The White Sox haven't had that since Scott Podsednik filled the bill in 2005 and '06. Because of injuries, Podsednik couldn't live up to his own standards in '07, and White the Sox have been searching ever since.

Center fielder Jerry Owens was acquired from the Washington Nationals in February 2005 to be the heir apparent to Podsednik. The White Sox still are waiting.

Dewayne Wise had a hot few weeks, but then he suddenly cooled.

Exactly what kind of message are the White Sox sending Owens and Wise when they start mentioning Fields and Anderson in the leadoff mix?

"Please don't make (general manager Ken Williams) look for somebody from (the outside)," Guillen said, adding a trade is unlikely. "I still believe those two guys can get it done.

"In the meantime, we have to see some results. Wise was swinging the bat pretty well until the last couple of days. We need those guys to step it up."

Plan B is Chris Getz, who essentially has sealed the second-base job after Jayson Nix aggravated a strained right quadriceps, though Guillen has stopped short of making that announcement.

The manager has concerns about loading so much on Getz's plate in his first full season in the majors.

"That's a lot of pressure to put this kid in that spot," Guillen said. "I expect those guys we have in mind to bat leadoff to step it up and start doing their job.

"I'm not afraid to play (Getz) because this kid is not afraid of anything. He's got a good idea at the plate, but I don't think he's the typical leadoff hitter we need. That's why we batted him second, because that's the proper spot for him to hit if he makes the ballclub."

For now, Fields and Anderson are being considered for the leadoff spot solely against tough left-handers.

"Fields can take a lot of pitches," Guillen said. "We're not looking for a lot of speed. We need a guy that can get on base.

"I'm not afraid. I already talked to them about it, and they're willing to do whatever we want them to do. This is an idea out there; we might not do it."