Rumor and speculation became reality for Scott Podsednik and the White Sox on Friday.
After it was reported on Wednesday evening that Jerry Owens was seen packing his bags for good after the win over Seattle, Podsednik's name was the first one that was mentioned as a replacement. The organization, however, was staying mum until before the start of the series with Texas, as they announced that Podsednik was in fact replacing Owens on the 25-man roster. "Pods is going to bring some energy," manager Ozzie Guillen said. "He's excited to be here and his teammates are excited to have him. Hopefully he (will) play good for us. Hopefully, he brings us what we want to get. There's no doubt he's going to bring excitement."
He wasted very little time doing so, getting the start in center field on Friday, and did so with what earned him so much recognition back in the 2005 World Series run by the Sox -- meaning with his legs. With the game tied in the seventh, Podsednik reached first on an infield single. He then helped draw the balk and went to second, before Chris Getz knocked him in with a triple.
The big thing for Podsednik was to be reunited with his former teammates.
"It's really crazy, for lack of a better term," Podsednik said. "But it's good to see the guys. You create a strong bond with the guys you won a World Series with, and it will be fun to get back to the city. I've always loved Chicago. We got a good feel for the city, my wife and I did, and it's good to be back."
Some things have obviously changed since Podsednik was around, starting with his jersey. He had to go with No. 1 with Josh Fields now wearing his old No. 22.
The plan for Podsednik is to see how he plays while Brian Anderson is on the 15-day disabled list, and then make a decision in a few weeks. There is a good chance Podsednik can stick as a fourth outfielder until at least June when Dewayne Wise returns from a separated shoulder.
He will see a lot of playing time, but no longer in the leadoff spot.
Guillen said he will be the No. 9 hitter, especially with Getz back atop the lineup and playing so well.
WHITE SOX 4, RANGERS 3: Some old faces were back in the Sox lineup on Friday, as well as the new ones, and both played big roles. With Chris Getz and Jim Thome recovered from injury, and 2005 hero Scott Podsednik called up from Class AAA, the Sox beat the Rangers courtesy of those three players. Thome hit a three-run homer, while Podsednik scored on a Getz triple to break the tie.
Meanwhile, Mark Buehrle continued to show why he is the ace of the staff, going six innings and allowing three runs on seven hits to improve to 4-0 on the year. Bobby Jenks picked up save No. 6.
