Fields turns down Sox' one-year offer
TUCSON, Ariz. -- Josh Fields is expected to emerge from spring training as the White Sox' starting third baseman.
But with less than a full season of major-league baseball under his belt, Fields has a long way to go before he's able to cash in on a big contract.
The Sox on Wednesday agreed to terms on one-year deals with 21 players not yet eligible for salary arbitration, including all-star closer Bobby Jenks.
Fields turned down the White Sox' offer, so his 2008 contract will be renewed.
"It's not to send a message at all,'' Fields said. "I talked to the White Sox and everything is good. It was a decision; you know I pay my agent (Jeff Berry) for a reason, and he kind of thought that was the best decision for us.''
Berry also represents starter Mark Buehrle, who was the last White Sox player to have his contract renewed.
"(Berry) has a reason behind why he does it,'' Fields said. "It's no disrespect between the White Sox and us. It's just a thing we decided to do and chose to do.''
Jenks agreed to a reported $550,000 salary for 2008 after making $450,000 last season. If Jenks has another banner year, he should cash in big via arbitration next year unless the Sox sign him to a multiyear deal.
"I don't worry about that stuff,'' Jenks said. "I let my attitude on the field dictate what I get later on. Whatever I can do to help the team right now … I go out there and get three outs in the ninth. That's what I do.''
Richar checks in: Danny Richar cleared up his visa problem in the Dominican Republic and reported to camp Wednesday morning.
Richar is expected to compete for the starting job at second base.
"I'm just trying to show them I'm ready and not behind anyone else here," he said. "I don't feel like I'm the second baseman. I just want to do my job and try to make the team.''
Since Richar played winter ball, manager Ozzie Guillen expects him to be ready to play by the weekend.
Former starting shortstop Juan Uribe started at second base against the Colorado Rockies on Wednesday and looked good, especially while making a difficult catch in short right field in the sixth inning.
"Uribe's played second base before,'' Guillen said. "I don't have any problem with Uribe playing second base. The big thing about him for us is getting good at-bats at the bottom of the lineup and making the lineup better.
"There's no doubt Uribe can play second base. He's a pretty good infielder. Hopefully he comes out and does his job and wins the battle.''
Still hurting: Jerry Owens didn't play in the Cactus League opener after straining his groin in Monday's intrasquad game.
"It's more precautionary,'' Owens said. "I've tweaked muscles before and you go home, get a good night of sleep and it's fine. But this is still kind of lingering.
"I'm coming here, working out in the morning and getting treatment all day. I can pretty much do everything, but there is still not that explosion, and that's a big deal for me.''
Rockies 7, White Sox 3
White Sox' record: 0-1
At the plate: Paul Konerko was 2-for-3. Orlando Cabrera and Josh Fields were 1-for-3 with 1 RBI.
On the mound: Starter John Danks pitched 2 innings and allowed 2 runs (1 earned) on 3 hits. The left-hander had 3 strikeouts and 1 walk. Dewon Day took the loss after pitching 1 inning and allowing 3 runs on 2 hits and 3 walks.
Next: Jose Contreras starts against the Rockies today in Tucson.
-- Scot Gregor