Sox forced into changes, deal for pitcher

A team that has been in first place for most of the season doesn't expect to add three news players on Aug. 10.

And up until Saturday, when pitcher Jose Contreras tore his left Achilles tendon, manager Ozzie Guillen didn't want to change anything about his club.

"You don't know how many times we sit with (general manager) Kenny (Williams) talking about this ballclub for the last two weeks," Guillen said after the 6-2 loss to Boston. "And I just keep telling Kenny I think we've got what we need. Some people make me look bad. "

The White Sox acquired left-hander Horacio Ramirez late Saturday for Class A outfielder Paulo Orlando. The team expects to add a pitcher and infielder from Triple A Charlotte today, while reliever Boone Logan and third baseman Josh Fields are sent down.

"We try with (Clayton) Richard (6-0, 2.45 ERA at Charlotte)," Guillen said. "Everybody else down there, I don't think they throw the ball good enough to be up here."

The pitching staff has been reeling lately. The bullpen, once the envy of the American League, has been scored upon in 29 of the last 33 games. From July 11 through Friday, Sox pitchers have posted a 6.04 ERA.

The White Sox are also missing their best set-up man, Scott Linebrink. He's been on the disabled list since July 26 with right shoulder inflammation. He is throwing and working toward a return, but there is no word yet on when that might happen.

"If we had Linebrink back, this club would be awesome," Guillen said. "Because everybody would be back to normal. It's not the same when you face (Octavio) Dotel in the seventh, Linebrink in the eighth and Bobby (Jenks) in the ninth. I was a genius then."