Getz getting attention for second base, leadoff spot

GLENDALE, Ariz. - He's a former collegiate star, a high draft choice, and his all-around play this spring continues to draw raves at White Sox training camp.

Oh, yeah, his name is not Gordon Beckham.

"(Beckham's) had a nice spring, and he's got some talent," Chris Getz said. "Who knows how it's all going to play out?"

With Jayson Nix out indefinitely after reinjuring his right quadriceps Tuesday and Brent Lillibridge playing more of a utility role - he started in center field Wednesday - the White Sox' vacancy at second base looks to be up for grabs between Getz and Beckham.

History strongly suggests that Beckham, the No. 8 overall pick in last year's draft following a standout career at Georgia, needs some minor-league seasoning. So Getz, the Sox' fourth-round pick out of Michigan in 2005, looks ripe for the majors following four productive years down on the farm.

"He's been doing great for two weeks," said White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen after Getz went 2-for-3 Wednesday against the Angels to raise his average to .364. "He's been having great at-bats, great at-bats.

"He's swinging the bat good against good pitchers. That's what I need from him, give me good at-bats and the rest of it will take care of itself."

Is it time to anoint Getz the starting second baseman?

"Not yet," Guillen said. "I can't say that. We want that, but I'm not going to say yes when we have two weeks, three weeks, of (spring training). I like him out there. I like the way he plays. Unfortunately, Nix got hurt and I have to wait for him to see the production."

Nix is dealing with his second strained quad of the spring, an injury that takes time to heal. That should only bolster Getz's chances.

"I know that when it comes to second base, they're looking for a guy that can primarily handle things defensively," said Getz, who batted .302 at Class AAA Charlotte last season while making 13 errors in 111 games.

"They want a guy out there they can feel confident about, and I know they've talked about potentially putting the second baseman down in the order. They need a guy that can handle the bat, have quality at-bats, get on base, move guys over, just play the game."

Getz has been handling the bat so well he suddenly has become a candidate to fill the troublesome leadoff spot.

Dewayne Wise has cooled off following a strong start. His Cactus League average dropped to .281 after he went 0-for-3 (2 strikeouts) Wednesday. Jerry Owens (.233) has been a huge disappointment this spring.

"We spent a lot of hours this morning trying to figure out that (leadoff) thing," Guillen said. "I wish I had the answer right now. We know in baseball, period, they don't have the typical leadoff guy we had in the (19)80s, Rickey Henderson, Vince Coleman, all those guys.

"Besides (Scott) Podsednik, that was really the only one we had that was legit. A lot of teams struggle looking for a leadoff guy. I think right now, we're looking between Wise and Owens; I think about Getz if he makes the ballclub.

"The options are out there. To me, the leadoff spot is very important. But not too many people in baseball have the typical leadoff guy, the igniter making things happen."

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