Swisher doesn't like to lose, and he's not afraid to say it

TUCSON, Ariz. -- When asked about new left fielder Nick Swisher, one member of the White Sox (who wished to remain anonymous) laid it on the table.

"He's one of those dumb guys, and that's a good thing. He doesn't over-think anything; he just goes out and busts his tail and does everything he can to win. We've been missing that around here since (Aaron) Rowand left.''

That was after the 2005 World Series, and the Sox have been looking to rekindle Rowand's fiery presence ever since.

It took some time, but it sure looks like Swisher has picked up the torch. Acquired in a Jan. 3 trade from the Oakland Athletics for three top prospects, Swisher has made an immediate impact -- on and off the field.

"I knew what we were getting, but what we ended up getting was better than I thought,'' said White Sox general manager Kenny Williams. "Again, our target list was very short. I understand the price we had to pay to get what I felt we needed, but that's the price you pay if you feel you can get somebody to really help you get where you need to go.''

Swisher has been swinging a big bat in the Cactus League. The switch hitter hiked his spring average to .382 Wednesday, going 2-for-3 against the Colorado Rockies.

But Swisher is making an even bigger contribution off the field.

After he singled in the winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning Monday against the Seattle Mariners, the 27-year-old outfielder didn't take any bows.

Rather, Swisher had separate talks with Williams, manager Ozzie Guillen and some of his teammates after the White Sox blew an 8-3 lead in the top of the ninth.

"When you have the passion to go out and play nine innings in a spring training game this early and care about the result, and also be (ticked) off about the result even though we won, that's a special competitor,'' Williams said. "And that's what we need.''

Guillen offered similar praise, but Swisher wasn't looking for any credit.

"I mean, you go out there and we're busting our tails and this and that, and there were some things that happened that just kind of caught me the wrong way,'' Swisher said of Monday's outburst.

"It wasn't like I was doing anything different. If you're a competitor, just like all of us in the clubhouse are, you don't like to lose. We put ourselves in a position to win, and we did end up winning, but I don't care if it's spring training or not, you want to go out there and bust your butt.''

While he appears to be a classic vocal leader, Swisher wants no part of the tag.

"Nah, I wouldn't call myself anything,'' he said. "On this club, we've got our leaders and guys we go to. I'm just trying to bring a little added intensity, I guess you could say. Getting the opportunity to come over here, I might as well try to do something.''

Williams said he doesn't expect Swisher to push aside such mainstays as Paul Konerko, Jermaine Dye, Mark Buehrle and Jim Thome and take control of the club.

"I have no doubt that the guys we have here are ultracompetitive, most of them have won a championship,'' the Sox' GM said. "I thought we needed more of it. But sometimes you need a little fresh blood, a fresh voice.''

Swisher's voice almost started cracking as he talked about how happy he is to be with the White Sox.

"It's been a great spot for me, and the guys have been absolutely tremendous,'' Swisher said. "The first day I got here, I felt so comfortable being around everybody, and that's just a great feeling to have as a newcomer to the team.

"I've had a chance to play against these guys the last three years and meet them, but now I'm meeting them more on a personal level, hanging out and stuff like that.

"It's been great so far, and I'm looking forward to having a great season.

"It's all due to people in the organization and the players. They are the people that have made the transition so smooth. It's a great squad, a great clubhouse, and we're looking forward to doing great things this year.''

If the White Sox fail to have a great year, you can bet Swisher will have something to say about it.