NASCAR driver Waltrip enjoys visit with White Sox

GLENDALE, Ariz. — There was a commotion in the White Sox’ clubhouse Saturday morning at Camelback Ranch, and it had nothing to do with manager Ozzie Guillen’s tirade against former relief pitcher Bobby Jenks.

Instead, NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip brought his racing team in for a visit.

In town for the Nationwide Series and Sprint Cup races, Waltrip was warmly welcomed by Sox players Adam Dunn, Jake Peavy, John Danks and A.J. Pierzynski, among others.

Three of Waltrip’s drivers — David Reutimann, Martin Truex Jr. and Ryan Truex — also visited with the White Sox and later took batting practice.

Suffice to say, they weren’t very good at baseball.

“I love baseball,” said Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 winner. “Just getting to peek inside the game, I feel really honored to be here just to see it. You watch a game on TV and you don’t really think about all the things that go into it or what’s behind the preparation. These guys have just been really nice to me; they make me feel like I’m part of the team. I really enjoy seeing this.”

Guillen came in the clubhouse when Waltrip was getting into uniform.

“Why are you over there with the Latin guys?” Guillen joked. “The rednecks are over there.”

Guillen pointed toward the other side of the clubhouse where Buehrle, Danks, Peavy and Dunn all have adjoining lockers.

“I loved his energy, you know?” Waltrip said of meeting Guillen. “Saturday morning, spring training, he bops in here like we’re getting ready to play Game 7 of the World Series. That was fun seeing Ozzie and his energy. It’s pretty obvious why people love playing for him.”

Play ball:

The White Sox are scheduled to play an intrasquad game Sunday, but there is a chance of rain.

It’s Paul Konerko vs. Adam Dunn, and every regular except catcher A.J. Pierzynski is scheduled to participate.

Mark Teahen is also going to be absent; he’s still away from camp tending to a family matter.

“It’s supposed to be very cold and rain early, and we don’t have a tarp on the fields to cover,” manager Ozzie Guillen said. “If not, we’ll have guys throw on the side and get ready for the first game.”

The Sox open Cactus League play Monday against the Dodgers.

Making progress:

Jake Peavy did some long tossing Saturday, and the right-hander is on track to make his first spring start Friday against the Angels.

“Long toss is better than getting on a mound at this point,” Peavy said. “We’ll take a day or so to regroup. Friday is my day, so I’ll throw a few sides in between. Maybe a light one on Monday and a light one on Wednesday. Thursday off, and then Friday we’ll see what we’ve got.”