Notes: Guillen looks for intensity

03/07/2006
TUCSON, Ariz. -- On the sliding scale of Ozzie Guillen's animated talks, Monday morning's team meeting barely even rates a mention in the "others receiving votes" category.
But a very stern Guillen certainly drove home his point during a six-minute speech to his charges prior to the team's stretching at their home in the Kino Sports Complex. Guillen told his players that he was embarrassed by the way they were playing through the first six Cactus League games, and that the team can have fun during Spring Training but he wants to see greater intensity.
Guillen's disappointment really has very little do with the wins and losses but was much more about the correct process for a successful baseball team that Guillen wants to develop as Spring Training winds down. The meeting had its desired immediate effect, as the White Sox beat Colorado, 4-2, Monday afternoon at Hi Corbett Field.
"That's the way we should be playing. This is the best game we've played this spring," Guillen said. "If we got beat the way we played today, I don't mind that. We played with more enthusiasm."
Monday's talk was classified by Guillen as coming from "a friend" and not the White Sox manager. Veterans and rookies alike understood Guillen's concern before he even opened up.
"Ozzie wants to see the intensity out there, and the guys out there hustling," said White Sox starter Mark Buehrle of Guillen's talk. "Guys are going through the motions, and he wanted to get in some guys' [heads] to go out and play a little harder. If you are going to lose, you are going to lose. But act like you want to be here."
"I think Ozzie expects a little bit more enthusiasm from us," added White Sox rookie center fielder Jerry Owens, who started against the Rockies, of the talk. "That's all we can really do. Baseball is a funny game. We won't always get hits and we won't always win. But we can always show that intensity and enthusiasm."
Guillen promised Monday's meeting following Sunday's error-plagued, 6-5 loss to Arizona, dropping the White Sox to 0-6 and their worst Spring Training start since 1991. It's certainly not a sign of panic on Guillen's part, but more a case of not letting a perceived malaise linger too long.
Buehrle laughed in regard to talk back home that the White Sox were in trouble, pointing out that regulars such as Paul Konerko or Jim Thome might be getting one or two at-bats per game or even playing in "B" games, as Thome did on Sunday. The southpaw added that pitchers probably are working on certain aspects of their repertoire, at this stage, and not yet featuring everything they have.
Spring Training is much more about getting the proper work done in the allotted time. It's just the style of losing that caused Guillen to make his feelings known.
"It definitely was up today," said Jon Garland, who worked three scoreless innings during Monday's victory over Colorado. "The way guys were playing, in general, looked pretty good to me."
"I said that I don't want to have another talk until the end of Spring Training," Guillen added. "Some times, you have to go to the whip and tell them how you feel. It's better early than late."
Making the rounds: Rob Mackowiak made his first start at third base Monday, after making previous spring starts in right field, center field and left field. Mackowiak made a diving stop to his left on Jamey Carroll's ground ball and threw out the Rockies' leadoff man to start the bottom of the first, and handled one other chance in the inning.
It was a good change for Mackowiak to get into live-game situations, especially with the White Sox counting on him to play a prominent reserve infield role during the season. Monday's results were much improved compared to a recent infield session, according to Mackowiak.
"After I took ground balls the other day, they might just put me back in the outfield permanently," said Mackowiak with a smile. "But if that's what you are going to be used for, you want to get some games in there and find a comfort level."
Mackowiak owns separate gloves to use at first, second, third and the outfield. He counts right and center field as his most sure-handed positions, but has been taking extra ground balls to get that same feel on the infield.
What's in a name? The only certainty about the White Sox rotation order is that Buehrle will pitch Opening Day. But Garland has a pretty good idea as to where he's going to fit in 2006.
"Probably four or five. That's my guess," Garland said.
Garland opened as the fifth starter for the White Sox in 2005 but finished with a team-high 18 victories. He looked to be in midseason form during Monday's start, allowing one hit over three innings, and retiring seven Rockies hitters via ground ball out.
As for being considered the fifth starter once again this season, a confident Garland just wants a consistent chance to pitch.
"You can call me whatever you want as long as I get on the mound every five days and give my team a chance," Garland said. "The way I pitched and the way the ball came out of my hand.... To throw the way I did last year, I'll be happy the rest of my career if I can do that."
Words of wisdom: Charles Haeger received some expert advice on the knuckle ball Monday, as Charlie Hough began a three-day work session with the Minor Leaguer. The two had previously talked on the phone this spring, but the White Sox set up a visit for the 25-year veteran of the dancing pitch, truly thrilling Haeger.
"To use a cliché, it's like a dream come true," said Haeger of the session with Hough, the first pitcher he has worked with directly who actually threw the knuckler. "It was amazing, really cool.
"I'm going to be a sponge and soak up everything he says," Haeger added with a smile.
Haeger said the two worked on the mental approach and preparation behind throwing a knuckle ball on Monday. Haeger was excited to hear that he has been working on the right stuff in regard to the pitch, despite his most expert previous guidance coming from watching tapes of Tim Wakefield.
Third to first: The White Sox play a team other than Arizona or Colorado for the first time this spring, when Oakland visits Tucson Electric Park Tuesday. "Thank god we get to see the American League," Guillen said with a laugh. "We can't play against the National League." ... Javier Lopez made his third straight scoreless appearance, giving him a slight edge for the final bullpen slot. Guillen also praised the work by left-handers Chad Bentz and Rusty Tucker.

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/