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Alexei Ramirez News & Rumors

Konerko, Thornton, Santos, Ramirez scheduled to attend SoxFest
December 2
Chicago Tribune
 
"While the destinations of John Danks, Gavin Floyd and Carlos Quentin could be decided this month, the Chicago White Sox released their first list of players scheduled to attend SoxFest on Jan. 27-29 at the Palmer House Hilton. The first list includes slugger Paul Konerko, Floyd, left-handed reliever Matt Thornton (who has received varying degrees of interest from Texas and the New York Yankees), Adam Dunn, Sergio Santos, Alexei Ramirez, Brent Morel, Dayan Viciedo, Philip Humber, Tyler Flowers and Brent Lillibridge."
Sox's Ramirez needs to take step forward at shortstop
October 14
Chicago Tribune
 
"Alexei Ramirez drove in 70 runs for the second consecutive season in 2011 despite being forced to move to the second spot in the batting order because of the struggles of Gordon Beckham. Although Ramirez's batting average dipped 13 points to .269 and he hit three fewer home runs with 15, he actually hit more doubles (31-29) despite playing 23 consecutive games without one. He also was charged with four fewer errors at 16. But if the Sox are at least to hold their ground in the American League Central with a blend of veterans looking to rebound and youngsters, they must have improvement from middle class players like Ramirez."
Ramirez's hit snaps Sox's 9-game skid vs. Twins
July 10
Chicago Tribune
 
"Saturday's 4-3 White Sox victory — the first over the Twins in seven tries this season — couldn't have come at a better time. It may have placated, for a day at least, general manager Ken Williams, who was telling intimates he was tired of watching what was happening on the field and threatening to make massive player changes soon. And it assured the sagging Sox of starting the All-Star break in third place ahead of the surging Twins. But most importantly, it may have cleared the clogged confidence of the Sox for their final 10 games against their rivals, the next one coming Sunday. The win, which came on Alexei Ramirez's two-out ninth-inning single that scored A.J. Pierzynski from second"
Aggressive approaches
June 19
Chicago Tribune
 columnist Phil Rogers
"Starlin Castro rarely has met a pitch he didn't like. Alexei Ramirez is only slightly more discriminating. The two shortstops are hackers who frequently make life easier for the pitchers they face. And they're hardly alone on the Chicago teams that will meet this week at U.S. Cellular Field. But Castro and Ramirez offset their over-aggressiveness in other ways, and shortstop is the toughest choice on the Tribune's 14th annual All-City team. In his first full season, Castro has been featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated. His .300-plus batting average has served Mike Quade in the leadoff spot and he has been force-fitted into the No. 3 spot. His strong arm has gotten outs for his"
Phil Humber, Alexei Ramirez shine in White Sox win
June 1
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Two wins at Fenway Park have done wonders for the White Sox' outlook. "To come in here and beat [Jon] Lester last night and win another game, we're going to win a series, and we're going for the sweep tomorrow,'' said Sox starter Phil Humber, whose latest strong start helped the Sox turn back the Red Sox 10-7 on Tuesday night. "[Boston] is a good ballclub. It shows we can play with anybody, especially on the road. Yeah, we've had rough patches, but in the end, we feel we're going to be right there.'' The Sox (26-31) won their sixth straight game at Fenway. A victory this afternoon would complete a three-game sweep and even their record to 5-5 on a testy road trip through Texas, Toronto and"
Ramirez AL player of the week
May 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"Alexei Ramirez was thrilled to receive his first American League player of the week honor and immediately credited his teammates batting behind him in the White Sox's batting order. "It's been great because having somebody like Adam Dunn, (Carlos) Quentin, (Paul) Konerko and (Alex) Rios hit behind me has given me more pitches to hit," said Ramirez, who moved from the eighth spot to the second spot on April 23 and was honored by the league for batting .417 (10-for-24) with six doubles, one home run and nine RBIs from May 16-22. Although Ramirez has a tendency to be a free swinger, he said he has learned to become more selective with runners in scoring position. Ramirez has 17 walks, 10"
Alexi Ramirez homers in 10th as White Sox knock off A's
April 13
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Alexei Ramirez has never met a Midwestern April that he liked. Until this one. The White Sox shortstop hit two home runs Tuesday night, including a 10th-inning shot with two outs against left-hander Bobby Cramer, to give the Sox an uplifting 6-5 victory against the Athletics at U.S. Cellular Field. Ramirez, a historically slow starter, also hit a three-run shot against A's starter Trevor Cahill in the second inning and scored a run in the sixth. It was the first game-ending homer of his career and the first multihomer game for Ramirez, who is 8-for-23 (.347) in his last six games. Ramirez, who had held his head in his hands in the dugout after making an error in the fifth that might have"
Ramirez comes to rescue in Sox's 6-5 victory
April 13
Chicago Tribune
 
"Through the ugliness of the first six innings, the White Sox might have found two saviors to cure their late-inning problems. Sergio Santos and Chris Sale combined to pitch four scoreless innings Tuesday night and their efforts were rewarded when Alexei Ramirez hit the second of his two home runs off Bobby Cramer with two out in the 10th inning to give the Sox a 6-5 victory over the A's. The Sox overcame two errors, including Alex Rios' dropped fly that increased the club's number to six on the season. Edwin Jackson lasted only 4 2/3 innings, and he glared at Ramirez after Ramirez bobbled a grounder on Jackson's last pitch. After the game, Jackson said he was more disappointed at not"
Back spasms sideline Alexei Ramirez
March 29
Chicago Tribune
 
"Shortstop Alexei Ramirez was scratched from Monday's starting lineup because of back spasms that shouldn't prevent him from starting Friday in the season opener at Cleveland. Manager Ozzie Guillen said Ramirez will receive treatment Tuesday while his teammates play the Royals in their Cactus League finale at Surprise. Ramirez had participated in pregame work before Monday's 9-1 loss to the Reds. Left-handed reliever Chris Sale didn't pitch because of neck stiffness. Pitching probe: Phil Humber and Jake Peavy will pitch Tuesday in minor league games at Camelback Ranch. Humber is expected to work at least five innings in what could be his final start before starting April 6 at Kansas City,"
Guillen wants to make sure Ramirez gets recognized
March 1
Chicago Tribune
 
"Manager Ozzie Guillen plans to promote Alexei Ramirez for Gold Glove and All-Star honors this season — provided the White Sox shortstop continues to excel. "Besides winning this thing, I think my job is to promote this kid so he gets the recognition in baseball by being a complete player (and) don't get behind the laurels about Derek Jeter and all those guys," Guillen said. "It's our job to get him where he should be with the Gold Gloves and All-Star Games, all that other stuff." Ramirez, who won the American League Silver Slugger Award last season for being the most productive hitter at his position, made an impressive backhand stop and strong throw to retire Gabe Kapler to end the fourth"
Ramirez on way to career-long stay with Sox
February 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"Shortstop Alexei Ramirez has spent his entire four-year professional career — and hopes to spend the next five — with the White Sox. Lastings Milledge is just hoping to find a permanent home. The Sox signed the two Thursday, Ramirez earning a four-year, $32.5 million extension with a chance for $10 million more if his option is picked up and Milledge hoping just to earn a shot at making the team. "I felt like I was at home, just like I was in Cuba," said Ramirez, who arrived as a refugee and said he wants to finish his career on the South Side. "When I arrived, I felt comfortable. I feel I've polished my game and gotten better under (manager Ozzie Guillen).""
Sox finalize Ramirez extension, sign OF Milledge
February 3
Chicago Tribune
 
"The White Sox made the four-year, $32.5 million contract extension for shortstop Alexei Ramirez official Thursday and also announced they had signed outfielder Lastings Milledge to a minor league contract. Milledge, a former first-round pick, was invited to spring camp and will be in the mix to become the team's fourth outfielder. At age 25, he has played for Mets, Nationals and Pirates with a career batting average of .269. Last season with Pittsburgh, he hit .277 with 21 doubles and 34 RBIs in 113 games."
Ramirez gets 4 more years
February 1
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The White Sox and shortstop Alexei Ramirez reportedly reached an agreement Monday on a four-year, $32.5 million contract extension with a $10 million option for a fifth year. The Sox had control of Ramirez through the 2013 season but had been negotiating to extend the services of the Silver Slugger Award winner, who was also in the running for a Gold Glove last season. Ramirez, 29, batted .292 with 18 home runs and 70 RBI last season. Defensively, he led the American League in assists and total chances. The new deal, first reported by El Nuevo Herald in Miami, would run through Ramirez's first year of free agency. The Sox had picked up the option on Ramirez's contract in December with the"
Alexei Ramirez opts out of contract
December 2
ESPN.com
 
"Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez has opted out of his $1.1 million contract, a move that will force the team's hand into giving him a $1.4 million raise for 2011. The Silver Slugger Award winner, considered among the rising stars at shortstop in the game, batted .282 with 18 home runs and 70 RBIs this past season. He also was considered among the favorites to win a Gold Glove, with the award going to the New York Yankees' Derek Jeter instead."
Sox could have a daily double with 2 Cubans infielders
November 14
Chicago Tribune
 columnist Phil Rogers
"Are the White Sox going back to the future in 2011? Will they try one of the moves that worked out so well in 2005 — that is, the two-Cuban formation? When the Sox were searching for a third baseman last season, they took a long look at Dayan Viciedo. He worked alongside fellow Cuban Alexei Ramirez in almost all of the 38 games he played in a season in which he spent extensive time in Chicago but did not lose his rookie status. The results weren't as dramatic as in '05, when Cuban pitchers Jose Contreras and the great Orlando "El Duque'' Hernandez did a ton of the heavy lifting en route to the World Series parade. And while Brent Morel, a product of Cal Poly, seems more likely to claim the"
'Slugger' Ramirez looks to have bigger role in 2011
November 13
Chicago Tribune
 
"Less than 24 hours after winning a Silver Slugger Award, shortstop Alexei Ramirez sounded more confident about the White Sox's chances in 2011. "This team has everything it takes, all the tools to win next year," Ramirez said Friday during a conference call. "We have the experience of what happened last year. We had a rough start, we have the experience and these guys on this team know what it takes to win this division." Ramirez, 29, will play a bigger role in the Sox lineup. He took pride in joining Jose Canseco and Rafael Palmeiro as the only Cuban-born players to win the award as the top offensive player at his position by vote of American League managers and coaches. Ramirez batted"
Sox shortstop Ramirez earns all-star recognition
October 21
Chicago Tribune
 
"White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez was named Wednesday to The Sporting News' American League all-star team. Ramirez, 29, batted .282 with 29 doubles, 18 home runs and 70 RBIs in 156 games. Ramirez is the third shortstop in Sox's history to receive this honor. Luke Appling (1936, 1940 and 1943) and Luis Aparicio (1968-70) are the only other Sox shortstops to win this honor."
Ramirez in position to win Silver Slugger Award
September 16
Chicago Tribune
 
"Alexei Ramirez wasn't aware there was a Silver Slugger Award presented to the dominant offensive players at each position in the American and National leagues. But Ramirez has given himself a reasonable chance to win the award because of his improvement at the plate. "In every way, he's doing a lot of things better," hitting coach Greg Walker said. "He has come through for us in the clutch time after time. What has made him better as a hitter is hitting to the opposite field correctly, which has put him over the top." Ramirez leads AL shortstops with a .282 batting average and 16 home runs, and his 62 RBIs are third to the Tigers' Jhonny Peralta (72) and the Royals' Yuniesky Betancourt"
Ramirez getting praise for his glove
July 30
Chicago Tribune
 
"Alexei Ramirez might need to hit better than .300 to have any chance of winning a Gold Glove for the superb defense he has displayed recently at shortstop. That's the opinion of manager Ozzie Guillen, who questioned the judgment of the voting by managers and coaches for the defensive awards given to players from the American and National leagues. "In my opinion, if you can hit, you win Gold Glove," Guillen said Thursday. "To me, the Gold Glove is great, I mean wow. You can win a Gold Glove, that's a privilege. It was. There's no doubt in my mind that puts you in the top of the game." Guillen won a Gold Glove at shortstop with the Sox in 1990,when he batted .279 — 15 points above his career"
Heat-seeking Missile: Weather helps Ramirez
July 28
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Alexei Ramirez is feeling the heat -- and lovin' it. On another muggy night at U.S. Cellular Field, Ramirez continued his hot hitting, going 3-for-4 with three RBI, including a two-run home run in the White Sox' 11-0 victory Tuesday over the Seattle Mariners. Ramirez is hitting .367 in his last 30 games (40-for-109), with four home runs and 14 RBI. He's hitting .288 for the season. ''The weather is a big factor,'' Ramirez said through interpreter Ozzie Guillen Jr. ''The weather is just like in Cuba. For some reason, I don't know why, I'm comfortable in the really warm weather.'' Ramirez also continued his stellar play at shortstop."
Ramirez's 2-run homer helps Sox beat Rangers
July 5
Chicago Tribune
 
"The biggest hurdle — a one-game deficit in the American League Central — awaits the White Sox following their 5-3 comeback win over the Rangers on Sunday night. "Every day gets tougher," manager Ozzie Guillen said following Alexei Ramirez's two-run home run in the sixth inning that offset the loss of valuable third baseman Omar Vizquel to a left knee bruise. "But it's fun. You come to the park for something." The Sox (42-38) are one game out of first place for the first time since they were one-half game out on April 7. There was ample satisfaction after the pitching staff held Texas' formidable offense to nine runs in three games and cut their division deficit by 81/2 cq games since June"
Ramirez's slow start doesn't concern Sox
April 15
Chicago Tribune
 
"Alexei Ramirez is off to one of his typical slow starts. But his recent lack of production isn't the reason why Ramirez wasn't in the White Sox's lineup Wednesday night. In fact, manager Ozzie Guillen said he has noticed improvement in Ramirez's disposition after his struggles at the plate, unlike last season when Guillen said Ramirez would dwell on a poor at-bat and let it affect his defense. "He wasn't playing shortstop the way he should," Guillen said of Ramirez's defense last year, when he committed 20 errors. "Right now, he has been playing great shortstop since spring training, and I'm happy about that.'' Guillen said he expects to put Ramirez back in the lineup Thursday night"
Shortstop Ramirez goes from cold glove to gold glove
March 9
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Ozzie Guillen set the bar sky-high for Alexei Ramirez last year. Guillen insisted Ramirez would be one of the best defensive shortstops in the American League, then took it a step further, saying he would be even better than he had been. So when Ramirez began the 2009 season slowly, the angry villagers started lighting torches and chanting, ''Beckham, Beckham.'' Ramirez had another poor April and was benched briefly for lacking focus, and Gordon Beckham -- a natural shortstop-turned-third baseman -- was called up and emerged as a rookie-of-the-year candidate. Despite all the travails, Ramirez actually played a dominant shortstop the last six weeks of the season, but this fact basically"
Ozzie wants Alexei to learn from Vizquel
March 2
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"It's no coincidence that the White Sox are having Omar Vizquel team up with Alexei Ramirez in as many drill stations and hitting groups as they can. ''I expect a lot of things from [Ramirez],'' manager Ozzie Guillen said. What better way to help Ramirez reach that point than have him shadow Vizquel? ''[Ramirez] should just listen to what Omar is saying,'' Guillen said. ''He should pick Omar's mind. Know what position to play [on certain hitters]. When the coaches repeat, repeat, repeat, that's like going over [your head]. When your teammate can tell you stuff, you grab that a little bit better.''"
Gordon Beckham will bridge language barrier with Alexei Ramirez
November 19
Chicago Tribune
 columnist Fred Mitchell
"Unless Gordon Beckham improves his Spanish, or shortstop Alexei Ramirez expresses himself better in English, the biggest challenge for the White Sox's new double-play combination might be communication on the field. "We're going to have to talk about that," Beckham said Wednesday from his home in Atlanta. "From what I have heard from (former Sox second baseman Chris Getz), it is kind of difficult to communicate with Alexei. I will make sure we know the signals we can give each other, or different words we know in each other's language so we can figure out who is covering the bag." General manager Ken Williams announced Beckham will be switched from third base to second after the White"
Chicago White Sox GM says Alexei Ramirez better at shortstop than Gordon Beckham
November 11
Chicago Tribune
 
"Ken Williams offered a simple explanation Tuesday as to why the White Sox will keep Alexei Ramirez at shortstop and move Gordon Beckham from third base to second for the 2010 season despite shortstop being Beckham's natural position. "Because Alexei is better than Gordon at short," Williams said during a media session at the general managers' meetings at the O'Hare Hilton. Ramirez's 20 errors and a brief benching by manager Ozzie Guillen raised questions from fans about Ramirez's ability to play shortstop. Williams acknowledged Beckham can play short. "That's not the issue," Williams said. "Alexei is a special guy and for him not to play for four years at the position regularly and go do"
Chicago White Sox rally for 8-7 victory in 10th
August 15
Chicago Tribune
 
"Jose Contreras might have used up his last chance as a White Sox starter Friday night. About three hours after manager Ozzie Guillen characterized his upcoming start as "huge," Contreras turned in one of his most disappointing outings of the season. Contreras blew all of a six-run lead that he had been staked to after two innings. Fortunately for Contreras and the Sox, Alexei Ramirez hit a tiebreaking home run on an 0-2 pitch off left-hander Craig Breslow in the 10th inning for an 8-7 victory. Asked if he'll keep Contreras in the rotation, Guillen said: "I don't have any choice. As long as he's here, we've got to keep sending him out there. Our options aren't much. "Maybe [Saturday], we"
White Sox win 3-1 in 9th on Alexei Ramirez homer
August 13
Chicago Tribune
 
"The addition of Alex Rios presents two issues for White Sox players when they arrive at the ballpark. Check egos at the door. Check the lineup. The first objective shouldn't be a problem, according to manager Ozzie Guillen. "It came from Paul Konerko -- '[Forget] feelings, it's all about winning.' " Guillen said Tuesday night before the Sox needed Alexei Ramirez's three-run home run off closer David Aardsma with one out in the ninth inning to seize a 3-1 victory over the Mariners. "That's what we do here. We hurt your feelings, that's easy, call your agent, your agent will call [general manager Ken Williams], and then Kenny will do something about it." Before Ramirez's homer, the Sox were"
Ramirez to the rescue
August 12
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"In the world of Ken Williams, no one, and the general manager means no one, will feel comfortable playing the White Sox in the postseason as they are now constructed. That sounded real nice coming from the mouth of the general manager on Tuesday, but as he put it, ''Well, there's the rub.'' That rub he's talking about? For them to create havoc in October, they first have to make sure they can take care of business during the rest of August and September. A baby step toward that goal was taken Tuesday against Seattle. Shortstop Alexei Ramirez hit a three-run homer off former Sox reliever David Aardsma in the ninth to lift the Sox to a 3-1 comeback win at Safeco Field. ''If we would have"
Bobby Jenks and Alexei Ramirez unavailable to Chicago White Sox again
August 5
Chicago Tribune
 
"The White Sox were considerably short-handed entering their showdown Tuesday night with the American League West-leading Angels. Closer Bobby Jenks went to Rush University Medical Center before batting practice Tuesday in an effort to alleviate his kidney stone problems. Jenks has pitched only once since suffering pain stemming from the kidney stones Thursday. Manager Ozzie Guillen didn't think Jenks would be sidelined beyond Tuesday night, but Jenks was in obvious pain before leaving the clubhouse. Also, shortstop Alexei Ramirez missed his fifth consecutive start because of a sore right ankle. Ramirez fielded grounders four hours before the game but was moving gingerly. Guillen ruled out"
Ramirez's ankle better; reliever Nunez promoted
August 2
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Shortstop Alexei Ramirez's sprained right ankle is improving, and he should be able to return Wednesday. That news allowed the White Sox to bolster their short-handed bullpen Saturday. The Sox sent infielder Brent Lillibridge back to Class AAA Charlotte one day after he was summoned and recalled right-hander Jhonny Nunez. Nunez, 23, had a combined 3-0 record and 2.45 ERA in 33 relief appearances at Class AA Birmingham and Charlotte. Minor-leaguers were hitting .219 against Nunez, whom the Sox acquired from the New York Yankees as part of the Nick Swisher deal in November. Ramirez suffered his injury in the series finale Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome. ''Ramirez is"
Ball in Missile's court
June 27
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The message has been sent to Alexei Ramirez. What he does with it now, that's on him. But he might want to take it to heart considering that Ozzie Guillen is the sender and inevitably the executioner. Upset with what Guillen called ''lazy'' defense in the victory Thursday over the Los Angeles Dodgers, including a lapse that allowed the Dodgers to tie the score in the seventh inning, the White Sox manager called out Ramirez after the 13-inning game and made it a topic for discussion Friday. ''One thing about it, I don't care if he hates me or if he loves me, but this kid has an unbelievable future,'' Guillen said. ''This kid can be one of the best in the game. My job is to get him there."
Guillen still frustrated with Alexei Ramirez
June 27
Chicago Tribune
 
"White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen compared his frustration over Alexei Ramirez to a situation he witnessed in 1998 with Braves manager Bobby Cox and young center fielder Andruw Jones. Guillen, unlike Cox, didn't pull Ramirez off the field in the middle of a game, but Guillen stressed that his shortstop isn't maximizing his talents. Guillen resisted the temptation to talk to Ramirez before Friday's game, one day after Ramirez made his second error on a routine play that led to the tying run in the seventh inning of the Sox's 13-inning victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. "I should [talk to Ramirez], just to get it out of my system," Guillen said. "But I'm going to let him go because I"
Quick start courtesy of Podsednik, Ramirez helps Buehrle cruise
June 22
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"At some point, a decision will have to be made -- maybe the toughest decision the duo of general manager Ken Williams and manager Ozzie Guillen have had to make since making the White Sox relevant again. And while Sunday's 4-1 victory over Cincinnati plays into the decision-making process -- every win does -- it inevitably will come down to one thing: ''Your heart and your gut feeling will tell you exactly what kind of ballclub you have,'' Guillen said. That's all well and good, but even after taking two of three from the Reds at Great American Ball Park, Guillen admittedly still isn't sure what kind of club he's putting out there each day. ''I wish me and Kenny and the coaching staff saw"
White Sox shortstop Ramirez sued in Dominican
May 29
Chicago Tribune
 
"Dominican Republic - Chicago White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez is being sued for $20 million for allegedly violating a contract he signed with local talent scouts before inking a major league contract. In documents presented to the prosecutors office in the Peravia judicial district southeast of the Dominican capital, Ramirez and his agent Jaime Torres are alleged to owe Julio Martinez and Ramon Fernandez $450,000 from a signing bonus. The plaintiffs are also asking for an additional $131,156, which represents 5 percent of Ramirez's income from two years in the majors, the documents say. The $20 million claim is for damages and violating the contract. "A contract exists and they have not"
White Sox's Alexei Ramirez may have found a home batting second
May 26
Chicago Tribune
 
"The White Sox have used 33 different lineups in their first 43 games, but there is one spot that probably won't be changed soon. That's the second spot, where Alexei Ramirez has shown signs of snapping out of a slump that has lingered for most of the season. Ramirez entered Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Angels batting .304 in his last seven games and has batted three of the last four games in the second spot. "I think for now, we're going to keep Alexei there at second," fill-in manager Joey Cora said. "First, he's swinging better, and it's better for us." Cora added that being sandwiched with Scott Podsednik at the leadoff spot and Jermaine Dye, Jim Thome, Paul Konerko and"
White Sox's Alexei Ramirez eager for 2nd chance
May 9
Chicago Tribune
 
"Alexei Ramirez is expected back in the White Sox lineup Saturday night after sitting out the last two games, plus Wednesday's rainout, in an effort to clear his mind. "It has been OK, it has been good," Ramirez said through an interpreter. "I've been able to study and think about what I've been doing. I haven't been doing right when I bat. I had some time to get in the batting cage and focus on a couple of little things, but it actually has been pretty good." Asked if he could get in an offensive groove like he did last season after a slow start, Ramirez never wavered. "Last year I felt almost worse than I have this year," he said. "As far as knowing I can do the job, I've never lost that."
White Sox shortstop Alexei Ramirez benched
May 7
Chicago Tribune
 
"Manager Ozzie Guillen took the first step toward shaking up an inconsistent White Sox roster by temporarily benching struggling shortstop Alexei Ramirez. Ramirez, the runner-up to Tampa Bay's Evan Longoria in the 2008 American League Rookie of the Year balloting, is batting .211 and hasn't adjusted to Guillen's liking. "I'm not going to say this is the doghouse," Guillen said before Wednesday night's game against Detroit was postponed by rain. "I'm not going to say I'm punishing him for that. But we are letting people know, just not him. We have to play as a team." The Sox kept their rotation intact so that Mark Buehrle will get another day of rest when he faces the Tigers, with Jose"