Guillen expects warm welcome for Thome

When Jim Thome joined the White Sox in 2006, he was loudly booed every time he played against his old team, the Indians, in Cleveland.

Thome returns to U.S. Cellular Field tonight when his new team, the rival Minnesota Twins, open a three-game series against the Sox.

"I hope people come to this ballpark and receive him the way he should be received," White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said.

Thome wanted to return to the Sox this season, but Guillen had to make a tough call in late January.

"People think I made that decision about Jimmy. Yes, I did," Guillen said. "I take the full responsibility. I talked to Jimmy about why he can't be here ... I didn't have that many at-bats for him. He understood. At least I was honest with him."

When they decided to cut ties, the White Sox announced Thome has a job with the organization when he retires if he wants one.

"Hey, man, this guy is more than welcome in my house," Guillen said. "You're talking about one of the most special people I ever managed. There aren't too many people that can walk through our clubhouse. This man can. Do we miss him? Yes. We went in a different direction."

Lineup change: Andruw Jones made his first start for the White Sox on Thursday and he played center field. Alex Rios shifted from center to left field, and Juan Pierre was the Sox' designated hitter.

"I think Rios played left field for us in the past and he played left field here on this field before," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "I think Andruw can still play center field at the big-league level, easy."

Pierre made only his second career start at DH.

"It's just something he has to get used to," Guillen said. "That's the way we're going to play him and it's something we might use a lot of the time during the season."

Settling in: Gordon Beckham made another nice play at second base Thursday night, ranging to his right to glove a Shin-Soo Choo groundball and starting a double play.

Beckham is a natural shortstop and he played third base for the White Sox last season as a rookie. He's just getting started as a second baseman but is already looking good at the new position.

"I feel real comfortable at second base," Beckham said. "I know what I'm supposed to do and I'm able to be more athletic. I'm really happy there."

Beckham credits bench coach Joey Cora, who played 11 major-league seasons at second base, for helping him make the transition.

"He hit me a couple thousand groundballs in spring training, during practice and more after practice," Beckham said. "I've seen every ball hit that I possibly can."