Nick Swisher originally was supposed to hit somewhere in the middle of the White Sox’s batting order.
Alexei Ramirez was initially was targeted to start at AAA Charlotte.
And Joe Crede was destined for another team.
Welcome to the wacky state of the White Sox, who open the 2008 season Monday against AL Central champion Cleveland and Cy Young Award winner C.C. Sabathia with an extended list of challenges they profess to relish.
“Things happen in the blink of an eye around here,” closer Bobby Jenks said. “We’ve got to make the adjustments and come in and show what we’ve got right away.”
After telling his players about his expectations and stressing unity, manager Ozzie Guillen stressed his faith in a retooled team that features the addition of Swisher, who will bat leadoff in place of injured Jerry Owens.
“Last year we didn’t even finish the National Anthem and we were down by one,” Guillen said of Cleveland’s 12-5 Opening Day blowout in 2007. “We didn’t even take the field and we’re down by seven. That wasn’t a good way to start. But I think we prepared well in Spring Training and we’ll start on the right foot.”
For Nick Masset, it’s the ultimate time for redemption. Masset was part of a bullpen that collapsed last season, and he was optioned in mid-July during a series at Cleveland.
He made the Opening Day roster and will work in middle relief despite having a 7.06 spring ERA because he was out of minor league options.
“I was sort of like a cat with nine lives,” Masset said. “I got my chances and used them up. It’s time for me to get to the grind because this is when it all counts.”
