Guillen's response two days before he puts the ball in Vazquez's hand in the critical series opener against the Twins: "He hasn't been (a big-game pitcher), that's the bottom line."

A bottom line that Vazquez seems almost tired of addressing at this point in his 11-year career.

"You know what? It's not going to (change a lot of opinions) because I'm really the type of guy that when I retire, I'm going to be home in Puerto Rico with my family," Vazquez told the Sun-Times on Saturday, concerning his reputation. "I'm not looking to have to change minds if people feel that way. I won't be paying attention to that. If I do well or if I don't, I'll still go home at the end of my career and be the same person."

Vazquez has only really seen the big stage of October just once, going back to 2004 when he was with the Yankees. He made three appearances in the postseason, but only one start, allowing five runs in five innings in a no-decision against Minnesota.

When he left New York after just one year, he did so with a reputation he hasn't been able to shake. And while it would seem that Tuesday's start against the Twins would be a good time to sway opinion, neither Vazquez or his manager are overly concerned with that.

"What you see is what you get," Guillen added. "Javy is going to be Javy. I just want Javy to throw the ball over the plate and be aggressive. That's all I can ask him. How the game is going to end, I don't know. I just want him to be aggressive, throw the ball over the plate and knock somebody on their (backside), do it. That's a big three games for us.

"You have to be mean. Go out there and show them we show up to play, show up to kick your guys' (behinds). And believe me, that will take care of itself."

WHITE SOX 3, ROYALS 0: John Danks saved one of his best starts for just the right time, as the second-year left-hander threw seven scoreless innings, allowing just four hits while fanning three. Danks improved his record to 11-8 on the year, while closer Bobby Jenks picked up save No. 29.

As far as the Sox hitters went, they didn't offer much, but they didn't need to. The Sox used small ball in the first inning, with Dewayne Wise hitting a sacrifice fly to shallow left field, and then did what they do best in the seventh inning, with Paul Konerko connecting on homer No, 18 of the season. More important, they maintained their 2 1/2-game lead over Minnesota in the division race.