Move to shortstop won't be tough for Sox' Ramirez
The day after the World Series ended, White Sox general manager Kenny Williams said Josh Fields is going to replace Joe Crede and Juan Uribe as the starting third baseman in 2009.
Williams also said top prospect Chris Getz and free-agent Jayson Nix, signed to a one-year contract after splitting time between the Colorado Rockies, Class AAA Colorado Springs and the U.S. Olympic team this past season, are going to compete for the starting job at second base.
Williams prefaced that statement with "as we sit here right now," but he expressed confidence in both Getz and Nix.
As for shortstop, the Sox don't need to look for outside help to replace free-agent Orlando Cabrera.
Alexei Ramirez, a standout shortstop in his native Cuba, is all set to move over from second base.
The versatile Ramirez, who opened the 2008 season as the White Sox' starting center fielder, finished second in American League Rookie of the year voting after batting .290 with 21 home runs, 77 RBI and 13 stolen bases. The wiry 27-year-old also set a major-league rookie record with 4 grand slams.
Ramirez said he hasn't been officially told he's moving to shortstop, but that's just a formality.
"I see how an opportunity might come about that I'll be playing shortstop," Ramirez said through an interpreter during a conference call Tuesday. "Wherever the team needs me, I'll be there."
Based on his impressive glove work with the Sox this year, the transition should be smooth.
"If the question is how do I feel about playing shortstop, I'd be extremely happy," Ramirez said. "I do feel it's my natural position and the place I feel most comfortable. It's been a dream of mine to play shortstop at the major-league level."
Ramirez and starting pitcher Jose Contreras are both natives of Cuba, and there has been some speculation the White Sox are going to try signing third baseman Dayan Viciedo.
Only 19, Viciedo defected from Cuba to Miami in June and is attracting attention from several teams. His agent is Jamie Torres, who also represents Ramirez and Contreras.
While a source said the Oakland A's offered Ramirez more money last off-season, Torres steered him toward the White Sox and manager Ozzie Guillen, who understands the needs of players from Latin America.
Ramirez and Viciedo played together on the Cuban national team. The Sox have asked Ramirez about Viciedo.
"He has an incredibly potent, explosive bat," Ramirez said. "Great wrist and hand strength, and a great arm. If you would ask me if he had major-league potential, I would say absolutely."