Richar's absence cause for concern

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Even though he batted just .230 in 56 games after Tadahito Iguchi was traded last season, Danny Richar is positioned to win the White Sox' starting second-base job this spring.

Of course, Richar needs to make a good impression in camp, but he is already off to a bad start. The Sox' full squad, minus Richar, is due in today.

According to the White Sox, Richar's arrival date is unknown because of a visa holdup in his native Dominican Republic.

"Every year, we've got the same situation with Latin players,'' said White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, a native Venezuelan. "I'm not happy about it. I know the situation is going to happen. I know it's not easy coming to this country. But I think those problems should be resolved. I think they send the visa with enough time where you don't have to be here late.''

Sox general manager Kenny Williams was asked if he was annoyed by Richar's late arrival.

"Yes,'' Williams said.

Richar, acquired in a June 16 trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks, is facing some tough competition when he does show up.

Juan Uribe is going to get a look at second base after losing his starting job at shortstop to Orlando Cabrera.

Pablo Ozuna is back after missing most of last season with a broken leg, and Alexei Ramirez is an intriguing candidate at second after playing the last seven seasons in Cuba.

Mystery man: Adam Russell came from out of nowhere last spring and almost claimed the final spot in the White Sox' bullpen.

The 6-foot-8 pitcher wound up spending the entire season at Class AA Birmingham, where he went 9-11 (4.80 ERA) while splitting time as a starter and reliever.

Russell is back in camp, and the right-hander is preparing for full-time relief work.

"As we watch him, we can't figure out what the problem was last year with the way he got hit in Double-A,'' Kenny Williams said. "It just doesn't make sense when you have the size, the angle, the stuff that he is. We have to get a handle on that one pretty quickly.''

The Sox are planning to break camp with seven relief pitchers, and Russell is not expected to make the cut.

Camp Ozzie: Ozzie Guillen enjoyed himself on the back fields during Wednesday's workout. After telling Mark Buehrle that Guillen faced better pitching in ninth grade, the White Sox' veteran starter told Guillen to grab a bat and step in the cage. Guillen declined.

"If I get in there, he'll bean me,'' Guillen said.

Guillen was back in action after watching newcomer Nick Swisher struggle to make contact against Gavin Floyd.

"We traded all of those guys for that?'' Guillen said before doubling over in laughter.