Trade for Contreras replacement unlikely

Forget about Jarrod Washburn. Forget about Paul Byrd, and any other starting pitcher that might be floating around on the mysterious waiver wire.

The White Sox are going to miss Jose Contreras, who had surgery on his ruptured left Achilles' tendon Monday, two days after suffering the injury while running to cover first base against the Boston Red Sox.

But White Sox general manager Kenny Williams on Monday said a trade for another starter is highly unlikely.

"It's very important, and I don't believe I've done a good job in articulating this over the years, sometimes the most obvious move isn't so obvious for us," Williams said.

In other words, he is leaning (strongly) toward staying within the organization to replace Contreras.

Relief pitcher D.J. Carrasco is poised to get the first crack, on Thursday. Lance Broadway and Adam Russell are other options, because they've had some past success at hitter-friendly U.S. Cellular Field.

"Getting a veteran who may slip through the waiver process, it may look good on paper and create a buzz with the fans and may look like we're trying to fill a spot," Williams said. "In essence, if we don't really believe that will translate into success in this ballpark, and that's very key, then it doesn't make sense to do it.

"You're better off bringing someone who has been trained in a minor-league system, major-league spring training, has experience in the ballpark, and understands the value of two-seam sink on a pitch, changeup behind on the count, all the things it takes in order to translate to success out here at this park," Williams said.

Griffey watch: Ken Griffey Jr. (1-for-4) was back in the lineup on Monday following two straight games on the bench.

After talking a called third strike with a runner on second and two outs in the second inning, Griffey singled leading off the fifth to end a 1-for-15 slide.

Griffey said he felt "some tightness'' on Sunday but is "fine'' overall. GM Kenny Williams said the 38-year-old Griffey still has a chance to be a key contributor down the stretch.

"As many years and the success he's had, he's told me he's a little nervous and too excited," Williams said. "At this point now, he's had a few days to sit back and get healthier and you'll see better at-bats out of him."