablo Ozuna was another early arrival Sunday, and the Sox' ace utility player is ready to go after playing winter ball in his native Dominican Republic.

Ozuna fractured his right leg and tore a ligament in his right ankle May 27 and missed the rest of the season.

"I feel strong and everything's OK,'' said Ozuna, who batted .221 (21-for-95) in winter ball. "I'm excited.''

Early impression: The White Sox don't have their first full-squad workout until Thursday, but beleaguered relief pitcher Mike MacDougal received some early praise from manager Ozzie Guillen on Sunday.

"I like the way he threw today,'' Guillen said. "Sometimes you wonder why this kid gets hit. He's so good, and if this kid gets the ball over the plate and makes those guys swing the bat, I can't see why he can't have success.''

MacDougal was 2-5 with a 6.80 ERA last season.

"I talked to him a little bit,'' Guillen said. "He went through a tough time last year. I really loved the answer: 'I'm ready to go. I feel healthy.' This kid is going to be a big key for us out of the pen.''