Buehrle doesn't agree with Sox' decision

GLENDALE, Ariz. - As the only starting pitcher in the major leagues with at least 10 wins, 30 starts and 200 innings in each of the last nine seasons, Mark Buehrle's credentials can't be questioned.

And don't forget the two no-hitters, including last year's perfect game.

Still, Buehrle doesn't consider himself worthy to start on Opening Day for the eighth time, which would be a franchise record.

"I still think they're making a mistake pitching me Opening Day," Buehrle said. "I've said all along that (Jake) Peavy is dominating. He's going to go out and dominate teams, and that's what people want to see, fans want to see, someone to go out and dominate.

"I've said all along that he should be starting Opening Day."

Peavy, who joined the Sox last July and went 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA in 3 starts after recovering from ankle and elbow injuries, pushed for Buehrle to get the honor since the subject came up late last season.

On the first day of camp Sunday, manager Ozzie Guillen wasted little time announcing that Buehrle is going to start the April 5 season opener against Cleveland at U.S. Cellular Field.

"I think when the playoffs get here, we'll see, but if we make it I think (Peavy) would be the No. 1 guy," Buehrle said. "I'll just go out there and try and get the win, get us going the right way."

After his July 23 perfect game, Buehrle went 2-7 with a 4.78 ERA. The workhorse left-hander seemed to wear down a bit as the season progressed, so Buehrle increased his training over the winter.

"I had good games; I had bad games," Buehrle said. "I had games where we weren't scoring any runs. I don't think it had anything to do with the perfect game.

"I think it was one of those stretches, you know, you have stretches where you get a lot of run support and you don't get any in others. You just have to deal with it."

Easing in: Rain and cold shortened Monday's workout, but manager Ozzie Guillen saw some good things from two Freddies.

"(Freddy) Dolsi threw the ball pretty well," Guillen said. "Freddy (Garcia) was nice and loose.

"I thought Freddy (Garcia) was going to be a little stiff today because it's the first day. But he told me he was throwing a little bit in Miami; he was throwing a couple bullpens before he got here.

"Hopefully the weather gets better and we get to the real drills and get those guys to start working on baseball stuff."

Position switch: Former minor-league infielder Sergio Santos has changed over to pitching, and his fastball has been clocked as high as 98 mph.

"This guy goes out like he's been pitching for a little while," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "I remember I saw this guy taking groundballs at shortstop one year and all of the sudden he's opening people's eyes with the way he's pitching.

"I think this kid has a great arm. You don't throw 96-98 just because."