Swisher to lead off, play center for White Sox
The White Sox acquired switch-hitter Nick Swisher last winter to provide production in the middle of the batting order and some swagger in a mild-mannered clubhouse.
Now the Sox are asking Swisher to become their leadoff batter and regular center fielder while Jerry Owens recovers from a right-groin tear.
Manager Ozzie Guillen announced his plans Wednesday. Second baseman Pablo Ozuna will remain the leadoff batter for Monday's opener at Cleveland because of his success against starter C.C. Sabathia, with either Alexei Ramirez or Brian Anderson starting in center field.
The Sox will finalize their 25-man roster Thursday, but Swisher's assignments provide some clarity for at least the first seven games as Owens heals.
Swisher is receptive to batting leadoff despite his lack of experience in that spot.
"If [Guillen] thinks that's going to help the team the most, then I'm all for it," Swisher said. "I've been one of those guys that wherever he needs me, I'll play. That's it. I love this team and will do everything to help it be better. For me, if I need to hit leadoff, ninth, it doesn't matter."
Despite Swisher's lack of speed, his ability to work deep into counts and reach base makes him an attractive alternative to Owens.
"But I can't let [batting leadoff] change my style of hitting," Swisher said.
Guillen also didn't rule out batting Ramirez leadoff.
"My first two years in Cuba I was the leadoff batter, then I started hitting third when the 'hitter' left," Ramirez said.
That hitter was Yunel Escobar, who left Cuba to become eligible for the 2005 amateur draft and already has excelled with the Braves.
Owens, meanwhile, admitted the timing of the injury was "disappointing, but at the same time you have to take the positives from it. I feel I had a good spring, just getting the at-bats that I got. I think it benefited me."
Owens said he had a similar groin injury in 2004 but was able to return within two weeks.
Guillen and his staff will meet with general manager Ken Williams before announcing the final roster. Nick Masset and Ehren Wassermann are scheduled to pitch Thursday against Arizona, but the winner of the last spot in the bullpen could be decided before the game.
Wassermann was thought to be the leader because of his 3.09 ERA in 10 games. But Masset, who has a 6.23 ERA, will be getting his fifth start. Masset is out of options, so he would have to clear waivers if the Sox don't keep him on the 25-man roster.
