Sure, there were bumps in the road this spring on the health front, such as losing 2B Danny Richar for four-to-six weeks because of a stress fracture in his rib, but manager Ozzie Guillen was thrilled to get out of the camp with most of his roster intact.

What he didn't like about the spring was a lack of intensity heading into the final week, and he let the team know, loudly, after one loss. There is much at stake on the South Side this season, and Guillen wants his team to play at a high level of intensity. In a division like the AL Central, intensity will be key.

"We have to stay hungry," Guillen said. "If they're not going to push the pedal, then I will."

ROTATION:

1. LHP Mark Buehrle

2. RHP Javier Vazquez

3. LHP John Danks

4. RHP Jose Contreras

5. RHP Gavin Floyd

Buehrle and Vazquez each have 20-win stuff, and the Sox were thrilled to see Contreras' velocity back up this spring. Pitching coach Don Cooper said he was counting on 15 wins from each of them.

Danks and Floyd are the worry, and rightfully so. Danks had a miserable second half of the season but did add a cutter to his repertoire. As for Floyd, it's all confidence with him. The Sox have been trying to instill that in him since last season, but his track record is not good.

BULLPEN:

RHP Bobby Jenks (closer)

RHP Scott Linebrink

RHP Octavio Dotel

LHP Matt Thornton

RHP Mike MacDougal

LHP Boone Logan

RHP Ehren Wassermann

Jenks was not the problem last season. Getting the ball to him for the ninth inning was. The Sox are hoping that they rectified that with Linebrink and Dotel available as bridge guys in the eighth inning. Add lefty Matt Thornton to the mix, and what was a weakness last year is looking like a strength.

As for the rest of the 'pen, the hope is that MacDougal has his '07 problem behind him, which would make the unit even deeper. But the leash will be short on MacDougal, as it should be.

LINEUP:

1. LF Nick Swisher

2. SS Orlando Cabrera

3. DH Jim Thome

4. 1B Paul Konerko

5. RF Jermaine Dye

6. C. A.J. Pierzynski

7. 3B Joe Crede

8. CF Brian Anderson

9. 2B Juan Uribe

Speedy CF Jerry Owens was expected to bat first, but he will miss at least the season's first week. Whoever is at the top will be followed by a legitimate No. 2 hitter in Cabrera. Add the big boys into the mix in the middle and then the versatile Swisher, and no wonder Guillen was raving about his lineup being overlooked this year.

The one position that will see a lot of different looks will be second base. Uribe, Alexei Ramirez and Pablo Ozuna will each get playing time there, depending on the pitching matchup. But Guillen has options and will use them frequently.

RESERVES:

C Toby Hall

INF Pablo Ozuna

INF/OF Alexei Ramirez

OF Carlos Quentin

Ramirez and Ozuna are in almost a platoon situation at second base with Jose Uribe, and Ramirez also will get playing time in the outfield. Hall will give Pierzynski a few rests a week as the backup catcher. Quentin and Anderson both made the roster after OF Jerry Owens was injured.

ROOKIE WATCH: UT Alexei Ramirez was the surprise of the camp, not only with his ability to catch onto playing second base after spending most of his career at shortstop or in center field, but also his ability at the plate. Ramirez could be the everyday second baseman by June if he continues to excel.

MEDICAL WATCH:

CF Jerry Owens (minor tear in right groin) went on the disabled list retroactive to March 23. He is expected to be ready to return around April 7.

2B Danny Richar (stress fracture in his rib) will be out until at least mid-May.

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