Scott

Podsednik

Scotty Poddy could be doing some heavy running over the final weekend.

Not something to be proud of. The last to do so was Marquis Grissom in 1991.

Surprisingly, Corey Hart isn’t being taken seriously as a candidate for the right field job. Trading Podsednik while he still has value might be a good idea, even if they’d be replacing him with a prospect, Dave Krynzel, who could probably use another year in Triple-A. They’d still have Brady Clark around for insurance purposes.

Podsednik for Mike Maroth and a young reliever (Franklyn German or Roberto Novoa)? Detroit doesn’t have the quality corner outfielder the Brewers are looking for, but Milwaukee also could use some pitching.

Chicago’s lineup for the spring opener: Scott Podsednik (LF), Tadahito Iguchi (2B), Carl Everett (DH), Paul Konerko (1B), Jermaine Dye (RF), A.J. Pierzynski (C), Aaron Rowand (CF), Joe Crede (3B), Juan Uribe (SS). The White Sox ranked just ninth in the league in steals last year, but with speedsters Podsednik and Iguchi at the top of the lineup, they may come close to doubling their 2004 total.

Podsednik is sidelined by a bruised right knee.

The injury is considered minor but could keep him out for a few days. Tim Hudson hit him with a pitch in Friday’s game, and the spot swellled up overnight. “It’s probably going to be a couple days. It’s nothing serious, but we’ve got to get the swelling out,” Podsednik said. Jon Nunnally replaced him in center field.

Podsednik has also chipped in 17 runs scored, four doubles, four triples and eight stolen bases in that time, giving him plenty of value in mixed leagues. His presence in the No. 2 slot has also been good for Eric Young, who has 10 steals since becoming the leadoff man the same day.

Rowand is the superior center fielder. Podsednik probably won’t hit enough to be an adequate left fielder, but that’s not going to stop him from getting 600 at-bats. He’ll probably finish first or second in the AL in stolen bases.

Overall, the 27-year-old is batting .316 with six homers, 44 RBI, 35 stolen bases, 82 runs, 22 doubles and six triples. GM Doug Melvin deserves a lot of credit for his October waiver claim of Podsednik from the Mariners, remembering him from his days as a Rangers’ farmhand. The 35 steals are especially impressive considering he only had one through May 15. Podsednik probably won’t beat out Brandon Webb or Dontrelle Willis, who both play for teams in the playoff hunt, for Rookie of the Year, but it doesn’t take anything way from his breakout season.