Guillen decides against Thome at first
The temptation was there again Sunday, especially when Jim Thome was launching balls out of Wrigley Field during early batting practice.
But manager Ozzie Guillen resisted starting Thome -- the White Sox' designated hitter -- at first base in any of the three interleague games against the Cubs.
Thome played one game at first base for the Sox last season and it didn't make his bothersome back feel very good.
That's why Guillen doesn't want to take any additional chances with the 37-year-old DH.
"We didn't have a good experience last year when we played him," Guillen said. "It was kind of unnecessary when we tried to push him."
The White Sox play their final three road interleague games in Los Angeles against the Dodgers this week, and Thome is likely to remain in his role as pinch hitter.
Guillen couldn't be blamed for looking ahead to June 30, when the Sox should get regular first baseman Paul Konerko back from the 15-day disabled list.
"Having Konerko and Thome out, obviously the lineup got a little weaker," Guillen said. "But I'm not going to risk something when I don't need to do it. I'd rather have (Thome) healthy all year long and don't risk it for one day."
The Sox could have used Thome's bat in the starting lineup Sunday night, but it looks like they'll have to wait until Friday, when the Cubs come to U.S. Cellular Field.
"I want to know how long he can go without getting some at-bats," Guillen said. "We still have him hitting early in batting practice. He wants to play, and I want him in the lineup. But it's tough to make a decision. Obviously we need him, but it's not a do-or-die thing."
Waiting game: Paul Konerko has been doing his "new" pregame routine -- crossword puzzles.
"That's what I've been reduced to," said the White Sox' injured first baseman.
Konerko is on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left oblique muscle, but he is gradually making strides to get back on the field June 30.
On Sunday, the Sox' captain rode a stationary bike for 10 minutes and did some light stretching. Konerko was injured while taking indoor batting practice before last Sunday's home game against the Colorado Rockies.
"It's just about all the way gone, as we expected it would be after a week," Konerko said of the discomfort. "Now I'll start amping up the work a little bit. And as I start doing that stuff, that's going to let me know a little bit more.
"Just lying around is one thing when it feels good. But hitting off the tee and doing batting practice is a different story."
He hasn't been told anything yet, but Konerko is expecting to go on a minor-league rehabilitation assignment before being activated.
Guessing game: Manager Ozzie Guillen isn't at all surprised by the rampant second-guessing that comes when the White Sox and the Cubs meet up.
"I don't blame them," Guillen said. "That's why they're fans. I just laugh when the fans criticize me or second-guess me, or any manager. But they're fans and they want to be involved in the game.
"This is like a World Series and that's the way it's going to be. As a manager or coach, you cannot get involved with what people think or say. I'm going to do the same thing I've been doing all year, the last five years. When you're winning, you'll be second-guessed less."