By Mark Gonzales
Newly acquired infielder Omar Vizquel doesn't anticipate any difficulties accepting his backup role with the White Sox after doing that job with Texas last season.
"I don't think it will be an issue," Vizquel said in a conference call with reporters. "I'll always be there for the younger guys."
Vizquel, 42, chose the Sox because of their legacy of Venezuelan shortstops and their one-year, $1.375 million offer.
"It was one of those things I was worried about," Vizquel said. "I wanted to get it done as soon as possible."
Manager Ozzie Guillen doesn't want Vizquel to serve solely as an unofficial coach, adding he plans to play him frequently early in the year.
"Everyone knows (Alexei) Ramirez has struggled," said Guillen, referring to Ramirez's .184 lifetime mark through April 30.
Vizquel wasn't sure what jersey number he would wear since manager Ozzie Guillen currently wears No. 13. "I don't think Ozzie is going to give up the number," Vizquel said.
Vizquel said he has spoken to Luis Aparacio about wearing No. 11 to honor his legacy and also has considered No. 17 - formerly worn by Chico Carrasquel.
Guillen suggested that Vizquel should wear No. 23, the number he wore in his native Venezuela.
"When you wear No. 23 with the White Sox, it's huge," Guillen said. "When you wear No. 23 in Chicago, it's bigger."
Guillen said he was impressed with the way Vizquel handled his backup role with Texas last season, as well as his condition after visiting him last week.
"Omar is in unbelievable shape," Guillen said.
And second baseman Gordon Beckham was just as delighted to be a teammate of Vizquel's.
"Absolutely," Beckham wrote in a text message. "I'm ready to learn."
Meanwhile, Guillen said backups Jayson Nix and Brent Lillibridge need to heed his advice and "do what I told them to do at the end of the season.
Guillen also emphasized the need to rotate the designated-hitter position and seemed optimistic the Sox would solve their leadoff-spot question.
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Thanks for posting this. Would be intrested to read more or possibly please contact me by email thank you!
I guess it's official that Dye will be gone: Ozzie's offering to give away his jersey number.
Excellent move by the White Sox!
Vizquel will be perfect backing up the youngsters up the middle.
I guess some of the dimwits (other than Robert LeGear) here were hoping they'd land Chase Utley to back up Ramirez and Beckham...
Again, Sox fans.
Try not to be stupid.
Stupid is for the North Side team of Chicago.
Please head that way if you continue to post like drips.
I am quite sure that the White Sox can make good use out of a guy that played 420 innings of errorless baseball last year. Having him in the clubhouse should be a plus as our younger players can see how a real pro gets and stays in outstanding shape which allows him to perform well at age 43.