Podsednik Not CF Answer for White Sox

According to ESPN.com, the agent for Scott Podsednik said the White Sox will call up Podsednik before Friday's game (Chicago is off today). Outfielder Jerry Owens, who was 1-for-12 this season, was spotted packing his bags after Wednesday's game, so it seems like he will be designated for assignment.

Even though the White Sox are getting just a .284 slugging percentage (no homers) and .608 OPS from center field, installing Podsednik at the position could be a mistake.

"He's gone backwards, man," said a scout who recently watched Podsednik at Triple-A Charlotte. "He doesn't look good at all. I'd keep Jerry Owens over this Podsendnik. He's a below average center fielder right now."

The scout said Podsednik – whose best tool was always his speed – ran from home to first base in 4.2-4.3 seconds, which is below-average for a lefty hitter, "and he's running as hard as he can."

Podsednik, 33, was a star for Chicago in the 2005 postseason, with a game-winning homer in Game 2 of the World Series. But since then he has hit .261, .243 and .253 (two seasons with the White Sox, one with the Rockies). At Charlotte he hit .262 with two errors and one steal in 10 games.