Guillen likes what he sees in Garcia

Low risk, potentially high reward.

That's what the White Sox have in 33-year-old starting pitcher Freddy Garcia, who is back on the comeback trial after being released by the New York Mets in late April.

Signed by the Sox to a minor-league contract June 8, Garcia on Sunday said his surgically repaired shoulder is feeling much better and he's ready to get back on the mound.

Before Monday's game against Tampa Bay, Garcia did just that. He also dazzled White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen in the process.

"He really impressed me," Guillen said. "He was talking a lot of (crud) the last couple of days to me and he really backed it up. He's come a long way; he threw all his pitches, and I never thought Freddy would be at this level as fast as he is.

"We're going to have another session in a couple of days to see how he's doing.''

After that, Garcia is expected to pitch in the minor leagues, most likely with Class AAA Charlotte.

If all goes well, Garcia could be ready to join the Sox in mid to late August. Considering he's still trying to make a full recovery from the surgery he had nearly two years ago, Garcia is not going to be pushed.

"Freddy is still a long time away," Guillen said. "Freddy has to go down and face some hitters. But I'm surprised with how he threw today. Obviously he only threw for 20 minutes, or less than that. If he keeps doing what he's doing, I think he can help us soon."

Bye, Bye Brian: To clear a roster spot for Carlos Quentin, reserve outfielder Brian Anderson was optioned to Class AAA Charlotte.

Manager Ozzie Guillen said it was a difficult decision.

"It was between him and (Dewayne) Wise," Guillen said. "I think we can use Wise a little bit more. I think Brian needs playing time, that's my opinion."

Anderson has developed a cultlike following since breaking in with the White Sox in 2005. Guillen heard from some more of the outfielder's fans Monday.

"It's been four years, and I've gotten a lot of e-mails from people calling me racist and stuff because I don't like Anderson," Guillen said. "If I don't like one player, believe me, he'll be out of here in a hurry because I've got the power.

"If people don't think we like Brian, yes, we do. I think Brian didn't produce the way we thought he would. For four years in a row we gave him a shot to be the everyday center fielder and that didn't work."

Colon on track: Bartolo Colon was back with the White Sox on Monday, one day after pitching 7 innings and allowing 4 runs on 8 hits in a rehab start for Charlotte.

Nothing's official yet, but Colon is a near lock to start Friday when the White Sox play a day-night doubleheader at Detroit.