Cranky back sidelines Thome

GLENDALE, Ariz. - Jim Thome was sidelined again on Monday with stiffness in his lower back, marking the seventh straight game he's missed.

The White Sox' 38-year-old designated hitter said his back is feeling better, and he would have already been back on the field if it wasn't spring training.

"I would be playing, no doubt," Thome said. "We're getting toward the middle part of spring, so the important thing is to make sure I get my at-bats."

Thome has been taking batting practice "the last couple days," and he'll play in a simulated game Tuesday morning.

The veteran DH is expected to return to Cactus League play on Wednesday.

"I've dealt with this over the last four, five, six years, and the nice thing is when it happens we know how to get after it now," Thome said. "We know what the best thing is, and what it will take to get back from it. When it was tightening up the other day, the best thing was to approach it like we did. It's hard because you never want to pull yourself out of a game."

Harold is 50: It was one day late, but the White Sox celebrated Harold Baines' 50th birthday Monday.

Minor-leaguer Gordon Beckham, who took some abuse earlier in camp for (allegedly) not knowing who Baines is, brought out a cake to the Sox' first-base coach in the bottom of the first inning.

"Day late and a dollar shot," Baines said. "But I appreciated it."

So did manager Ozzie Guillen, who is very close with Baines.

"He's a lucky man; he made it to 50," Guillen said. "I hope I make it to 50. If I keep living the life I lead, 49 will be good enough."

Over the weekend, White Sox Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf again claimed Baines as his "all-time favorite player."

Reinsdorf also said he regrets the Sox twice trading Baines during his playing career.

"It cost Harold the Hall of Fame, because he was used in a platoon situation after we traded him," Reinsdorf said. "If he had been with us, he would have gotten 3,000 hits."

Baines has been on the HOF ballot for three years, but received just 5.9 percent of the vote in the latest one. Over his 22-year playing career, Baines had 2,866 hits.

No worries: Mark Buehrle relieved Bartolo Colon with two outs in the second inning Monday and looked uncomfortable in the role while allowing 4 runs on 7 hits over 31/3 innings.

"Buehrle's fine," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "I don't worry about Buehrle. That's the last guy I worry about. I know what I'm going to get from him."