Guillen likes the way Sox are battling

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Even with Saturday's loss to the Royals, the White Sox are in pretty good shape heading into the final week of the regular season.

Should they hang on and win the AL Central, the Sox would likely be the heavy underdog in the American League division series, which would probably open at Tampa Bay.

But Sox manager Ozzie Guillen says facing the Rays or Boston Red Sox in the first round of the playoffs would be comparatively easy.

"We're fighting through this and if we get there, that means we're going to get there fighting," Guillen said. "And the intensity will be there. To me, the toughest thing is making the playoffs. Winning, whoever plays better in the last 11 games, that's the one that's going to win. Whoever gets hot right away."

That sounds a lot like the White Sox in 2005. They won 11 of 12 playoff games en route to being crowned World Series champions.

"When we won, our pitching staff was unbelievable," Guillen said. "And we had plenty of time between one series and another, and people were worried about it. I remember making the comments I'd rather have those guys fresh than try to figure out how we're going to pitch them, and it worked out good for us. Maybe this time, that's not going to happen.

"Maybe I've got to throw my best pitcher the last (regular season) game and I might have to start with (Clayton) Richard in the first game, if we make it. You never know. But I will take my chances if we make it."

Wise move: manager Ozzie Guillen said the White Sox haven't had serious talks yet about a 25-man playoff roster.

But if the Sox do advance, outfielder Dewayne Wise is a near lock to be with the club.

Wise signed a minor-league contract with the White Sox in March and played well enough at Class AAA Charlotte to warrant a call-up for a week at the end of May.

The 30-year-old outfielder rejoined the Sox in on June 17 and he's been a solid contributor ever since. Wise, 0-for-2 with a walk Saturday, is batting .290.

"I don't sign players, but I'm a good scout," Guillen said. "This kid gives me something I like, the game I like to play. And we don't have that many guys here like that. He brings a lot of different things to the ballclub. He's a pretty good ballplayer. It surprised me that he was in the minor leagues and nobody gave him a chance to perform. But he cured a lot of problems for me."