A team hitting a collective .198 has more woes than just a struggling leadoff man. White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen is the first to acknowledge that, with a lineup Friday that reflected a change in the No. 2 spot.
Third baseman Josh Fields, one of the only Sox hitting in the early days of the season, batted behind second baseman Chris Getz, partly because he's swinging the bat well (3-for-7 with two walks in the Kansas City series) but also to break up the left-handers in the order. ''I'm trying to spread [the lefties] out so when [Minnesota's] bullpen comes up, it makes them have to make some decisions,'' Guillen said.
Even though Guillen removed DeWayne Wise from the leadoff spot after just two days, questions about the Sox' early hitting slump have Guillen shaking his head.
''I have to laugh -- I have 35 lineup [suggestions] in my e-mail,'' Guillen said. ''I can't believe people give up so quickly. We're playing well, just not hitting.
''A lot of people come up with ideas when you're not hitting. As long as the leadoff man isn't hitting, there will be questions.
I can't wait until Wise starts swinging the bat better and we can move him up, but he's not the only one [struggling]. Besides, we faced some pretty good pitching.''
On Wednesday, the Sox were shut out by the Royals for the first time since Aug. 3, 1995, and for the first time at home since last June 14 by the Colorado Rockies.
JUST ADJUST
Shortstop Alexei Ramirez had a solid spring at the plate, hitting .319 after finishing at .290 last season. But he was among the hitless against the Royals, going 0-for-10 with four strikeouts.
His second season will be about adjustments, Guillen said.
''As long as he's chasing those pitches, they'll keep throwing them,'' Guillen said. ''I told him to relax and not chase so many [bad] pitches.''
Ramirez still doesn't have a hit this season, going 0-for-3 Friday, but he did draw a walk in the third.
WELCOME BACK, JOE
Laughs and warm wishes greeted Joe Crede in his return to U.S. Cellular Field, including a pregame video tribute to the longtime Sox third baseman now wearing a Twins uniform.
The tribute drew applause from the crowd and a broad smile from Crede as he watched, waving his cap in thanks.
''It's a class act by them to do that,'' said Crede, who drew a mixed reaction after homering in his first at-bat -- with the ball, which landed in the Sox bullpen, being retrieved and given to him. ''I had a lot of good times here in this stadium and with the team.''
But, Crede said, ''I'm ready for it to be over with, with all the ribbing.''
The ribbing included Guillen's assessment that Crede ''was cheap,'' especially when it came to taking part in a team ritual last season whenever the Sox would sweep an opponent. Any player who had been with the opposing team would have to buy something for the Sox .
''[Mark] Buehrle and Crede never played for anyone else,'' Guillen said. ''But Crede would always come up with the cheapest [suggestion].''
Guillen wouldn't classify Crede as a ''piranha,'' his favorite description of the pesky Twins.
''Joe's a big shark who can't move,'' he said. ''But he fits in there because of his defense. I think he's the best third baseman in the league. ... I'm just happy to see him on the field and playing when people thought he wouldn't play again [because of back problems].''
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