For a White Sox team off to an anemic start, the Rogers Centre is hardly a spa-like setting for regaining health.
Their last victory in Toronto’s dome was in June 2007, 10 games ago. They were 0-4 there in 2008 and 0-4 in 2009 when they were outscored 21-8.
In other words, almost any venue would be better for the beginning of the Sox’s road schedule.
“I like Toronto,” Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. “I don’t like when we go on the field and they kick our butts every day.
“I don’t think I win more than two games in Toronto. I know the Toronto Blue Jays are not going to hire Ozzie Guillen as their manager.”
Actually, Guillen’s Sox won three games in Toronto in 2005 and 2006, but have won only two of the last 15 meetings played, including games in Chicago.
The trip also will be a “homecoming” of sorts for Alex Rios, who spent most of six seasons with the Jays before being claimed by the Sox last summer.
But will it be a happy homecoming?
While he was a popular player on the field, a half-minute YouTube video has sullied his reputation as a fan favorite. It shows Rios refusing to sign autographs after a charity event, and doing so in an obscenity-laced exchange.
“Yeah, I’ve seen it,” Rios said. “I did something and it’s in the past now. I hope I don’t have to go back to (answer) stuff like that. It happened, and it was bad. Let’s see what happens.”
“Rios, he don’t hit against anybody and all of a sudden the White Sox show up and he’s 4-for-4,” Guillen said. “Now we have him with us and hopefully he can do the same thing.
“I’m looking forward to a standing ovation they’re going to give Rios.”
The Blue Jays have been revamped and apparently rejuvenated. They have won five of their first six games and Vernon Wells and Alex Gonzalez have combined for seven homers.
Rios is not as hot as his old teammates, returning to Toronto with a .174 batting average.
“A lot of good friends and good memories too,” he said. “It’s going to be exciting. That’s the place where I grew up as a player, as a major league player. I guess I’m going to have a good time.”
Maybe the rest of the White Sox can finally have a good time as well.
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