Breaking down the Sox: Ramirez a special talent

Editor's note: As the countdown continues toward the April 6 opener for the White Sox, Daily Herald Sports Writer Scot Gregor will offer his analysis of each position on the team and the key issues facing the club this season.

Q. Alexei Ramirez was so spectacular at second last year; how do you think that will translate in his move to short?

Gregor: Ozzie was the last White Sox shortstop to win a Gold Glove (1990). Even though he played a different position last season, Ramirez has the skills to end the drought.

As Ozzie said, Ramirez is going to make "some stupid mistakes." But the general feeling is he'll make many more jaw-dropping plays, much like he did at second base in 2008.

Q. Think the pressure of switching positions will affect his offense at all? Who is his backup?

Gregor: Ramirez was under a lot of pressure last season - a new country, new league, playing against better competition, language barrier - and he thrived. Shortstop is his natural position, so he's expecting to be much more comfortable there.

And for as good as his offensive numbers were as a rookie last year (.290, 21 HR, 77 RBI), Ramirez said he has plenty of room for improvement. As for his backup, Wilson Betemit can play shortstop, and so can Brent Lillibridge, assuming he makes the 25-man roster.

Q. If Getz wins the job at second, that's quite a young DP combo. How much of a concern is that?

Gregor: No matter who wins the job at second base - Getz, Brent Lillibridge or Jayson Nix - turning double plays could be an adventure, especially early in the season.

If there is one good thing about spring training being longer than usual this year, it gives the Sox extra time to work on turning two.

Q. OK, spill it. How happy are the Sox players to have Orlando Cabrera as an ex-teammate?

Gregor: Octavio Dotel might miss Cabrera, but that's about it. You knew Cabrera was one-and-done with the White Sox when GM Kenny Williams headed right back to the team hotel after a road game last season and Cabrera was already in the lobby.

I've never seen a Sox player more uncomfortable, more out of place, than Cabrera. Unfortunately, his actions on and off the field in 2008 are costing him a lot of money this year. Cabrera is a good player, but he is still out there on the free-agent market.

• Got a question about the White Sox for Scot Gregor? Visit his blog, Chicago's Inside Pitch, at dailyherald.com to share your questions and comments.