Chris Getz's production in the leadoff role and Josh Fields batting second is why the top of the White Sox' order is becoming set. It's the bottom of the order -- and in particular the struggles of shortstop Alexei Ramirez -- that make the lineup a work in progress.
''I can't figure it out yet because I need the Missile [Ramirez] to start hitting better,'' manager Ozzie Guillen said. ''The guys are running the bases well, they're attacking and executing. We're getting big hits. But a couple guys are struggling. Getz is doing a tremendous job and Fields, but we know that can't last all year long. ''Because the Missile isn't hitting, we're soft at the bottom of the lineup.''
Ramirez has only five hits in his last 32 at-bats (.160). His double Thursday against Baltimore came on a breaking ball, and Guillen considered it a breakthrough.
''If you can't hit that pitch, they will keep throwing it,'' Guillen said. ''You have to make adjustments.''
Ramirez started last season slowly as well, ''but he wasn't playing [regularly],'' Guillen said. ''He didn't worry about it if he went 0-for-4. But when you're playing [regularly], a lot of 0-for-4s add up. He's worried now because he average is low. He never went through this, so he's concerned. But he's my shortstop.''
Guillen said he's watching Ramirez to make sure his hitting problems don't affect his defense.
''I won't let it happen,'' Guillen said of one affecting the other. ''I saw him with his head down and I addressed it right away.''
Ramirez committed an error in the first inning Friday.
He finished second in last season's American League Rookie of the Year voting. Today, he will be presented with a trophy from the Topps Co. for being named to the All-Rookie team last season.
HARD HIT
Getting hit by pitches is Carlos Quentin's occupational hazard, but the Sox left fielder avoided injury to his left hand after being hit by a pitch Thursday.
''It's fine,'' said Guillen, who batted him third after making sure he was fine during batting practice. ''I didn't expect him to be fine because he got hit pretty [hard],'' Guillen said. ''I told him, 'Don't try to be a hero because it could be worse. You could miss one day, but if you aggravate it real bad, you can miss a couple more days. I trust him, I trust what he says.''
Quentin has been hit often because he leans over the plate, although the broken right wrist he suffered at the end of last season happened when he struck his hand in frustration over a strikeout.
''When you get hit in the hand by a good fastball, you get nervous,'' he said of being hit Thursday. ''But it responded well, so I'm in the lineup tonight. Occasionally there are times where you don't pick up the ball until late. That's what happened last night.''
Guillen knows Quentin isn't being hit intentionally.
''The pitcher has to use the inside of the plate to have success,'' Guillen said. ''I know people aren't throwing at him. If they were, I would protect him. I'd take my suspension.''
Quentin receives the 2008 Silver Slugger Award today after hitting .288 with 36 home runs and 100 RBI last season, his first full year in the majors.
CHICAGO CLIMES
Friday's midsummer temperatures were a far cry from opening week.
''This weather is so crazy,'' Guillen said. ''At least we want to be here. When it's cold, I don't want to come to this place. You just sit there, you don't want to move, there are no people in the stands, people can't wait until the game's over. Baseball is for summer. They should start this game in July.''
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