No-names, no problem at SoxFest
Most major-league managers would be jittery heading into a season with new faces at key positions like third base, second base and center field.
Not Ozzie Guillen.
While he's often had to settle for sitting back in the dugout and watching his offense blast baseballs over the fence since taking over as White Sox manager before the 2004 season, Guillen has always been open to stacking new, smaller-ball talent at the top and bottom of the order.
It looks like he's going to get his wish this year.
Barring an unexpected move as spring training closes in, the Sox could very well open the season with Jerry Owens in the leadoff spot, Chris Getz or Brent Lillibridge either second or ninth, and Josh Fields batting eighth.
"I like the ballclub a lot," Guillen told reporters Friday as SoxFest opened at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago. "A lot of people talk names, just give me names. I don't want names. I want guys that can play."
Owens showed he can play in the second half of 2007, batting 267 while stealing 32 bases in 93 games.
Last spring, Owens was expected to retain his starting job in center and continue batting leadoff, but he suffered multiple groin strains in training camp and spent most of the season with Class AAA Charlotte.
"I'm just thankful to get another opportunity," Owens said.
Owens has the speed - both on offense and defense - the White Sox need, but he's far from assured of being the starter in center.
Brian Anderson is still around, and so is Dewayne Wise.
Anderson has obvious ability and has culled a cult-like following among Sox fans despite getting limited play the past two seasons.
In 2006, Anderson played in 134 games and batted a subpar .225. Last year, he started only 39 games but appeared in 109, often as a late-inning defensive replacement.
"I think he grew up a little bit as a player last year, and I think he grew up a little bit as a man," Guillen said. "He will get a legit shot to win the job."
Guillen said the same about Wise.
The battle at second base is even more crowded, with Getz, Lillibridge and Jayson Nix set to compete. General manager Kenny Williams said top prospect Gordon Beckham needs a full season in the minor leagues.
Lillibridge is a product of the Atlanta Braves' system, and Nix comes over from the Colorado Rockies.
Much like Williams, Guillen is eager to see Lillibridge when camp opens in Glendale, Ariz.
"I think this kid is going to bring a lot, because I talked to (Braves scout) Jim Fregosi and he's really high on him," Guillen said. "He's a player; he shows up every day trying to beat you. That's what I hear."
Guillen said his only worry is at third, where Fields takes over for Joe Crede and Juan Uribe, who split time at the position last season.
Fields was bothered by a knee injury in 2008, but he's healthy and has been working out with bench coach Joey Cora in Miami this off-season.
"If Josh Fields can't make it then we have a lot of trouble because we don't have anybody ready right away," Guillen said.
Wilson Betemit is likely to back up Fields, but 19-year-old Dayan Viciedo could push for playing time in spring training.
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