Sox' leadoff spot still up for grabs

PEORIA, Ariz. - Following a break in the schedule, the White Sox resume Cactus League play today with a game against Milwaukee.

Maybe Jerry Owens used the day off to refocus and he'll start showing the Sox he can handle the leadoff role while starting in center field.

Last spring, Owens was bogged down by injuries. This year, his production has been the big problem.

After going 0-for-4 in Tuesday's loss to Cleveland, Owens is batting .192.

If he fails to win the job, Dewayne Wise could get a shot at the top of the lineup. And there's always Gordon Beckham, who has been the Sox' biggest surprise in spring training.

"I don't have any right now," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said when asked about the leadoff spot. "Right now. Right now I'm not leaning toward anyone because I think it's too early. When Beckham led off a couple of days ago, he was pretty good, and Wise has swung the bat real well. Owens is starting to swing the bat a little bit better.

"We'll see. We have a few games to go and we've got to be patient with him and see what happens."

No pressure: Left fielder Carlos Quentin led the Sox with 36 home runs and 100 RBI last season despite missing the final month with a fractured wrist.

If Quentin puts up similar numbers this season, the White Sox will be thrilled. Manager Ozzie Guillen is just hoping fans and Quentin don't try forcing the issue.

"I hope Chicago people don't put all the weight on his shoulders," Guillen said. "Carlos has to go out and play his game, do what he has to do and make sure he's another part of the program. He's not guy who's going to carry us. He has to know he doesn't have to carry us.

"He has teammates who can protect him. He just has to go out get good at-bats, but don't try to do too much. He had an unbelievable year last year and I don't expect him to have another one like that.

"If he does, that's a plus for me, but I just want him to be consistent and do what he's supposed to do."

Remember me? Ken Griffey Jr., who spent the final two months of 2008 with the Sox, is back in a Seattle uniform. Griffey was 0-for-3 in Tuesday's exhibition loss to the Cubs, dropping his spring average to .250. Lou Piniella was Griffey's manager with the Mariners from 1993-99, and he's glad to see the future Hall of Famer back where he started his career.

"It's wonderful to see him back in Seattle," Piniella said. "He had so many great years there. When I had him he was the best player in baseball. It's a fitting tribute for Junior and the Mariners that he finishes his career in Seattle. He's a good young man."