Richard could get the ball if it goes 5
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen is hoping he gets to make a difficult decision.
Should the Sox play a Game 5 in the American League Division Series, it would be Javier Vazquez's turn to pitch.
Problem is, Vazquez struggled badly in Game 1 against the Rays, giving up 6 runs on 8 hits over 4 innings.
The veteran right-hander also lost his last 3 starts in the regular season and appears to have clearly misplaced his confidence.
Should the White Sox manage to force a Game 5, it sounds like Guillen is already prepared to bypass Vazquez.
"It's not about feelings," said Guillen, who is close with Vazquez. "I see the guy who throws the ball better, that's the one who is going to perform."
Guillen was extremely pleased with the way Clayton Richard performed in relief of Vazquez.
The rookie left-hander pitched 3 scoreless innings against the Rays.
Guillen said he'd strongly consider starting Richard over Vazquez.
"I have enough guts to do it if we think it's necessary," Guillen said. "I have to go by my gut feeling, and if my gut says this is the guy it has to be, then this is the guy it has to be."
Guillen said he'd also consider bringing Mark Buehrle back on four days' rest to start a potential Game 5.
Lineup change: With left-hander Scott Kazmir starting for Tampa Bay in Game 2 Friday, switch-hitter Nick Swisher started in left field and Brian Anderson replaced Ken Griffey Jr. in center.
Manager Ozzie Guillen considered using Griffey as the designated hitter since Jim Thome came in 0-13 lifetime against Kazmir.
Guillen stuck with Thome, and the strategy paid off early when the left-handed DH drilled an RBI single off Kazmir in the first inning.
Guillen said he also considered using Josh Fields at DH, but that would have left the White Sox without a backup infielder.
No complaints: Manager Ozzie Guillen had no problem with the mound antics of Rays reliever Grant Balfour in Game 1.
The Sox trailed 6-3 in the seventh inning when they loaded the bases with one out. Balfour struck out Juan Uribe and yelled toward plate.
The White Sox' next hitter, Orlando Cabrera, kicked dirt at Balfour and yelled back before striking out.
Balfour gave it right back.
"I love it," Guillen said. "That's my style. I think he's great for baseball. I think he shows people he wants to win. He shows people the enthusiasm of the game, the passion of the game. I don't have any problem with that. That's the way he is.
"I tip my hat, and people have to respect that. He's not hurting anybody. He just shows people he wants to be there."
Pena out: Rays slugger Carlos Pena was scratched just before Game 2 with blurred vision in his left eye.
Pena had to leave Game 1 in the second inning after scratching his cornea Wednesday.