Source says White Sox put Uribe on waivers

Source says White Sox put Uribe on waivers
Source says Sox's Uribe has been put on waivers

By Mark Gonzales | Tribune reporter
March 20, 2008

TUCSON, Ariz. — Manager Ozzie Guillen vowed Wednesday that his Opening Day roster will be finalized by next Thursday when the White Sox leave Tucson and work their way toward their first game March 31 in Cleveland.

But Juan Uribe, the leader for the starting second base job and 2005 World Series hero, might not even be part of the traveling squad.

According to a major-league scout, Uribe has been placed on waivers in an apparent attempt to measure his value to teams seeking an infielder.

Neither Uribe nor agent Martin Arburua said they were aware of the move, and the Sox do not comment publicly on players placed on waivers unless they're being released.

Uribe is scheduled to be in the Sox's lineup on the road Thursday against the Los Angeles Dodgers and Saturday against the Cubs in Mesa. He isn't penciled in for Friday's game against the Giants in Scottsdale.

"Yeah, I'm going to Phoenix, but I don't know," Uribe said outside Tucson Electric Park.

That was just part of a series of developments Wednesday as the Sox and Colorado tied 10-10.

During the game third baseman Josh Fields was hit hard on his right forearm with a pitch and afterward it was learned reliever Scott Linebrink wouldn't pitch as scheduled Friday because of back pain.

Before the game, the Sox staff had a one-hour meeting to review their personnel and their roster options.

"We talked about Uribe like he was on the team," Guillen said.

Of the four contenders, Uribe appears the most qualified choice at second over Alexei Ramirez, Pablo Ozuna and Danny Richar because of his experience.

Ozuna is considered more valuable in a utility role than a regular.

Richar, who had the job the last two months of 2007, had an MRI Wednesday to determine the extent of the recurring pain in his back.

Ramirez continues to be an intriguing option. Though his fielding is suspect, he hit his first exhibition home run against Colorado while raising his batting average to .366.

"He can play every day," Guillen said. "At second, we have to work on [him defensively] to get him better."

Guillen also revealed that if the Sox opened the season Thursday against Cleveland, Ozuna would start at second and bat leadoff because of his speed and past success against Indians left-hander C.C. Sabathia.

The Sox, however, haven't committed to Uribe despite his experience, his positive attitude since losing his starting shortstop job to Orlando Cabrera and his .333 batting average this spring.

"Uribe has been a great spring training player, then all of a sudden the spring training is over and we see another player," Guillen said.

Fields has been ruled out as a candidate to move to second base even though it seems increasingly likely Joe Crede won't be traded before the season and will start at third. After being hit, Fields was trying to get coach Joey Cora to allow him to play Thursday.

Guillen wants to be cautious.

"He was lucky something worse didn't happen," Guillen said.

Uribe will earn $4.5 million in 2008 and he has the tools to help a team seeking a shortstop, such as Baltimore.

The Sox must decide on a backup outfielder, a reliever and middle infielder to complete their roster.

"After this road trip, when we go to the Valley, I should have an answer for all the questions you ask," Guillen said.