For the first five weeks of spring training, the White Sox have had all the drama of a PBS documentary. No tantrums, no controversy, no problems.
Then came Saturday.
In a conference call with reporters to discuss the trade that brought reserve outfielder Timo Perez from the New York Mets to the White Sox in exchange for pitcher Matt Ginter, Sox general manager Ken Williams dropped the first bit of bad vibes on what had been a baseball version of Club Med.
Williams was asked whether the trade was the only move he anticipated before Opening Day April 5 in Kansas City.
“There a couple of intriguing things out there and I’m still waiting for one particular person to pick up the pace a little bit, in terms of them getting ready for the season,” Williams said. “If they don’t pick up the pace, then you might see something different.”
Williams made it clear the “one particular person” was one of the 34 players still on the Sox roster.
“Somebody who thinks he’s on the team might find himself surprised unless he picks it up,” Williams said. “That’s all I’ll say on it.”
Williams refused to offer any clues as to whom he may be referring, whether he is a pitcher or position player or whether he has discussed the matter with the player or with manager Ozzie Guillen.
“I don’t want to get into it any more than what I said, that someone needs to pick up the pace a little bit, otherwise there will be a surprise,” was Williams’ final word on the subject.
Except for one or two players, the Sox’s 25-man roster has seemed set for most of spring training. There hasn’t been any hint or indication from any of the Sox coaches or management that there has been a lack of work ethic among any of the players.
Given the lack of competition for most of the spots, Williams may think the atmosphere has become too comfortable for some players who have yet to establish themselves in the major leagues but are expected to be important parts of the team.
Clearly, Williams wants to send a message to the player in question.
If Williams hasn’t talked to the player, however, that message may not be conveyed unless the player happens to read about Williams’ comments and assumes Williams is referring to him.
After Saturday’s 4-3 loss to the Texas Rangers–in which Esteban Loaiza gave up three solo home runs–Guillen only said he likes his team.
Except for one instance when he ripped his whole team over a lack of passion in the final innings of an early spring-training game, Guillen has been mostly positive regarding his players and hasn’t publicly demanded more of anyone.
If nothing else, Williams’ comment makes what would have been a mundane final week of exhibitions more interesting.
The trade for Perez also is interesting in that it has an impact on the final few roster spots that are open. Assuming the Sox take 12 pitchers to start the season, bringing in Perez may end the chances of Jamie Burke and Kelly Dransfeldt to stick with the team.
“I think we should let the rest of the week play out and that will all be revealed,” Williams said.
Perez, whom Williams said will be on the 25-man roster, primarily will serve as a backup to Aaron Rowand in center field. He also can play left or right.
In 11 games this spring, he was hitting .174. Last season he hit .269 with a .301 on-base percentage. He had five stolen bases, but was caught stealing six times.
Williams also said Perez could lead off to give second baseman Willie Harris a break.
“I expect Timo to get a significant amount of playing time simply because he does provide us with a little different flavor,” Williams said.
It also may mean the end of Harris playing center field.
“I think we’re all better if Willie focuses on just one position,” Williams said.
White Sox recap
SCORE: Rangers 4, Sox 3.
SPRING RECORD: 12-12.
AT THE PLATE: Joe Crede had two doubles and Joe Borchard hit a two-run home run, but Sox failed to score after the second inning.
ON THE MOUND: Esteban Loaiza went seven innings, striking out two and allowing eight hits, no walks and three solo home runs.
IN THE FIELD: Catcher Miguel Olivo, desperate to show off his arm, picked off Rafael Soriano. Olivo also had a stolen base.
THAT’S WELCOME: Reliever Shingo Takatsu, who has struggled most of the spring, pitched a perfect eighth inning, including retiring two left-handers.
NEXT UP: Vs. Brewers at 2:05 p.m. Sunday in Tucson. Scott Schoeneweis, still working new pitches into his repertoire, will face Matt Kinney.
