White Sox' Peavy optimistic about return

A peace accord was reached at SoxFest on Friday, and it came in the form of manager Ozzie Guillen having his 2012 club option picked up.

That doesn't mean the first day of the White Sox' annual winter gathering was devoid of controversy.

The Sox are potentially facing a big hole in the starting rotation if Jake Peavy is delayed in his recovery from a detached lat muscle.

But Peavy recently sent a text message to general manager Kenny Williams saying he's going to be ready to pitch when the season opens April 1 at Cleveland.

“Just the little bit I've talked to him, it sounds like he's doing really well,” starter John Danks said of Peavy. “He's throwing and is getting back. The sooner the better because a healthy Jake is a huge boost.”

There's little doubt about that, but Williams is still playing it cautious with his supposed ace. And don't be surprised if Peavy is out of action until May.

“He's very optimistic and he's very positive and we are going to be very judicious in how we formulate a plan for him,” Williams said. “He's going to absolutely have to prove he's healthy and ready to go out. We want a full season and healthy season, not only for Chicago, the White Sox this year, but for next year's White Sox.”

Last time around?

Mark Buehrle is entering the final season of his four-year, $56 million contract, and he has talked about an early retirement in the past.

But the Sox' 31-year-old lefty strongly hinted that he is going to pitch beyond the upcoming season, and he'd like to finish his career on the South Side.

“I prepared this off-season just like I have the last couple of years, doing arm stuff and getting in shape, getting ready for another long season,” Buehrle said. “If I have a good year and something happens and there's an opportunity out there to sign, I'm open for it. I talked with the wife (Jamie) about playing for a couple more years possibly, so we'll see. It's a long year so if I decide to retire at the end, I'll retire. If not, I'll sign somewhere.”

On the outs:

GM Kenny Williams confirmed what manager Ozzie Guillen mentioned Thursday — third/first baseman Dayan Viciedo is going to play the outfield in spring training.

“He's been directed to work out there, work as much as possible so we can play him out there in spring and see how he can do,” Williams said. “From what I understand, he's done very well so far.”

In 104 at-bats with the White Sox last season, the 21-year-old Viciedo had 7 doubles, 5 home runs and 13 RBI.

“I think you guys saw the way the ball came off his bat last year,” Williams said. “I think he has the potential to be very special and we have to find a place for him to play. But we get in a win mode from year to year, we try to put the best team out there. And now we have some long-term answers at those two places (first and third base), so I'd like to find a place for him to play.”