Michael Huff knows the decision to keep Bo Jackson hurts his chances of staying with the White Sox, but he is keeping it all in perspective.
“I’m just trying to stay positive,” said Huff, who is having an impressive spring. “I feel like I’ve played well and who knows what will happen. Last year we had a big trade at the end of spring training. Anything can happen.”
Barring a trade, though, Huff could be one of the odd men out in the outfield.
Manager Gene Lamont plans to carry six outfielders-starters Tim Raines, Lance Johnson and Ellis Burks, backup Dan Pasqua and DHs Jackson and George Bell.
Huff is batting .464 this spring with 13 hits and seven walks in 12 games for a .571 on-base average.
“Not only is he hitting, but he’s gotten some bunts and done some things to move guys along,” said Lamont. “That’s the kind of things you have to do if you’re an extra outfielder. And Mike has.”
Hats off: No matter what happens, though, Huff has nothing but respect for Jackson. “Bo has earned a spot on this team,” says Huff. “Nobody gave it to him. He earned it.”
Night cap: Right-hander Alex Fernandez had his second consecutive good outing, pitching two-hit ball for six innings Wednesday night to lead the Sox to a 5-1 victory over Minnesota. Fernandez had pitched five scoreless innings against the Yankees in his last outing. He went 5 2/3 innings against the Twins before giving up a run.
Bo watch: Many of the Sox were glad to have Jackson’s contract status settled. Jackson’s comeback attracted hordes of reporters and had become a bit of a distraction. “Thank God, it’s over,” said relief pitcher Donn Pall with a chuckle and a shrug. “Thank God for everybody’s sake.”
Bo’s buddy: Shortstop Ozzie Guillen, like most of his teammates, said the front office made the right choice keeping Jackson.
“It’s nice to have Bo on the team. He’s a funny guy. He’s a good player. He’s somebody to look up to,” said Guillen. “He got the job because he deserved it. He proved he could still do it. Maybe not like he once did. But he can still do it.”