Guerra's long journey culminates with call from White Sox

Making it to the major leagues is never easy, but Junior Guerra's journey was particularly challenging.

On Sunday, the White Sox purchased the 30-year-old relief pitcher's contract from Class AAA Charlotte after placing left-hander Dan Jennings (neck inflammation) on the 15-day disabled list.

"I was waiting for this moment for many years," Guerra said through an interpreter. "That dream, that possibility to reach your dream, was my motivation. I had a very good season in Venezuela last winter. I think that was the jump I needed to be here."

In addition to playing in Venezuela, his native country, Guerra has pitched in Italy, Mexico, Spain, the minor leagues and even the independent American Association.

"I've been pitching in many different countries," Guerra said. "I learned just to keep working and never put my head down. Always keep the optimism and confidence in my talent. That's been the key for me to get here right now."

Pitching for Class AAA Buffalo in the Mets' system in 2008, Guerra tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug at the end of the season and has finally made it all the way back.

Signed by the Sox as a free agent on Oct. 26, the right-hander was a combined 2-6 with a 2.72 ERA in 12 games (8 starts) with Class AA Birmingham and AAA Charlotte this season.

Guerra also limited opposing hitters to a .202 average and averaged 11.96 strikeouts per 9 innings.

"It's a nice day when somebody gets to do that and come up here and get a shot at it," manager Robin Ventura said. "It says a lot about what they're doing down in the minor leagues and getting these guys going, and he's pitching the best. You want to reward that."

Feeling a draft:

The White Sox hold the No. 8 overall pick in the first round of Monday night's draft.

After signing free-agents David Robertson and Melky Cabrera in the off-season, the Sox lost their second- and third-round picks as compensation.

Following the first round, they don't pick again until the fourth round at No. 122 overall.

"It didn't change the approach that we took during the season a great deal," said Doug Laumann, the White Sox' director of amateur scouting. "We still have to do our due diligence and make sure we see all the players somewhere along the way. Ultimately, somebody's going to fall to us and we have to be prepared for whoever that happens to be."