Attack of the Adductor

There's been some talk this spring from members of the White Sox organization and fans alike that this season is setting up a lot like the 2005 season. Nobody is expecting the White Sox to win the division against the mighty Tigers and Indians, and they think the Sox will sneak up and surprise everyone.

I'm not exactly in step with this line of thinking.

One very large part of the Sox' success in 2005 was their leadoff hitter Scott Podsednik who tore up the basepaths throughout the season. This year Podsednik is gone, but the Sox are hoping that speedy centerfielder Jerry Owens can fill Pods' role from that 2005 season.

Jerry is doing just that, but unfortunately, he's taking it a little too seriously.

While the White Sox' decision at third base was as tough as they come, decisions on the final outfield spots were made very easy thanks to Jerry Owens.

After the game against Colorado on Tuesday, the Sox announced that Owens -- the projected starting center fielder and leadoff hitter -- has a small tear in his right adductor and will be placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to last Sunday.

A team spokesman said Owens needs seven to 10 days of rest, then can return to the lineup. Both Brian Anderson and Carlos Quentin likely have made the roster, rather than one or the other.

Adductor injuries, of course, are what sidelined Podsednik so much in his last few seasons on the south side.

This isn't exactly a good sign for the season, though the Sox have generally had a very good spring avoiding injuries. I suppose you should never expect to get through the spring without at least one injury to a projected starter, but this one still hurts a little.

Ozzie Guillen hasn't come out and said who will take Owens' spot at the top of the order, but he has messed around with Nick Swisher in the lead off spot at times this spring. It's not exactly an ideal situation, but Swisher does have a high on base percentage to make up for his lack of base stealing prowess. Besides, Owens is slated to be back on April 7th, so it's not like Swisher would have to be there very long.

Of course, there were plenty of times when Scott Podsednik was supposed to be back from an adductor injury, and all he ever did was re-injure it. So I guess I have something to worry about now.